Prostitutes of New York (PONY)

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Since 1976, when PONY was created by Jean Powell, we have emphasised the concerns of prostitutes. In 1980 PONY was led by Iris de la Cruz, a spokesperson for the city's streetwalkers. In 1989 our coordinating committee reached out to include dancers, telephone sex, fetish work, madams, live performance and more. We continue to welcome people from all areas of the sex industry.

Who do you work with?

PONY members include sex workers of all genders from all aspects of the industry.

How are sex workers involved in your organisation?

The organisation is run by sex workers and members are sex workers.

Which of NSWP priority areas does your organisation work on?
Oppose the criminalisation and other legal oppression of sex work and support its recognition as work
Critique the trafficking paradigm that conflates representations of sex work, migration, and mobility
Speak out about violence against sex workers, including violence from police, institutions, clients, and intimate partners, while challenging the myth that sex work is inherently gender-based violence
Oppose human rights abuses, including coercive programming, mandatory testing, raids and forced rehabilitation
Challenge stigma and discrimination against sex workers, their families and partners, and others involved in sex work
Advocate for the economic empowerment and social inclusion of sex workers as sex workers
What are the two main challenges that the sex workers you work with face

Violence and police.

Describe other areas of your work

PONY shares information, makes referrals, and hosts occasional events.

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