As adult content creators, we are passionate about supporting fundraisers that align with our values and make a tangible impact on our community — but not all fundraisers or organizations are created equal. With so many initiatives out there, it can be difficult to know where to place your money or lend your support. To make sure you’re backing ethical and effective causes that genuinely benefit sex workers, here are five key things to consider when vetting industry-focused groups, causes and fundraisers.
1 • Transparency in Spending
By focusing on transparency, a proven track record, inclusivity, legal and safety priorities, and community trust, we can support initiatives that have a real impact on the lives of sex workers.
One of the most important factors in deciding whether to support a fundraiser is how transparent the organization running the campaign is about its finances.
Any reputable group should have no problem providing financial reports or a clear breakdown of where the money is going — whether it’s for legal fees, community outreach programs, mutual aid or direct support to workers. A solid organization will have this information readily available on its website or upon request. When an organization is vague about how it allocates donations, it’s a major red flag.
Transparency also means providing ongoing reports about the fundraiser’s progress and results. How much was raised? How were the funds actually spent? What impact did the donations have? Keeping donors informed every step of the way helps ensure accountability and trust. Look for fundraisers that share their progress through updates, whether on social media or through newsletters, so you know exactly how your money is making a difference.
2 • Track Record of Success
It’s important to research whether a fundraiser or organization has a history of success. Past accomplishments can give you valuable insight into an organization’s effectiveness and whether it delivers on its promises. Does it have a track record of fulfilling its goals? Have previous campaigns directly benefited the sex work community? You don’t want to invest time or money into a fundraiser that has consistently fallen short or failed to follow through on its commitments.
Researching the organization’s history may involve looking at past projects or reading reviews and testimonials from those who have benefited from those efforts. Many fundraisers will showcase success stories or provide feedback from people they’ve helped. These stories can give you confidence that the fundraiser is credible and that your support will make a real impact. If possible, reach out to people who have participated in or benefited from the fundraiser to get an insider’s perspective.
3 • Inclusive Advocacy
The sex work industry is incredibly diverse, and any organization that claims to represent it must be inclusive of all voices. This means prioritizing marginalized communities, including BIPOC, LGBTQ+ and those with disabilities, among others. An ethical fundraiser should make a point of uplifting all parts of the community, not just a select few. Inclusion is about ensuring that the most vulnerable among us are not left behind.
When vetting a fundraiser, ask yourself: Who is benefiting from this initiative? Does the organization’s leadership reflect the diversity of the industry? Does it actively support marginalized communities, and does it make their advocacy a core part of its mission? Check if the fundraiser explicitly mentions supporting marginalized communities, and look for fundraisers that actively work with or are endorsed by BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and other underrepresented voices within the sex work community. This is a key marker of ethical and inclusive advocacy.
4 • Legal and Safety Priorities
For many sex workers, legal protection and safety are top concerns. A truly impactful fundraiser should dedicate resources to initiatives that protect workers from criminalization, legal battles and/or violence. Whether it’s funding legal support, policy reform or tools for personal safety, fundraisers that prioritize legal and safety concerns can have an enormous positive impact on the lives of sex workers.
With the growing legal threats and complexities many sex workers face, fundraisers that invest in legal defense funds or advocacy for better laws play a crucial role. Safety is equally important. Look for initiatives that provide harm reduction tools like condoms, Narcan or information about mental health resources. Fundraisers that focus on legal and safety support directly help sex workers by reducing their exposure to risks that are unique to the industry. Look for specific, actionable goals in an organization or fundraiser’s mission, to ensure the money being raised will be used effectively.
5 • Community Trust
A fundraiser’s credibility can often be gauged by the level of trust it has within the sex work community. If a fundraiser is endorsed by well-respected voices in the industry, that’s usually a strong indicator of its legitimacy. Trust is an essential currency in the sex work industry, and community trust helps weed out initiatives that may have ulterior motives or are simply not as effective as they claim to be.
It’s important to invest our time, money and influence in initiatives that truly make a difference. By focusing on transparency, a proven track record, inclusivity, legal and safety priorities, and community trust, we can support initiatives that have a real impact on the lives of sex workers. Whether you’re contributing financially or simply helping to spread the word, these tips can help ensure that your support is going to ethical and effective causes that will uplift the entire industry.
Miss Mei (they/them) is co-founder of Decrim 305 and Slut Walk Miami. Follow them @multiverseofmei and @decrim305 on social media.
