What is a swerf?

SWERF stands for Sex Worker Exclusionary Radical Feminist. It is a term used to describe feminists who believe that sex work is inherently oppressive to women and should be abolished. SWERFs believe that sex work perpetuates the objectification and exploitation of women, and often argue for the criminalization of both the buying and selling of sex.

Critics of SWERF ideology argue that their stance on sex work is harmful to sex workers, as it can lead to increased stigma, violence, and discrimination against them. They also argue that SWERFs ignore the agency and autonomy of sex workers, and fail to address the material conditions that lead people to choose sex work as a means of survival.

Overall, the debate between feminists who are pro-sex work (often referred to as sex worker inclusive feminists, or SWIFs) and SWERFs is a contentious and ongoing one within feminist circles.