monica jones

An Arizona court has sided with a transgender woman who was convicted of prostitution simply for walking down the street.

Monica Jones was profiled as a sex worker during a Project ROSE sweep in Phoneix, Arizona. Jones is a longtime opponent of Project ROSE, Phoneix’s anti-prostitutuion program, because it funnels sex-workers into the criminal justice system. The program picks up sex workers without arresting them, and gives them the option of completing a diversion program run by Catholic Charities, or face arrest. The program has a low success rate and serves as a pipeline into the criminal justice system.

Jones was arrested in May 2013, the night after speaking at protest against Project ROSE.  After appealing the decision, Jones story quickly went viral.

“I am so grateful to my legal team and all of my supporters across the country and world. My conviction being vacated is important but it is a small win in our larger fight for justice. There are so many trans women and cisgender women who might be charged under this law in Phoenix and similar laws across the country. There is so much more work that needs to be done so that no one will have to face what I have no matter who they are or what past convictions they have,” Jones told San Diego Gay & Lesbian News.

Read more at San Diego Gay & Lesbian News

Photo: Monica Jones/Facebook