World Whore Day in Dresden: Education about prostitution and health

World Whore Day in Dresden: Education about prostitution and health

Dresden, Deutschland - On June 3, World Whore Day was an occasion to draw attention to the history and the challenges of sex work. In Dresden, the health department organized an exciting leadership to the history of prostitution. Tourist Anneke Müller took the participants on a journey through time, reported on historical figures such as Casanova and Friedrich II, both of whom had suffered sexually transmitted diseases in Dresden. This topic raises the question: How well are we actually informed about our sexual health?

Although prostitution is an ancient practice, the knowledge of sexuality and sexually transmitted diseases remains terrifyingly limited. Christian Willno, Head of Aidshilfe Dresden, determined the worrying taboo of sex work and sexuality. In particular, many young people believe that they are adequately protected by taking the anti-Babopill. People are often looking anonymously on the Internet for information, but without checking the correctness of these sources. This is particularly alarming in rural areas where traditional family pictures are conveyed and homosexuality is still taboo.

The reality of health care

The challenges of health care for sex workers: inside should not be underestimated. This is how aidshilfe.de of a study that included eleven focus groups with a total of 80 sex workers: inside in Germany. The participants came from 23 different countries of origin and worked in different contexts - be it on the street when escort or in prostitution facilities. The variety of these experiences in particular gives interesting insights into the realities of life of sex workers: inside that often fight with stigmatizing prejudices.

The advisory services are also important. In chemnitz, free and anonymous HIV tests are available from six weeks after a possible contagion. In addition to HIV, other sexually transmitted infections are also treated. The clarification of infection risks and protective measures is a central part of the work - especially for people who work in sex work or have a high risk.

financial challenges and fears of the future

The AIDShilfevereine in Saxony, including those in Dresden, are faced with a difficult financial situation. Reasons of around 50% in the Saxon household endanger the offers of these important institutions. Dr. Thomas Heuchel warned that these savings could have dramatic effects on sexual health in Saxony if they are not reversed. An increase in HIV infections, especially in heterosexual women, has already been determined, and without adequate educational and advisory services, the situation could further tighten.

In the history of prostitution, previous bans have often not shown any positive effects, which makes the current debate about the rights and health of sex workers: all the more urgent. The questions arising are numerous: How can we spread knowledge about sexual health? What role do sexual education and advisory services play? And how can we overcome the stigmatization of sex work? We can only meet these challenges through openness and serious discussions.