MISS MEI: Miami Organizer Highlights the Modern Criminalization of Sex Work
(Seattle, WA) Elevate, presented by Streamate, is proud to announce a November collaboration with creator, community advocate, and co-founder of Miami-based Decrim 305, Miss Mei (they/them).
As a passionate advocate for the rights of sex workers, Miss Mei has spent over 13 years in the field of sex work, dedicating their efforts toward the decriminalization, destigmatization, and decarceration of sex work. In addition to their work with Decrim 305, Mei is deeply involved in building mutual aid networks and providing essential resources for sex workers. Their advocacy extends beyond Decrim 305, with board positions at The Cupcake Girls and Yaya Por Vida, where they contribute to social justice initiatives. As a disabled individual of Chinese Cuban heritage, Mei takes an intersectional approach to activism that also incorporates their love for cosplay. By using art as a means of humanizing sex workers, Mei challenges harmful stereotypes and reshapes public narratives, advocating for a future in which sex work is respected and protected.
The MISS MEI x Elevate partnership will be highlighted by a profile interview led by Streamate’s Vanessa Eve, offering an intimate look into Mei’s background and personal journey. During the conversation, Mei reflects on growing up in Miami as a child of mixed Asian-Latino heritage, sharing their struggles with overwhelming emotions, which were later understood to be signs of autism. Mei discusses how art became a therapeutic outlet for navigating these emotions. "I have a really extensive background in the art magnet program during my youth,” Mei recalls. “I had a lot of really big feelings and couldn’t navigate them, and art really helped me regulate some of those emotions." Mei goes on to explain how their artistic talents have played a role in their activism, particularly through creating whimsical illustrations that explore queer relationships, BDSM, and imagery that challenges societal norms surrounding sexuality.
In addition to the profile interview, the partnership will feature a Q&A series titled “Defining Moments in the Modern Criminalization of Sex Work,” where Mei will provide valuable insights into the ongoing criminalization of modern sex work and the issues that all community members—regardless of what sect of sex work they’re a part of—should be aware of. Key talking points will include the Nordic Model, FOSTA-SESTA, and age verification laws.
An Elevate representative praised the collaboration, "We are thrilled to partner with Mei, whose work is a powerful example of community care in action. We deeply admire their hands-on, engaged approach to advocacy, which demonstrates the profound impact individuals can have when they actively step up and drive change.”