International Whores' Day
International day observed annually on June 2
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International Whores' Day or International Sex Workers' Day, observed annually on June 2, honours sex workers and recognises the often exploitative nature of their working conditions. The date commemorates the occupation of Église Saint-Nizier in Lyon by more than a hundred sex workers on June 2, 1975 to draw attention to their inhumane working conditions.[1] It has been celebrated annually since 1976. In German, it is known as Hurentag (Whore's Day) and in Spanish-speaking countries, it is entitled the Día Internacional de la Trabajadora Sexual (the International Day of the Sex Worker).
Background
In the 1970s, French police put sex workers under increasing pressure. The police repression[1] forced them to work increasingly in secret. As a result, they had less protection and there was more violence against sex workers. After two murders and the unwillingness of the government to improve the situation, sex workers in Lyon occupied the Saint-Nizier Church and went on strike. The striking workers sang political chants and demanded decent working conditions and an end to social stigma.
The police cleared the church after eight days.[2] The event marks the starting point of an international movement of sex workers for sex workers' rights.[3]
Germany
Similar memorials
- 3 March - International Sex Workers' Rights Day[5]
- 17 December - International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers[6]
