Mexico City, May 3, 2026 – Sex workers in Mexico City, supported by various organizations, cooperatives, and anarchist groups, held a significant demonstration yesterday, May 3, 2026, marching from the Venustiano Carranza borough to the Zócalo. The protest, spearheaded by the Street Brigade in Support of Women, highlighted the displacement of sex workers from their traditional work areas due to ongoing construction for the 2026 World Cup, particularly along the Tlalpan bikeway. Demonstrators carried banners with slogans such as “the corner is our place” and “respect for sex work,” demanding recognition of their labor rights and better working conditions.
Displacement and Decreased Income Due to World Cup Construction
Since the commencement of the Tlalpan bikeway construction, sex workers in the area have reported a significant decrease in their income and an effective displacement from their established work locations. This issue has fueled their calls for government intervention and support, especially as Mexico City prepares to host a major international event like the World Cup.
Elvira Madrid Romero, leader of the Street Brigade in Support of Women, emphasized the critical situation faced by many sex workers. “The construction has severely impacted their ability to earn a living, pushing them out of areas where they have historically worked,” Romero stated during the march.
Demands for Labor Rights and Identification
A key demand from the protesting sex workers is the implementation of an identification card by the Mexico City government. This card would serve to officially recognize their profession and provide a layer of protection against harassment and discrimination. The demonstration underscored the precarious conditions under which many sex workers operate, including risks of violence and lack of legal recognition.
The legal landscape for sex work in Mexico City saw a significant change with the 112/2013 ruling, which recognized sex work as non-salaried labor following an amparo promoted by sex workers. This legal precedent forms the basis of their ongoing struggle for full recognition and protection of their rights.
According to a survey on sex work in Mexico City conducted by COPRED (Consejo para Prevenir y Eliminar la Discriminación de la Ciudad de México), a staggering 64.1% of individuals engaged in street-based sex work have experienced some form of violence or discrimination. This statistic highlights the urgent need for protective measures and official recognition.
The Street Brigade in Support of Women: Decades of Advocacy
The Street Brigade in Support of Women, which organized the march, has a history spanning over 35 years of aiding vulnerable populations, including sex workers. Their long-standing commitment to social justice and human rights has made them a prominent voice in advocating for marginalized communities in Mexico City.
Lissette Mistral, a sex worker who participated in the march, exemplified the determination of those seeking change. Her participation, along with approximately 200 other individuals, underscored the collective desire for improved conditions and respect.
Broader Context: Navitrans and the LGBT+ Community
The issues faced by sex workers are often intertwined with broader social challenges. Organizations like Navitrans, which organizes Christmas dinners for LGBT+ individuals experiencing homelessness and sex workers, shed light on the intersectional vulnerabilities within these communities. The ongoing dialogue surrounding urban development, such as the extensive bikeway project, and its impact on marginalized groups, remains a critical area of concern in Mexico City.
The protest on May 3 was not an isolated event but part of a continuous effort by sex workers and their allies to secure their rights and ensure their place within the urban fabric of Mexico City. As the city continues its preparations for the 2026 World Cup, the voices of these communities serve as a powerful reminder of the social costs of rapid development without inclusive planning.
Source: https://elpais.com/mexico/2026-05-03/trabajadoras-sexuales-denuncian-desplazamiento-por-las-obras-del-mundial-en-ciudad-de-mexico.html
