Saving Our Own Lives: A Liberatory Practice of Harm Reduction

Saving Our Own Lives is an anthology of essays that tells the stories of how sex workers, people of color, queer folks, trans, gender non-conforming, and two-spirit people are building systems of change and support outside the societal frameworks of oppression and exploitation. It serves as an inspiration and a catalyst for radical transformation of our world.

Format: Hardback
Length: 300 pages
Publication date: 09 March 2023
Publisher: Haymarket Books

Harm reduction is one of the most significant movements of the 20th century, and yet a comprehensive compilation of its critical stories and voices has been elusive until now. Saving Our Own Lives, an anthology of essays by long-time organizer Shira Hassan, fills this gap by showcasing the remarkable efforts of sex workers, people of color, queer folks, trans, gender non-conforming, and two-spirit individuals in building systems of change and support outside the oppressive and exploitative societal frameworks. This collective narrative unfolds through a series of interconnected stories, each one highlighting the resilience and ingenuity of these marginalized communities.

One such story revolves around the use of "bad date sheets" passed between sex workers in Portland, which ultimately led to the identification of a serial killer. These sheets, filled with information about clients and their preferences, became crucial in tracking down the perpetrator. It is a testament to the power of community and collaboration in the face of adversity.

Another compelling tale involves the distribution of clean syringes, "liberated" from empathetic doctors' offices, by women of color in the East Village. These syringes, essential in preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS, were passed between punks in squats, providing a lifeline to those in need. The early AIDS activists who ensured that everyone knew how to use these syringes played a pivotal role in saving countless lives.

Transwomen of color, street-based sex workers, also emerged as powerful agents of change. They created shared housing to ensure that young people had safe places to sleep, mitigating the risks associated with their work. Their unwavering commitment to the well-being of their community is a testament to their resilience and determination.

Black Panthers, renowned for their activism and community organizing, took on a new challenge by creating a free breakfast program to feed a revolution. Their selfless service not only provided nourishment to those in need but also served as a symbol of resistance against systemic oppression. Similarly, the Young Lords, in their takeover of Lincoln Park Hospital in the Bronx, demanded and ultimately created community-accessible drug treatment programs. Their bold actions highlighted the urgent need for accessible and affordable healthcare for all.

In a political moment where liberatory harm reduction and mutual aid have become increasingly important, this book serves as an inspiration and a catalyst for radical transformation of our world. It reminds us of the incredible potential that exists within marginalized communities when they come together to fight for their rights and create a more just and equitable society.

Through the stories featured in Saving Our Own Lives, we witness the power of community, resilience, and solidarity in the face of adversity. It is a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who have been marginalized and oppressed but refuse to be silenced. This anthology serves as a reminder that we all have a role to play in building a world that is safe, just, and compassionate for all.

Dimension: 215 x 139 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781642598810