$pread magazine

"A lot of the johns in the film are actually based on men that these escorts actually talk about;..."

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:17:17 -0500

“A lot of the johns in the film are actually based on men that these escorts actually talk about; they’re based on real guys. So, yeah, you’re dealing with really high-powered men who deal with hedge funds. They’re CEOs of huge companies, and at the end of the day they’d actually rather pay for something and get instant gratification than seek out a long-term relationship that can provide that for them and more.”

- Sasha Grey

No wonder her performance in The Girlfriend Experience was so terrible; this is the most insightful take on it she can come up with.

worldonfire: dirtysilver: bendmeover: wickedknickers:vintagega...

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 12:03:36 -0500

worldonfire:

dirtysilver:

bendmeover:

wickedknickers:vintagegal: Bettie Page

"This is not a legal problem. This is not a problem statutory reform can solve. Her work was legal..."

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 14:17:18 -0500

“

This is not a legal problem. This is not a problem statutory reform can solve. Her work was legal where she was doing it. She was a service provider engaged in a lawful business enterprise, not meaningfully legally different from a masseuse or a personal trainer or a manicurist, for these purposes. Her work puts her in close contact with customers to whom she provides services. Nothing about that implies that she waives her basic human rights to do her job.

And this is not an enforcement problem. The police made an arrest and the prosecutors brought the case. The judge didn’t throw it out. The case went all the way to a jury.

This is a cultural problem. He admitted he pinned her down, he admitted he covered her mouth, he admitted that he put his penis inside her with no condom … and a jury of ordinary citizens acquitted him anyway. I can’t see any way that happens unless they simply decided that they are so biased against sex workers that they think sex workers deserve to be raped when doing their job.

”

- Sex Work Is Not An Invitation To Rape « (via igather) (via robot-heart-politics) (via ericrobertsswagger)

Idea Lab - Why Needle Exchange Is Crucial to AIDS Prevention - NYTimes.com

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 14:06:55 -0500

Idea Lab - Why Needle Exchange Is Crucial to AIDS Prevention - NYTimes.com:

ericrobertsswagger:

katharinec:

Not to mention Hepatitis C, a disease too often pushed under the radar, the efforts to prevent and combat it devastatingly underfunded and stigmatized.

In 1994, Switzerland had among the highest incidents of HIV/AIDS and Hep C in all of Europe. Then they implemented a serious, government funded syringe exchange program. Now they have the lowest per capita rate of HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis in all of Europe. FYI.

Unfounded fear and stigma kill people, raise health care costs for everyone, are generally destructive, etc.

"Social justice for girls and young women in the sex trade means having the power to make all of the..."

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:51:54 -0500

“Social justice for girls and young women in the sex trade means having the power to make all of the decisions about our own bodies and lives without policing, punishment, or violence. Our community is often represented as a “problem” that needs to be solved or we are portrayed as victims that need to be saved by someone else. We recognize that girls have knowledge and expertise in matters relating to our own lives that no one else will have. We are not the problem—we are the solution.”

- Girls do what they have to do to survive: methods used by girls in the sex trade and street economy to fight back and heal (pdf) from the young women’s empowerment project. (via igather)

worldonfire: (via wickeddollxo)

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:36:54 -0500

worldonfire: (via wickeddollxo)

The Universal Declaration of Humyn Rights.

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:22:07 -0500

The Universal Declaration of Humyn Rights. :

ihatethismess: moreoraleeza: (via sarasponda)

"Why is sex work necessarily more degrading than working at McDonalds, or a Dunkin Donuts for that..."

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:07:08 -0500

“

Why is sex work necessarily more degrading than working at McDonalds, or a Dunkin Donuts for that matter? Both involve the sale of ones body, and labour power to a certain degree. Both involve not being adequately compensated vis a vis profits versus wage, yet pornography is deemed horribly degrading. I submit that this because womens sexuality is only culturally acceptable when it is virginal in nature. Good girls, or authentic women don’t actually enjoy performing sex acts, or participating in any form of voyeurism. Certainly there are women working in the porn industry that are not happy about that choice but not all women feel that way. If you ask Walmart workers, I some will tell you that they are not happy working there either.

For us to accept this as completely degrading to women, we must ignore those in the sex trade industry who unequivocally state that they perform this labour because they enjoy it, and therefore if we truly feel that it is necessary to respect women, we should validate their experiences and accept their explanations about their labour. Is it still demeaning if the one performing does not feel demeaned? By telling sex trade workers that they are uniquely oppressed are we not guilty of seeking to discipline their bodies in the same manner that we accuse others of doing? Are we not creating them as other?

”

- via Womanist Musings (via ihatethismess) (via igather)

"While there are many reasons why men go to prostitutes, I noticed a few trends that had to do with..."

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:51:00 -0500

“While there are many reasons why men go to prostitutes, I noticed a few trends that had to do with women. The inability to ask a partner for kinky sex, for instance, came up more than once. There were a couple of virgins as well, though that is less common now than it once was. And to some extent, my clients were men who were addicted to success. They knew I, as a call girl, would respond positively to their advances, whereas outside of the transaction a woman like me might not. After all, women are widely perceived as the gatekeepers to sex, so in theory they can have it as often as they like, and men do not get a say in that. It’s not universally true of course, but that is a dominant dynamic.”

- Brooke Magnanti/Belle de Jour

"What’s missing from the public conversation about prostitution — and what continues to be..."

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:35:56 -0500

“What’s missing from the public conversation about prostitution — and what continues to be missing despite Magnanti’s confession — are nuanced portrayals of both the attractions and risks of sex work.”

- Jezebel

Right. Because the public is pretty hell bent on ignoring such portrayals in spite of fact that plenty of sex worker blogs, activist organizations, and (ahem) certain magazines aren’t catering to to the dichotomy. (But how silly is it to criticize Magnanti for not trying to take this on? She’s not a prostitute anymore, and the media seems pretty keen on manipulating her story and sensationalizing/criticizing her more than presenting anything insightful.)

"Anti-porn propaganda often implies that sexism originates within the commercial sex industry and..."

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:21:03 -0500

“Anti-porn propaganda often implies that sexism originates within the commercial sex industry and subsequently infects the rest of society. This is sociologically nonsensical. The sex industry is hardly a feminist utopia. It reflects the sexism that exists in the society as a whole. We need to analyze and oppose the manifestations of gender inequality specific to the sex industry. But this is not the same as attempting to wipe out commercial sex.”

- Gayle Rubin (via lazz) (via igather)

"This lip service expected from every well-adjusted and passably happy prostitute in the Western..."

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:05:36 -0500

“This lip service expected from every well-adjusted and passably happy prostitute in the Western world severely hampers our ability to discuss their work in a constructive way. Magnanti’s insistence that she was “unbelievably fortunate”—as though the only thing that keeps a sex worker from ending up emotionally scarred and physically abused is luck—diminishes the circumstances that allowed her to work in a healthy, safe way: screening measures, assistance from a woman with experience, and a legal status that made possible turning to the police should an emergency arise.”

- Indecent Exposure: When Sex Workers Get Outed

"Davis denied forcing the woman to have sex, but admitted in court that he used a “lock down..."

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 10:24:00 -0500

“Davis denied forcing the woman to have sex, but admitted in court that he used a “lock down maneuver” to pin her to the bed when she said she wanted to stop. He told the court he backed off when she kicked him, though he said he muffled her mouth with his hand when she began to scream after he demanded his money back.”

- US Marine Acquitted Of Raping Prostitute

Real quality quote from the guy’s lawyer: ”He is glad it’s over,” Macedone said. “It has been very stressful for him.”

"I’ve noticed a new trend. Though trend might be an over exaggeration. What I’ve observed is fake..."

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 09:02:32 -0500

“I’ve noticed a new trend. Though trend might be an over exaggeration. What I’ve observed is fake online sex workers. Yes i said fake. What that means is fairly high profile “escorts” that are not real working escorts. They are made up figments of their creators imaginations. With a little knowledge, a little research, it would be easy to make up a very salacious prolific online persona that was a sex worker and that is just what some people have done.”

- Confessions Of A Message Board Hooker!: “Fraud and falsehood only dread examination” (via kimberleecline)

CALL FOR SUBMISISONS—PLEASE CIRCULATE WIDELY

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 15:57:21 -0400

$PREAD CALL FOR MODELS AND CONTRIBUTORS, ISSUE 5.3

In our upcoming issue, we’re exploring age and aging within the sex industry. Feature pitches (ideas for articles of 2000-3000 words) should be sent to contribute@spreadmagazine.org. We’re particularly interested in finding someone to write a “How To” Guide for escorts and dancers on remaining profitable and in-demand when catering to a mainstream clientele (i.e. not working in fetish or niche markets) and approaching/entering their 40s, to be supplemented with quotes and advice from others. Our deadline for content is November 1st at the latest, so please send your pitch in ASAP.

MODELS NEEDED

DOUBLE TAKE:

Requires two separate shots, one in work gear and the other in street clothes, to be accompanied by a brief interview about your style. If you could take self portraits, awesome; if not, we can hook you up with a $pread volunteer photographer. Include your location and profession in your reply.

SEX WORKER PETS:

Must be LA-based and own at least one non-cat pet who could pose with you in the picture. Your face can be obscured. Photos will be taken by talented $preadster Jenny DeMilo.

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

REVIEWS:

Reviews on a recent sex work related book/film/performance/etc. Please inquire about available items or suggest material before submitting full piece as we may already have someone covering it. Specify your location in your reply if you do not already have the item for review. 400-600 words.

HOT TOPIC: Age-play requests.

Do you do infantilism sessions, incest role plays, or regularly perform in schoolgirl character? We’re looking for brief meditations on how you experience this dynamic as well as any ideas you have about its benefits/consequences on a social level. 200-300 words.

POSITIONS: Would you help a baby pro?

We’re looking for someone to argue “yes” and someone to argue “no”; each angle is allotted 400 words to explain why a more seasoned worker should or should not encourage and assist someone new to the biz.

SCENE REPORT:

What’s it like to work in your hometown? How are the clients, the LE, the other workers, the activists and outreach teams? Although this piece can be framed as a personal essay, it should contain information useful to working visitors and not seem entirely unique to the writer. 500 words.

Consumer Report: Self Tanner (100 words per)*

We’re looking for pointed, possibly humorous, product reviews of self-tanner. Please provide one-to-two sentences per product and be specific about its usefulness, or its incompatibility, in relation to your line of work. Items should be identified by brand and shade/color name. (100 words per)*

HEROES:

What older worker(s) have inspired you and shown you that there is life in the industry after your ’20s? We’re hoping to use this space to acknowledge women and men who have worked into their golden years (’50s onward) 300 words.

INDECENT PROPOSAL:

Did a client look exactly your uncle? Have you danced for someone barely legal or spent the night with a guy old enough to be your great-grandfather? What work request totally caught you off-guard? Details don’t need to be graphic or wild as much as you need to convey why the situation unsettled or surprised you. 500 words.

NEWS REPORT:

News Reports should be on a timely topic, ideally an issue relevant to sex workers outside of North America. We’re particularly interested in hearing more from Eastern Europe, South America, and Africa for this issue. This is not space for a personal essay or op-ed; the approach is decidedly journalistic and should include important dates, names, places, and quotes. 800-1000 words.

I don't care who you are

Sat, 15 Aug 2009 12:33:46 -0400

thecurvature:

ohfortheloveofdog:

vindicatedcommunications:

Once you state that you’re terrified of everything the Republicans stand for, I don’t take your political opinion seriously.

It just shows that you’re ignorant or you’ve drank the Kool-Aid and frankly, I don’t want people to be blinding believing such things about either party nor do I think they’re an informed person on politics.

People, whether Dems. or GOPs, are dangerous and bad for the US political system if they can’t analyze the good and the bad in both parties.

By saying you’re against everything the Republican party stands for just tells me that you know nothing about the issues that the Republican party represents other than what the TV or your political party has told you.

Gotta say: I am against everything the Republican party stands for.

Yes, I too have apparently guzzled down the Kool-Aid and am officially uninformed.

But if someone would like to point out to me one single platform of the GOP’s that I should not be absolutely terrified of as a person who supports feminism, LGBT rights, disability rights, social justice, economic justice, environmental justice, civil rights and racial justice, who doesn’t believe that a person’s life and rights have more or less worth based on which side of a border they live on, and that all of us as a society have a responsibility to each other to create the most equal and just world we can and to minimize harm no matter how many tax dollars it takes … well, I’d absolutely love to hear what bright aspects of the Republican party I’ve missed. I’d really, absolutely love to find something on which me and my congressional representative agree. Because then I’d have something to comfort myself with.

"Touch does have healing properties, and it doesn’t need to be sexual in order to have a..."

Sat, 15 Aug 2009 12:17:48 -0400

“Touch does have healing properties, and it doesn’t need to be sexual in order to have a positive effect, but our cultural obsession with sex and the constraints of masculinity mean that sensual interaction is the most approved type of touch for men to seek out. Although some scoff at the idea that prostitutes can create an environment intimate enough to address loneliness and alienation, or claim that such an experience could never be satisfying because of the knowledge that money was involved, receiving the touch of another human being—especially if you haven’t felt touch in years—is powerful regardless of the circumstance.”

- Can Prostitutes Stop Violent Crime?

"Part of respecting people with sex trade/industry experience is respecting people of all races,..."

Sat, 15 Aug 2009 12:02:32 -0400

“Part of respecting people with sex trade/industry experience is respecting people of all races, classes, immigration statuses, gender identities, gender expressions, life experiences, histories (including histories in the sex industry and experiences of coercion), ages, educational levels, abilities, orientations, HIV statuses, trans statuses, etc.”

- Thoughts on Being a Good Ally

Sex Radical is a Dirty Word

Sat, 15 Aug 2009 11:24:08 -0400

Sex Radical is a Dirty Word:

(via debaucheddiva)

I’d call Donna Hughes a horse’s ass but frankly, I love horses and, to my knowledge, none of them have ever undertaken a smear campaign on academic sex worker allies. Elizabeth Wood, a lovely and intelligent woman, is not an editor, executive or otherwise, of our magazine. I don’t know where Ms. Hughes got this piece of information—it’s not anywhere online as far as I can tell and furthermore the $pread site has accurate information about all of our editors—but it’s characteristic of her entire disregard for actual facts, particularly when it comes the credentials of those she considers her opponents.

"I enjoy feeling wanted. Dancing is a great and obvious way to accomplish that. Also, I like seeing..."

Sat, 15 Aug 2009 09:01:00 -0400

“I enjoy feeling wanted. Dancing is a great and obvious way to accomplish that. Also, I like seeing myself in the mirror, kind of a “is that really me moving like that?” thing, and then I get turned on. I’m narcissistic and fascinated by my own reflection. It’s affirming to see myself do these things”

- Mandy Morbid, on the Rumpus