Toronto’s Filmores hosts low barrier vaccine booster clinic
Posted December 27, 2021 1:52 pm.
The iconic marquee outside Filmores Gentlemen’s Club looked a bit different on Monday as the strip joint played host to a pop-up vaccination clinic.
Dozens of people lined up outside the club on Dundas Street in hopes of getting their booster shot. The one-day clinic is being operated by Maggie’s Toronto – a sex worker support organization – in partnership with the University Health Network.
https://twitter.com/MaggiesToronto/status/1474789697121660932?s=20
Maggie’s says the clinic provides a low-barrier setting for sex workers and other communities who are unable to navigate the online booking system or provide documentation. The clinic does not require an appointment, proof of address or identification.
The sex industry continues to be hard hit by COVID-19 with ongoing restrictions limiting capacity.
Earlier this year, an advocacy group representing strippers took the province to court over pandemic measures which they claimed violated charter rights.
RELATED: Strippers’ challenge of Ontario pandemic measures to be heard in court
Maggie’s says today’s initiative is part of a series of strip club vaccine clinics. The group says they are advocating for an end to the stigma and shaming of strip clubs, exotic dancers and sex workers during the pandemic.
RELATED: Sex worker support organization hosts low barrier vaccine clinic at Zanzibar Tavern
Booster shots of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines will be available until 3:30 p.m.
