Frequently Asked Questions
[Source: Poly.Land]
What if I'd like to contribute some knowledge to the tour?
Awesome! The rich history of Calgary's adult consensual sex trade exists in snippits, myths, memories, personal experiences, and individual stories. Much of it hasn't (yet) been written down, and there are lots of things that I've missed and/or am still learning while putting together this tour. So if you'd like something added to the tour, or if you've been on the tour and noticed that I've got something wrong, please contact me at [email protected].
What do you mean by "sex-positive?"
The tour does not shame sex workers for offering or their clients for receiving sexual(ized) services. Sex work is work. To get a sense of how I approach this topic, take a look at my reference list and/or at this article in a recent edition of The Calgary Journal.
How much does the tour cost?
The tour is offered by donation only. All donations will be given to Shift Calgary.
Wait, the entire cost of the tour will be donated? As in: The tour guide gets no money? Why?!
Yup. That's absolutely true. Because I love (1) teaching, (2) chatting with folks about Calgary's history, and (3) a good walking tour, so why not combine all three into one event and make it not only awesome and accessible, but also in support of Shift Calgary?
What is Shift Calgary?
According to its website, Shift "provides support services to adults currently and formerly working in the sex industry to improve their quality of life and achieve individualized goals." It is a program of HIV Community Link, a registered charitable organization here in Calgary that provides support services, advocacy, and education for individuals and communities affected by HIV and hepatitis C.
How long will be walking? How far?
We'll be out and about for approximately three hours, covering roughly 4km.
What's the terrain like? Is it wheelchair accessible?
We'll be traversing paved sidewalks and walkways meant for pedestrian traffic. To the extent that those are wheelchair accessible, so is the tour.
Where should I park?
Up to the minute parking information can be found here. That being said, both our starting and ending points are within a block of the City Hall C-train station, so maybe save a bit of money and reduce your carbon footprint by taking public transit!
Will the tour be cancelled if it rains?
All walking tours will take place as scheduled, regardless of weather conditions. That being said, Calgary is a place of surprises, and the weather is no exception. Spring and Summer weather is typically beautiful, but rain (or even snow!) can come down at the blink of an eye. Please dress for the weather. And an umbrella isn't a bad idea.
In the event of extreme weather, however, I do reserve the right to reschedule or cancel tours at my own discretion. Cancellation will be avoided whenever possible; however, should a tour be rescheduled or cancelled, I will notify all guests via email as early as possible. In the unlikely event that I have to cancel a tour, I will absolutely refund your donation to Shift Calgary in full.
I booked my tour through Eventbrite. Do I need to print my ticket?
Absolutely not! Why kill more trees?
Is this a dog-friendly event?
Yes, but on-leash and urban savvy dogs only, please. Bring treats and poop bags! It's your responsibility to keep your dog under control (minimal barking, please) and to scoop the poop.
Is this a kid-friendly event?
Mmmnnn, maybe not. It is, after all, about Calgary's sex industry. But you be the judge if your kids are mature enough.
How do you know all this cool stuff?
I'm a Women's & Gender Studies professor, so it's part of my job to know. I've been learning about Calgary's sex industry for quite awhile now. A reference list is available here.
Awesome! The rich history of Calgary's adult consensual sex trade exists in snippits, myths, memories, personal experiences, and individual stories. Much of it hasn't (yet) been written down, and there are lots of things that I've missed and/or am still learning while putting together this tour. So if you'd like something added to the tour, or if you've been on the tour and noticed that I've got something wrong, please contact me at [email protected].
What do you mean by "sex-positive?"
The tour does not shame sex workers for offering or their clients for receiving sexual(ized) services. Sex work is work. To get a sense of how I approach this topic, take a look at my reference list and/or at this article in a recent edition of The Calgary Journal.
How much does the tour cost?
The tour is offered by donation only. All donations will be given to Shift Calgary.
Wait, the entire cost of the tour will be donated? As in: The tour guide gets no money? Why?!
Yup. That's absolutely true. Because I love (1) teaching, (2) chatting with folks about Calgary's history, and (3) a good walking tour, so why not combine all three into one event and make it not only awesome and accessible, but also in support of Shift Calgary?
What is Shift Calgary?
According to its website, Shift "provides support services to adults currently and formerly working in the sex industry to improve their quality of life and achieve individualized goals." It is a program of HIV Community Link, a registered charitable organization here in Calgary that provides support services, advocacy, and education for individuals and communities affected by HIV and hepatitis C.
How long will be walking? How far?
We'll be out and about for approximately three hours, covering roughly 4km.
What's the terrain like? Is it wheelchair accessible?
We'll be traversing paved sidewalks and walkways meant for pedestrian traffic. To the extent that those are wheelchair accessible, so is the tour.
Where should I park?
Up to the minute parking information can be found here. That being said, both our starting and ending points are within a block of the City Hall C-train station, so maybe save a bit of money and reduce your carbon footprint by taking public transit!
Will the tour be cancelled if it rains?
All walking tours will take place as scheduled, regardless of weather conditions. That being said, Calgary is a place of surprises, and the weather is no exception. Spring and Summer weather is typically beautiful, but rain (or even snow!) can come down at the blink of an eye. Please dress for the weather. And an umbrella isn't a bad idea.
In the event of extreme weather, however, I do reserve the right to reschedule or cancel tours at my own discretion. Cancellation will be avoided whenever possible; however, should a tour be rescheduled or cancelled, I will notify all guests via email as early as possible. In the unlikely event that I have to cancel a tour, I will absolutely refund your donation to Shift Calgary in full.
I booked my tour through Eventbrite. Do I need to print my ticket?
Absolutely not! Why kill more trees?
Is this a dog-friendly event?
Yes, but on-leash and urban savvy dogs only, please. Bring treats and poop bags! It's your responsibility to keep your dog under control (minimal barking, please) and to scoop the poop.
Is this a kid-friendly event?
Mmmnnn, maybe not. It is, after all, about Calgary's sex industry. But you be the judge if your kids are mature enough.
How do you know all this cool stuff?
I'm a Women's & Gender Studies professor, so it's part of my job to know. I've been learning about Calgary's sex industry for quite awhile now. A reference list is available here.
