Jessie has been a circus performer, burlesque dancer, and aerial artist for her entire adult life. During the Covid lockdown, she was trapped in an abusive relationship with a man who slut-shamed her for being a performer.
His behavior was so aggressive and controlling that it influenced which gigs she would agree to take, and even impacted her desire to keep performing.
Jessie’s story is harrowing, but it’s important to witness. It illustrates how anti-sex worker bias often affects people who are not even in the adult industry. In a patriarchy, where sex workers are treated as disposable, no woman, femme, or queer person is ever safe from the dangers of being labeled “whore” (derogatory).
This episode is dedicated to anyone who’s experienced whore-shaming abuse, especially if you’re an actual sex worker.
No one deserves that.
News & Announcements
MY FILM IS SCREENING IN BROOKLYN
NYC-based sex workers and their friends are invited to Bodies of Work, a screening of three short films by sex workers, about sex workers. My new documentary about the love lives of sex workers is included in the lineup. Click here to RSVP for free.
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