If you’re not already aware, I do a lot of work within my community and I engage in sex work activism. In response to the regressive policy called FOSTA-SESTA instated in the U.S, which caused a domino effect that saw Backpage, Craigslist and many other services shut down or limited, I decided to take fate into my own hands.
I created Red Cloud Hosting. Although the FOSTA-SESTA laws were created on American grounds, they have effected Australian shores as Australian workers often use the services of American companies. In the era of globalisation it’s impossible not to have ties with other countries and unfortunately their laws effect our business.
The FOSTA-SESTA laws basically dictate that any website could be facilitating sex trafficking if a sex worker is using its services. The law makes no distinction between sex trafficking and sex work, sweeping consensual sex workers into criminal and heinous crimes. As a result of these laws many sex workers websites risked potential closure.
That’s when I proactively problem solved and created Red Cloud Hosting. I had no desire to create profit from the loss of my colleagues – but I wanted to produce a practical solution to the obstacle we faced as workers.
My website is now hosting through Red Cloud as well as a dozen other sex workers. To cover the overhead costs of starting this company I required 20 sex workers to commit to a years hosting. Some sex workers have also donated hosting to sex workers in need – which you can too should you feel the desire to give to the community. I would also be grateful as it would be a step closer to covering my overhead costs.
You can check out the hosting option here if it interests you.
And the best thing about this whole little side project? All the profits will be going to support sex worker organisations. I won’t keep a cent. So if you were hesitant about donating hosting – know you’re helping both an individual and an organisation.