HYDRA e.V. Treffpunkt und Beratung für Prostituierte

HYDRA e.V. is a German self-help group and advocacy organization for prostitutes, founded in 1980. The association refers to itself as a "whore organization" and has been advocating for the legal and social equality of sex workers with other employees since its inception.

• Advisory Center: Since 1985, HYDRA has operated an advisory center in Berlin, financially supported by the city of Berlin. Here, sex workers receive advice on health issues, particularly regarding AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases[4][5].
• HYDRA Cafe: Founded in 2018, the HYDRA Cafe offers a second location with various services for sex workers, including a weekly open meeting point for relaxation, networking, and exchange[3].
• Social and Legal Aid Fund: HYDRA maintains a fund from which sex workers can receive financial assistance in emergencies or in politically significant legal disputes[3][5].
• Lobbying and Public Relations: The association is engaged in political lobbying aimed at the decriminalization of prostitution and the improvement of living conditions for prostitutes[3][5].

The main mission of HYDRA e.V. is to promote the social protection and cultural integration of prostitutes. The association fights against discrimination and social stigmatization and advocates for the vocational training of prostitutes to facilitate transitions to other professions. The values of HYDRA are based on the destigmatization of sex work, the improvement of working conditions, and protection against violence[3][5].

• Healthy Work and Prevention: HYDRA is committed to educating and preventing HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections (STI) and works closely with health authorities and other organizations[5].
• Political Actions: The association regularly organizes political actions and events, such as the annual conference on prostitution, to improve the legal and social situation of prostitutes[5].
• International Cooperation: HYDRA participates in international conferences and networks to promote exchange and solidarity among sex workers worldwide[5].

HYDRA e.V. remains active in public relations and addresses current challenges, such as opposing the sex purchase ban and advocating for the rights of migrants in sex work. The association also supports members against strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPP)[1][3].

HYDRA e.V. is a vibrant example of the commitment and solidarity of and for sex workers, aiming to create a fairer and more accepting society.

• 1 - https://www.hydra-berlin.de
• 2 - https://www.hydra-components.com/de/geschichte/
• 3 - https://www.hydra-berlin.de/verein
• 4 - https://www.nswp.org/members/europe/hydra-ev-berlin
• 5 - https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydra_(Verein)