Siân Docksey, above, promises a ‘stellar line-up of comedy, pole-dancing and drag acts’ in Stand Up For Sex Workers, online, December 17 from 7pm. Photo: Steve Cross

COMEDIANS and pole-dancers are due to perform in an online fundraiser for sex workers whose incomes have been “torpedoed” by Covid-19.

The show, which is headlined by Live At the Apollo’s Desiree Burch, is organised by comedian and former stripper Siân Docksey.

All proceeds go to Swarm mutual aid group and the National Ugly Mugs charity.

Ms Docksey told Extra: “This year has dealt a particularly hard blow to people who are already among the most vulnerable in the country.

“I know from women I used to work with that many people have been unable to work for over seven months. Savings have been depleted, and most have fallen through the cracks of furlough or other employment support schemes.

“Whatever your opinion of sex work or the sex industry, we invite you to enjoy a fantastic online night and help organisations bringing direct financial relief to people really struggling, especially in winter, and while carrying the extra social stigma of their work.”

She added: “We want to show solidarity and raise funds for sex workers who’ve had their precarious incomes torpedoed by the effects of Covid-19.”

The English Collective of Prostitutes criticised the government earlier this year for not including sex workers in bailout packages during the pandemic.

Earlier this year, it said: “Sex workers are denied status as workers so we are denied the rights and entitlements ­other workers may have.

“Much sex work involves personal contact, exactly what we are being warned against if the virus is to be contained. Some women are turning to non-contact forms of sex work, like ‘camming’ where possible. Women working on the street, migrant and trans workers, who already have the highest rates of poverty, arrest, and violence, are particularly suffering.”

Ms Docksey said the night included a “stellar line-up of comedy, pole-dancing and drag acts”, headlined by Desiree Burch.

Fern Brady, Joe Sutherland, Sikisa, Jacq the Stripper and international pole-dancers Lauren Elsie and Kitty Velour will also perform in the “stigma-busting night”.

The show is on December 17, the International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers.

For tickets visit: www.eventbrite.com/e/ stand-up-for-sex-workers -tickets-128885013545? aff=ebdssbonlinesearch