Overall I believe that prostitution should always be legalized and it's truly amazing that sex workers will no longer be prosecuted for it. Sex work should be seen as a valid career like any other. Now that it's legalized, it will bring about more safe conditions for all sex workers. Throughout time, hate crimes against trans people have always occurred and these hate crimes are often overlooked if it's happening to a trans sex worker. The legalization of prostitution brings about more safe conditions for trans sex workers and may allow them to reach out for legal help and protection in any situation. I also agree with Tiana in saying legalizing prostitution can lower the effects and chances of sexual exploitation occurring from clients, pimps, and sex traffickers.

The legalization of prostitution is a controversial topic that has sparked heated debates around the world. Prostitution has different legal standing in different areas. New Zealand, The Netherlands, and Taiwan are among the countries that have allowed prostitution. Advocates claim that legalizing prostitution improves the working practices of prostitution, as well as providing financial opportunities to countries through taxes and industries associated with the industry. Many who dont support  prostitution have a multitude of arguments to back up their position. For one, they say that prostitution is a major contributor to the spreading of infections including HIV/AIDS, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Herpes, and Chlamydia. Because of their line of operation, professional sex workers are a high-risk population for STD transmission. Clients force most professional sex workers to have sex without using precautions such as a condom, which increases their risk of developing STDs. The second reason for opposing prostitution legalization is that it is a form of sexual exploitation that is often linked with abuse. Since the sex shops are illegal, they are controlled by smugglers, pimps, or violent customers. As a result, prostitutes are more likely to be raped or beaten. Since prostitutes' profession is illegal, they are afraid of being investigated by the police if they announce incidents of abuse against them . With the legalization of prostitutions. workers might feel it is okay to contact authorities when in an unsafe position.

The positive effects is that the LGBTQ sex worker community will not have to hide as much and would feel more protected. They’re a community that is already in hiding somewhat because of who they are and are faced with many hate crimes, so now they can expect more protection for themselves. Negative is that now that they will no longer be persecuted, that way more people will possibly start doing sex work and prices will be more competitive, also more spots would be taken. So it could possibly cause violence through competitiveness within the lgbtq community.

With news that the District Attorney of Manhattan no longer prosecuting sex worker transgenders are celebrating. It empowers woman that have been victimized to come forward. In instances if a woman was sex trafficked or violently victimized she would be scared to report it in fear of criminalization . It also allows the consenting adult workers to continue without prosecution. I agree with Camille that for the LGBT+ sex workers in NYC it removes one target off of them allowing to continue making a living. It has been a real burden for people, dating back to the 1970s, carrying these convictions. Decriminalizing it protects sex workers and benefits the public health.

This prompt brought such a smile to my face and lifted a heavy feeling off of me. Sex trafficking is one of the least discussed topics. Many of the "prostitutes" are people who were abducted at a young age and forced into sex work against their will, only to be arrested and imprisoned later in life for a crime they never had any intention of committing. On the other side of this is positive sex work, which is a blossoming industry. There are outlets like "Only Fans" where people can interact with others and feel safe in sharing their bodies and talents. Many see this as a means to an end, where they gain monetary compensation which supports their daily lives. Others use this platform as a way to gain confidence or share a different side of themselves by having an alternate persona that is supported and sometimes adored. For the LGBT+ sex workers in NYC, this news takes at least one of the targets off of their backs as they can earn a living and not fear government interventions or repercussions.