The Stream

Netizens #StandwithMonica after prostitution conviction

US transgender activist convicted through controversial anti-prostitution programme she fought against.

US transgender activist Monica Jones was found guilty Friday of prostitution-related offenses in Arizona, prompting outcry from sex workers and rights activists. Last May, Jones was arrested by undercover police when she accepted a ride to a bar in her neighbourhood. Her arrest was one of many police stings part of Project ROSE, a controversial anti-prostitution initiative Jones was protesting before her arrest.

Jones and other activists have fought against Project ROSE (an acronym for “Reaching Out on Sexual Exploitation”) because they feel it unfairly targets transgender people of colour. Right after the conviction, Jones reinforced her stance: