Jelena Vermilion

Jelena Vermilion [She/Her] is the Founder and Executive Director of SWAP Hamilton; is a trans-femme full-service sex worker, porn performer, and activist of almost a decade, who lives with disabilities. She has limited experience being incarcerated, being homeless, working outdoors and on the street, and as an undocumented migrant in the US. She has been featured in several national media outlets speaking about the decriminalization of the sale/trade of sexual services. 

Jelena provides professional best practices workshop trainings and public speaking engagements for organizations and agencies who wish to affirm the rights and dignity of sex workers. Jelena also advocates more broadly for marginalized women and non-binary folks, particularly those living with or at risk of contracting HIV. She is a consultant with Trans Pulse Canada and has helped co-author academic articles and research reports for community members and policymakers.