20. ‘I’ve Been A Hooker for 50 years’ - Julie Bates

To be an ‘out’ sex worker is not an easy title to hold because in 95% of the world, it’s a criminal offence. NSW, Australia was the first place in THE WORLD to decriminalise ‘prostitution’ - thanks to a few iconic whores, including Julie Bates. She fought for sex worker rights, testified against police corruption and took on organised crime lords to enforce condoms in brothels during the AIDS pandemic during a time where a condom was used as evidence against woman and brothel owners and grounds for arrest!! She’s an activist, and icon, recognised by the queen and still a sex worker to this day! Julie bates changed the world for sex workers everywhere and literally saved countless lives through AIDS prevention. It’s an honour to have her on Make Them Pay