Poetry
ABC Knees – A Whore’s Poem
written October, 2017. It’s just a joke, I’ve heard. The words stick into my throat and my eyes and my insides and my ears and it’s Just a joke, I’m told. Because it’s funny to laugh when Whores get hurt. The TV likes us when we are the punch line, not the protagonist.… Read More
Articles, Education
I’m a Sex Worker Who Is Sick Of Female Misogyny – HuffPost
If you sh*t on women for making a choice that you didn’t, you’re not a feminist. So you’re a feminist, ey? You tell your kids that girls and boys are equal? That little ladies can grow up to be firefighters and astronauts, that boys can play with dolls and paint their nails? That’s a… Read More
Interviews
How Sex Workers Are Fighting Back Against Trump – Rolling Stone
For an overwhelmingly at-risk community, bolstering opposition to the president elect isn’t just politics – it’s survival. If you’re like most liberal and progressive-leaning Americans, you may not be sleeping much. Daily updates about Trump’s still-forming cabinet are probably keeping you up at night, even as you scramble to attend protests, donate money to… Read More
Blog, Updates
#YesAStripper Art Show – Portland
If you live in Portland, you know that strip clubs are an integral part of the city’s culture, industry, and community. If you’re a stripper who uses the internet, you know that the world basically views you as trash, and feels comfortable enough to blame your choice in profession on childhood victimization or low self… Read More
Education, Interviews
Portland Detective Speaks on “Black Lives Matter”, Community Policing, and Human Trafficking vs. Prostitution
He’s white, he’s middle aged, and he’s a cop. I was fortunate to meet the affable Detective Brendan McGuire in a NE Portland coffee shop, on a sunny summer morning. It has been a longstanding belief that sex workers and law enforcement share some common parallels: Sex work and community-service/policing should be inherently nurturing,… Read More
Articles
I’m a Sex Worker, and This is What I’ll tell my Child.
Hello Daughter. As I type this, you are in your bedroom, coloring and playing. You will be four years old on Wednesday. You asked to see my new shoes today. They were a gift from a customer. “Are those for dancing?” you asked. I smiled, “Yes.” “Are they for your work?” I paused. And smiled… Read More
Articles, Interviews
Strippers talk back to the hashtag #NotAStripper
Don’t forget it was strippers who invented pole dancing. As the art of pole dance has moved from the strip club stage to exercise studios and international competitions, “polers” have flooded social media with photos and videos of impressive, sometimes death-defying acrobatic tricks. But many in the pole dance world don’t appreciate its sex industry… Read More
Updates
Portland Sex Worker Activist Wins World Sexual Health Day Writing Award – HuffPost
This year’s winner of the World Sexual Health Day Writing Competition, with its theme of “Sexual Health for a Fairer Society,” is Elle Stanger, a Portland-based stripper, sex work activist and author. The winning piece, “Sex Work, Civilian Life, and Harassment”, was intended to raise awareness for Portland’s SlutWalk, which will take place at 1:00… Read More
Interviews
Bonnie Rotten – Interview
At just twenty-one, porn actress Bonnie Rotten has stacked up an incredible litany of industry accomplishments. Winning multiple awards, such as Starlet of the Year, Scene of the Year, Female Performer of the Year, she also has dipped her toes into the mainstream, appearing with comedian Doug Benson in his video podcast, and music videos… Read More
Interviews, Updates
Sophia St. James – Interview
Sophia St James is all smiles. The former stripper and current queer pornographer, activist, and sex educator, had taken a seat on the soft couch of the quiet, NE Portland feminist bookstore. The perpetually busy James had found a few minutes from her day to meet with me and I was thrilled. So, how would… Read More
