The Red Van: A Haven for Copenhagen’s Street Sex Workers
Copenhagen, a city known for its vibrant nightlife and festive atmosphere, holds a darker side within its bustling streets. As the clock strikes midnight on a chilly Christmas eve, a red van discreetly parked on Helgolandsgade, a side street off Istedgade, becomes a beacon of hope for the city’s most vulnerable population: street sex workers. This is "Sexelancen – The Red Van," a mobile safe space run by the non-profit organization of the same name, offering a temporary refuge for those engaged in street prostitution. Inside, a dimly lit space adorned with velvet curtains and fairy lights offers a modicum of privacy and safety, a stark contrast to the harsh realities of the streets.
The Red Van is staffed by a dedicated team of young volunteers, primarily students, who view sex work as a legitimate profession and advocate for the rights of sex workers. Their presence is not to judge or rescue, but to provide a safe environment and essential resources. They clean the van between uses, distribute condoms, lubricants, hand sanitizer, and even foot warmers, offering a small measure of comfort in the cold Copenhagen nights. While the van is in use, the volunteers maintain a respectful distance, close enough to intervene if necessary, but far enough to ensure privacy. They also patrol the surrounding streets, offering information about the van’s location and checking on the well-being of the women.
The Red Van initiative is a stark counterpoint to the approach taken in neighboring Sweden, where the purchase of sex is criminalized. Denmark decriminalized prostitution in 1999, and while sex workers are required to pay taxes, they lack access to basic labor rights such as sick pay, unemployment benefits, and the right to unionize. The volunteers at The Red Van believe that criminalization and stigmatization are not the solutions to the complex issue of prostitution. They argue that recognizing sex work as legitimate labor and affording sex workers the same rights as other workers is the only way to truly protect them and address their needs. They cite Belgium as a positive example, where sex workers have been granted the same rights as other employees since December 2022.
The demographics of street prostitution in Copenhagen have shifted over the years. Jelena Seidel, founder of The Red Van and a former sex worker, notes that most street sex workers today are from Romania and West Africa, driven by economic hardship and the need to support themselves and their families. They often lack access to traditional employment, healthcare, and other essential services. While acknowledging the vulnerabilities of these women, The Red Van emphasizes that they are not necessarily victims of trafficking but rather individuals making difficult choices in the face of limited options.
Istedgade, once known as Copenhagen’s Red Light District, is undergoing gentrification. Trendy restaurants and upscale apartments are replacing the old working-class buildings, but the vestiges of the area’s past remain. Neon-lit strip clubs and porn shops still line the streets, and alongside them, street sex workers continue to ply their trade. They walk alone, scanning the crowds for potential clients, navigating a precarious existence on the fringes of society.
The Red Van provides a temporary respite from this precarious existence. It is not a solution to the complex societal issues that drive street prostitution, but it is a practical intervention that offers a measure of safety and dignity. The volunteers, driven by compassion and a belief in the rights of all individuals, provide a vital service in a city where the shadows of inequality often go unnoticed. They offer more than just a safe space; they offer a glimmer of hope in the darkness.
The Red Van’s existence highlights the ongoing debate surrounding sex work and its regulation. While some argue for stricter measures and criminalization, initiatives like The Red Van emphasize the need for a harm reduction approach, focusing on the safety and well-being of sex workers. Their fight for the recognition of sex work as legitimate labor and the extension of basic worker rights to sex workers challenges conventional perceptions and advocates for a more inclusive and just society. The Red Van stands as a testament to the power of grassroots activism and the unwavering commitment of individuals to make a difference in the lives of the most marginalized.
