The Sharmus Outlaw Advocacy and Rights Institute (SOAR Institute) works to shift minds, hearts, and skills of service providers, communities, and policy makers to benefit those involved in the sex industry, trafficked individuals, and related communities.

 

What we do:

  • Promote a new vision of human trafficking that respects the autonomy and needs of those most affected by the systems at play

  • Create life-affirming policy change for those in the sex industry through legislative advocacy 

  • Advocate for human rights policy in social service, law enforcement, and governmental systems

  • Shift public thinking about sex work and human trafficking to an intersectional human rights understanding of the realities constituents face 

  • Provide legal and social service consultations, advice, and referrals

  • Provide support for grassroots organizers fighting for their rights

 
Sharmus and Melissa at the Harm Reduction Conference, Baltimore 2014

Sharmus and Melissa at the Harm Reduction Conference, Baltimore 2014

Sharmus Outlaw was a fierce activist, an inspiration to those around her, and a friend.   Sharmus died of cancer in 2016.  Her work and spirit is carried on in the intersecting movements for sex workers rights, LGBTQ rights, and the fight against HIV.