Halsey Encourages Social Media Dialogue Surrounding Sex Work: 'Let's Open This Conversation'
5/18/2019
Halsey attends The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the "Camp: Notes on Fashion" exhibition on May 6, 2019 in New York.
Halsey never shies away from standing up for what she believes in, and the pop star used her platform on social media to discuss her support for sex workers and talk through opposing points of view on Saturday (May 18).
Referring to an Instagram story in which she used a #supportsexworkers hashtag, Halsey described how she received a ton of blowback for the show of solidarity before launching into a conversation on Twitter in an attempt to unpack why her stance is troubling for some of her followers.
"I notice every day that the conversation surrounding feminism is both bigger but more nuanced than ever with social media as a platform," she wrote. "I try, and I hope you try, to be mindful of cultural and regional differences that complicate the conversation."
this is definitely a cultural difference. Some people live in regions where sex work is unsafe and can’t imagine why someone would “choose” the job, some people live in regions where they know people who comfortably choose it. At the end of the day, both sides just want safety.
— h (@halsey) May 18, 2019
She engaged with those who opposed her stance while continuing to ask questions about how points of view on the topic differ from those in the United States, socioeconomic factors and the difference between sex work and sex trafficking.
Though many shared passionate opinions about the subject that didn't necessarily agree with Halsey's position on the subject, she pointed out that the majority of those participating in the discussion agreed on safety as a top concern.
Read Halsey's thread in full below.
getting a lot of shit because I posted #supportsexworkers on my story last night. Just to be clear. I DO support sex workers. I support consenting humans in the field. My statement obviously excludes people forced into sex work. It all comes back to autonomy and choice.
— h (@halsey) May 18, 2019
I notice every day that the conversation surrounding feminism is both bigger but more nuanced than ever with social media as a platform. I try, and I hope you try, to be mindful of cultural and regional differences that complicate the conversation.
— h (@halsey) May 18, 2019
Let’s open this conversation. Is this a cultural difference? I’ve noticed most of the people “cancelling” me and rejecting the idea seem to come from LATAM. personally in the states I’m friends with many men and women who work in “sexual” fields and they are empowered by it. https://t.co/EdkJQdG7jN
— h (@halsey) May 18, 2019
There is definitely a socioeconomic element that comes into play. But I don’t think it’s responsible of us to generalize all sex workers as “poor women”? https://t.co/OFDpbJ9Qmv
— h (@halsey) May 18, 2019
Part of #supportsexworkers means regulating the field so it can be a safer environment for the people involved. It doesn’t just mean support them for personal pleasure. It means stand by them and fight for their rights to do the job they’ve chosen. https://t.co/dJwsBkCsL1
— h (@halsey) May 18, 2019
But it’s not paid consent. It’s payment for a service. From a consenting individual. https://t.co/meDrldGA6x
— h (@halsey) May 18, 2019
sex work and sex trafficking are wildly different subjects!!!!!!! There is a difference! choice does exist and some people proudly choose it as their line of work and live comfortably. https://t.co/Kxi1tIXS0q
— h (@halsey) May 18, 2019
if anyone in the field follows me and wants to join the conversation I’d love to hear your perspective.
— h (@halsey) May 18, 2019
This is why I am asking if it is a cultural difference. https://t.co/m3AdgBRvcf
— h (@halsey) May 18, 2019
this is definitely a cultural difference. Some people live in regions where sex work is unsafe and can’t imagine why someone would “choose” the job, some people live in regions where they know people who comfortably choose it. At the end of the day, both sides just want safety.
— h (@halsey) May 18, 2019
I have been, yes. and from my understanding it’s a regulated field. https://t.co/1fyNI5udje
— h (@halsey) May 18, 2019
---- this https://t.co/lD9chOJK0x
— h (@halsey) May 18, 2019
I’m ready to end this conversation. I support the industry of modern, regulated sex work; based on testimonies from people who take pride in that work in modern fields. I absolutely do not support women forced into sex work because of class divide or threat.
— h (@halsey) May 18, 2019
If you live in a place where sex work is widely considered unsafe, violent, or threatening, I can understand your rage at me supporting sex work. But please understand the divide. And understand I mean regulated, legal, modern sex work. Thank you.
— h (@halsey) May 18, 2019
I always try to listen and educate myself, but I hope you keep this same energy with all your other favorite artists who have been to a strip club before and your not just attacking me because I said I support the women involved.
— h (@halsey) May 18, 2019