“A Free Body - No one controls your physical self.
Free Speech - No one inserts their words in your story.
Free Energy - No one manipulates the way your energy flows.
Free to Connect - No one dictates religious worship or private ritual between consenting adults.”
From the manifesto of the Phoenix Goddess Temple located in Phoenix AZ.
If you have not heard about the arrest of Tracy Elise in Phoenix Arizona, you should. There are 39 defendants with possibilities of up to 20 years in prison for prostitution related charges. The judge ruled the Free Exercise of Religion Act cannot be used for the charges alleged against them.
This case is not only a matter of human rights for sex workers, but it is also a matter of religious freeedom and cultural autonomy. Please read Annie Sprinkle’s letter below with info on how to support the PGT and Tracy Elise as she has been detained and incarcerated again. Please send Tracy letters of support and let her know we care about her, the work she does, and what she is fighting for as we are fighting with her.
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Dear SWOP,
My friend Tracy Elise of the Phoenix Goddess Temple is back in jail for “prostitution related charges.” She was under house arrest on bail, but got put back in jail. She was simply spreading her love, generosity, compassion, and practicing her life’s calling–doing what she called “full body healing, loving touch, and spiritual guidance.” I look forward to the day when prostitution, sex education, and sexual healing of all kinds are not only decriminalized, but appreciated by society. There’s a place for us. One day a place for us. We will prevail. Until then, lets send Tracy, a foot soldier on the front lines, a little support. She, her family, and her community have really suffered for over a year now. And the trial isn’t for months so she’ll have a long wait in jail. Thanks.
Please send Tracy a card if you can are inclined. I’m doing one now. Info below. But why are “homemade post cards not accepted?” Or pink ink?
Tracy Elise,
P929082
Estrella Jail
2939 W. Durango St
Phoenix, AZ 85009
All incoming mail, with the exception of legal mail, must be standard postcards. This is to ensure the safety and security of jail facilities, inmates, and staff.
ACCEPTABLE STANDARD POSTCARDS
• Metered or Stamps are acceptable for postage.
• Minimum size requirements are 3.5 by 4.25 inches
• Maximum Allowable Postcard Size: 4.25 x 6 inches
• Written in blue or black ink only.
• Homemade postcards are not accepted.
• Stamps are removed prior to inmate receiving mail.
UNACCEPTABLE POSTCARDS
• Defaced or altered postcards
• No plastics or wrappings on postcard
• Postcards marked with paint, crayon or marker; or ink (only black or blue ink is accepted)
• Postcards with labels or stickers
• Postcards with watermarks or stains or photos
• Postcards with any biohazards, perfumes, or lipstick
• Postcards depicting nudity, weapons, or gang references
• Oversized Postcards (none over 4.25” x 6”)
NEWSPAPERS AND MAGAZINES Subscription publications must be purchased directly through a publisher. An inmate may possess at any one time: 3 books, 5 magazines, and 1 newspaper. Publications that may pose a threat to the security or safety of the jail or are pornographic in nature are not allowed. THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE CONSIDERS BOOKS ABOUT THE GODDESS AND TANTRA TO BE A FORM OF PORNOGRAPHY. THEY RETURNED EVERYTHING THAT I SENT TO HER LAST YEAR AND REFUSED TO DELIVER IT TO HER EVEN THOUGH THERE WERE NO IMAGES OF NUDITY OR PORNOGRAPHIC DEPICTIONS. Anything that references sacred sexuality will be returned.
PHOTOGRAPHS Up to five photographs may be mailed to the jail (or dropped off in the visitation lobby) provided the envelope is clearly marked “PHOTOGRAPHS.” Photographs may not be larger than four inches by six inches. The inmate name & booking number must be written on the back of each photograph. Nothing else is to be written on the photographs. Photographs must be unaltered, and may not contain any adhesives such as stickers or labels
