"Sex Work in the City: A Panel Discussion," will examine, from both historical and contemporary perspectives, the vocations held by men and women that encompass "sex work," including prostitution, escort services, and exotic dancing.

"Sex Work in the City," sponsored by the UIC Gender and Women's Studies Program and other campus units, is free and open to the public. This event is the first in a series of lectures entitled, "Sex in the City" that will be held throughout the spring semester.

Tuesday, Feb. 13
3 p.m.

African-American Cultural Center
207 Addams Hall, 830 S. Halsted St.

The panel discussion will specifically focus on the role Chicago has played in the sex trade industry. Panelists include Cynthia Blair, who has studied African-American women prostitutes in Chicago during the early 20th century, and Gretchen Soderlund, who has traced the role of the press in creating the New York "white slavery" scare in the early 20th century.

Thomas Dunning and Raj Balasubramian, HIV prevention specialists, will discuss Chicago's rave parties and youth scene, and their efforts to bring information and prevention services to young male sex workers. Lisa Sanchez, who has researched the use of zoning laws to control prostitution in Portland, Ore., will discuss her findings.

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