Sex Worker Portrait Series

The following paintings were commissioned by SWAP from five Hamilton-based artists in 2022. They were displayed at SWAP’s drop-in centre until 2023, and as of the publication of this exhibition the paintings now reside in Jelena Vermilion’s personal collection. She hopes to find them a home in a suitable art gallery.

“There are so many sex workers that have contributed to the modern sex workers’ rights movement over the past 50+ years, and even more who have laid the groundwork for sex workers to organize for our rights since the dawn of time. Many of those heroes cannot be named or showcased here because of lost records, risk to livelihood, risk of losing their families, their homes, and other ways that being out can be harmful for sex workers.

This monument is a tribute to all sex workers’ lives. And it is also a special thank you to those who have decided or were forced to be out publicly, and to carry the torch in that way for all of us who cannot.

In Solidarity, Forever.

Sex Work is Real Work” 

Display text from SWAP’s drop-in centre