Margo St. James (born September 12, 1937) is an American sex worker rights activist, best known for founding COYOTE (Call Off Your Old Tired Ethics), an organization advocating for the decriminalization of sex work. Starting in the 1970s, she worked to improve the health, safety, and dignity of sex workers through public speaking, legal challenges, and community organizing. Her efforts are considered foundational to the global sex worker rights movement, influencing policy debates and legislation. St. James' activism challenged stigma and promoted sex work as legitimate labor.
