Saturday Magazine

26 Jul 2014

When someone calls you a hooker

News & Politics, Podcast, Society & Culture

When Sir Bob Geldof took to the stage at Melbourne’s AIDS 2014 conference, many were quick to applaud the Irish musician. For years, Geldof has garnered a reputation as one of the most outspoken celebrity activists, with his staunch advocacy for famine and HIV prevention in Africa.

But AIDS 2014 is not a Live 8 concert, and not everyone was impressed with Geldof’s demeanour. JOY’s own Christian Vega was one of many HIV workers attending this year’s conference, but he was less than impressed with Geldof’s dismissive language – particularly his use of the term “hookers” to describe sex workers.

Speaking on this edition of Saturday Magazine, alongside guest co-host Fiona Patten, Christian tells to program about his confrontation with Bob Geldof at the AIDS 2014 event – which apparently ended with Mr Geldof telling him to “F- – – off”.

Does using terms like “hooker” add to the offensive stigma surrounding the sex work industry? Let us know over at the Saturday Magazine Facebook page.

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