Instagram story viewer> @forsafersw> Posts

forsafersw

@forsafersw

1K

followers

530

following

For Safer SW is a Pittsburgh group focused on policy & advocacy change to make spicy workers safer.

POSTS STORIES REELS TAGGED

Heads up! 💛 Notice of Public Hearing - September 10, 2026 at 5:00 PM to discuss paid parental leave in Allegheny County via @alleghenycountycouncil 🗣️

Parental leave is a human right. It’s important for the baby and parents’ physical/mental health and helps promote essential bonding.

If folks care about the declining birth rate, this policy will also encourage more people to have children.

There should be nuance to how this is done depending on company size. Conversation needs to be had, but it’s not something that should be automatically brushed aside because it’s a new concept in our neck of the woods, a big goal, and overwhelming to think about sometimes because of our own class trauma.

This conversation could potentially help save lives. taken in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania by @forsafersw

3

0

2 months ago

Happy Pride Month, #Pittsburgh!🌈

As we honor love and diversity this June, it’s vital to recognize the struggles faced by the community, particularly for sex workers.

Our nonprofit is here to provide unwavering support. Your safety and well-being matter, and we are committed to standing by you.

✨ If you or someone you know needs assistance, whether it’s legal help or just someone to talk to, reach out to us. We CAN create a community where everyone feels safe and respected.

Let’s uplift each other and continue to fight for a future where love knows no bounds.

#PrideMonth #SupportAndSolidarity #SexWorkReform taken in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania by @forsafersw

3

0

5 months ago

Tonight, I joined @preventionpoint + @the.auto.body.shop packing #harmreduction kits aimed at supporting individuals in our county affected by substance use. Alongside a dedicated group of volunteers, we assembled essential resources, including clean syringes, naloxone, educational materials, and more.

By providing these tools, we are actively working to reduce the risks of disease transmission and empower individuals to make safer choices regarding their health.

Harm reduction is not just a public health strategy; it’s a compassionate approach that recognizes the complexities of substance use. taken in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania by @forsafersw

3

4

5 months ago

Tonight @forsafersw attended an important event hosted by #Pittsburgh Action Against Rape (@paar.pgh) focused on sexual violence risk reduction. We believe it’s crucial to share these key strategies with our community to build a safer environment for everyone, especially as the draft approaches.

Here are some vital points to remember:

🔹 Most victims know their assailants. Stay cautious, regardless of familiarity. It’s NEVER the victim’s fault—responsibility lies solely with the perpetrator.

🔹 Before you go out, have a plan for your night out, including transportation.
- Let someone know your plans and any changes.
- Don’t forget your essentials: phone, keys, and money!

🔹 While you’re out, always secure your drink. Get it poured in front of you and never leave it unattended.
- Trust your instincts—if something feels off, it probably is!

🔹 Be a good friend, look out for one another. If a friend seems off, check in with them.
- Stick together and leave with the same group you arrived with.

#PittsburghActionAgainstRape #CommunitySafety #EndSexualViolence #SupportSurvivors

(Shoutout to @paar.pgh for supporting our ordinance and work in the community. We recognize the tremendous work they do in our community and we recommend ANYONE who might need their assistance to reach out, no insurance or money required.) taken in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania by @forsafersw

55

0

6 months ago

Today I dropped off another set of materials for archiving at the @historycenter.

I have been working with the Heinz history center on and off since 2025 to archive and collect sex worker history in #Pittsburgh and the southwestern #Pennsylvania region (it all started with the Cricket Lounge sign).

Since then, we have documented @swoonalliance and collected interviews, time capsules, outfits, club contracts, materials from the recent ordinance that I was able to pass with Pittsburgh city Council to lessen the penalties for adult Consensual sex work, and more!

I am extremely thankful that I have this opportunity to help collect and save these stories. The staff at the Heinz History center are incredible, thoughtful, and dedicated.

Sex work is real work and all labor has a value. ❤️ taken in Heinz History Center by @forsafersw

3

4

8 months ago

Join us THIS FRIDAY for an exciting one-night-only screening of Tami Gold’s powerful documentary, @itsjustajobmovie, at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater in #Pittsburgh!

We are thrilled to be part of the panel discussion alongside filmmaker Tami Gold, writer and sex worker Jessie Sage, and Alex Vitale, author of “The End of Policing” and member of the NYC mayoral transition team. We’ll be joined by local organizers who played a crucial role in the recent Pgh SW ordinance.

📍 Event Details:
- Date: February 6
- Time: 7–9 PM
- Location: Kelly Strayhorn Theater

Doors open at 6 PM, so come early for hot chocolate and to secure parking!

Don’t let a little snow stop you from joining this important conversation about the realities of being an out sex worker today and what decriminalization looks like in practice.

🎟 Seats are limited! Grab your tickets via the link in our bio. ❤️ ☂️

*Brought to you by a generous donation from the Opportunity Fund. taken in Kelly Strayhorn Theater by @forsafersw

109

4

9 months ago

🚨 ONE NIGHT ONLY 🚨

I’m excited to announce that I will be speaking on the panel at the #Pittsburgh premiere of “Sex Work: It’s Just a Job,” a powerful #documentary by filmmaker Tami Gold.

Join us on February 6th from 7-9 PM at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater for an important conversation about sex work and the recent decriminalization victory in #Pittsburgh.

🗓 Event Details:
- Date: February 6
- Time: 7–9 PM
- Location: Kelly Strayhorn Theater

I’ll be joined by the talented Tami Gold, writer and sex worker Jessie Sage, and Alex Vitale (The End of Policing, NYC mayoral transition team), among other local organizers who helped play a crucial role in our recent ordinance.

🎟 Seats are limited! If you’re interested in attending, grab your tickets via the link in my bio! taken in Kelly Strayhorn Theater by @forsafersw

3

2

9 months ago

Last night, the @swoonalliance, in partnership with @forsafersw, held a poignant event to honor the lives of sex workers lost to violence.

The International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers is observed annually on the 17th of December by sex workers, their clientele, friends, families and allies.

Originally conceived as a memorial and vigil for the victims of the Green River Killer in Seattle, Washington, US, it has evolved into an annual international event.

A special appreciation to:
- @qmntycenterpgh for graciously hosting us in a warm and welcoming space
- @412foodfetish for the delicious catering that nourished us throughout the evening
- @kittsclawset for organizing the coat drive and providing essential warm clothing to those in need

#SWOONAlliance #ForSaferSexWork #CommunitySupport #D17 #Pittsburgh taken in QMNTY Center by @forsafersw

29

0

10 months ago

It’s time for our annual Find the Others Holiday Meetup! Join us this Friday, December 12 from 7-10PM for an evening of networking, pinball, pints, and good vibes at @velumfermentation. The event is FREE and open to all.

Mingle with members of @tripspgh @ssdpoffical @NORML @psypharmacists and @forsafersw. Connect with like-minded locals & learn how you can get involved with local activism. We look forward to seeing you there! #findtheothers #pgh by @forsafersw

31

3

10 months ago

“…Organizer Theresa Nightingale said adopting the ordinance ahead of next year’s #NFL Draft is “crucial.”

“You naturally go where the #work is, and with the draft, it’s going to bring a lot of people to dance and do other sex work,” said Nightingale, who has been working on the legislation for about three years. “This [ordinance] helps their lives from being ruined ... and hopefully will give workers more confidence to speak up if something dangerous happens to them.”

Nightingale said the next step is further educating the #AlleghenyCounty public defender’s office and police on the new ordinance.

“I think like what we saw with the #cannabis ordinance is that it takes a little bit of time to get educated and understand that this is now a tool they can use and remind them of resources they can direct people to,” Nightingale said…”

As the NFL draft approaches, it’s important to think about what this means for sex workers in our city. While large events can raise concerns about trafficking, research shows that strict laws against sex work don’t effectively address the issue. In fact, evidence suggests that removing penalties can create a safer environment where law enforcement can focus on real trafficking cases.

By prioritizing the rights and safety of all individuals during events like the NFL draft, we are setting a positive example for other cities.

#Pittsburgh #CommunitySupport #Justice #NFLDraft taken in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania by @forsafersw

3

1

a year ago

“…People arrested for #sexwork often face long-term consequences, including barriers to housing, #employment, and custody. Reducing the penalty won’t fix those systemic problems, but it may give more people a path forward.

“This ordinance is a vital step to protecting our community,” said Theresa Nightingale of the #Pittsburgh Coalition for Safer Sex Work. She believes the change will make it easier for sex workers to report crimes without fearing additional punishment.

The council passed the bills with little debate…”

@swoonalliance
@forsafersw taken in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania by @forsafersw

3

3

a year ago

Update: We just wrapped up a highly productive meeting with the @abolitionistlc (Abolitionist Law Center), and we are excited about the potential for collaboration!

We are working on an initiative to educate our local court system about our SW ordinance through a recorded event aimed at court staff and local attorneys.

Additionally, we’re exploring community service options for individuals charged under the ordinance and discussing opportunities to assist defendants during their court appearances.

Looking forward to making a positive impact together!

#SocialJustice #CommunitySupport #LegalReform #CourtEducation #CommunityEngagement #Advocacy #Collaboration taken in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania by @forsafersw

3

2

a year ago