[LAF] Copy of request email for an opposition speaker at Bookfair

[steve ash]

The London Anarchist Forum is organising a panel talk / debate on sex work from an anarchist perspective at the Anarchist Bookfair this year (details below) and seek at least one speaker opposed to sex work.

The majority of active members of the LAF are in favour of self managed sex work in an anarchist society, while being opposed to actual exploitation of individuals in the existing system, we also regard this as a feminist position. I shall be speaking on that perspective. We also believe in a transition to that form starting from the present and opposition to all individual exploitation. With that in mind we have a speaker from the IUSW and a couple of sex workers who share their views (we shall be asking them to speak as individuals about their experience and opinions, rather than members of any group). We have a neutral chairperson, but would also like to facilitate the expression of the opposing viewpoint and so are calling for such a speaker.

Due to the fact that there are many opinions on this and everyone will want to speak, we decided on a panel of speakers with a cross section of views, and most importantly personal experience, who would be given 5 minutes each to speak followed by opening up general debate. As we only have an hour, this will be tight, and we want as many voices as possible to speak (though an email contact list will be created to carry on the debate). Given that the current plan is for an anarchist speaker (me), a rep of the IUSW and a female and male sex worker speaking of their own empowerment and rights.
This leaves room for one (maybe two) opposing speakers. Five speakers thus leaves 30 mins for general debate, which seems a bare minimum, a sixth would cut into the debate time, particularly if there's a late start (though we are the last in that room), but might be a possibility if everyone's self disciplined enough or concise enough to speak for less than 5 mins (we will be strict on time). This may create a quantitative imbalance in the speakers, but given each will have a unique view, and that the quality of an arguement is more important than its quantity, I don't think any one position will have an advantage. But it will be ideal to have the best opposition speaker available and preferably one with personal experience. So applicants should send a blurb about themselves and their position and we'll select the most balanced option.

The meeting is open to all those who want to debate freely and as an anarchist meeting the main principles we are concerned with is universalised liberty and equality and mutual support between individuals.

Details:

Anarchist Bookfair 24th October 2009 10am - 7pm
Queen Mary & Westfield College, Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS.  
http://www.anarchistbookfair.org/

The LAF meeting within the Bookfair is

Room EB1 5pm – 6pm (room will be signposted)
Sex Work from an Anarchist Perspective 

Sex work is a controversial subject on which everyone has an opinion. Is all Sex Work degrading and exploitative or can it under some circumstances be empowering? Do criminalisation, lack of rights and social stigma cause many of the problems associated with the sex industry? In an anarchist society, would people exchange sex for money or would prostitution and pornography be abolished? Who decides? The LAF presents a debate on this controversial subject initiated by a panel of speakers from various perspectives and followed by an open facilitated debate. All views are welcome as long as they are prepared to listen and reason.

Organised by: London Anarchist Forum

Steve Ash for LAF