The subjective experiences and voices of sex workers are seldom heard and their needs have been consistently defined and represented by non-sex workers throughout history, in society and within academia. Historical representations have contributed to the stigmatization of sex workers. Visual representations of sex workers by others have perpetuated stereotypical symbols of sexuality. Academic research is consistently being done ‘on’ sex workers instead of with them, denying them of their agency.
The purpose of this project was to understand the needs and aspirations of female sex workers in Portland, Oregon from their own point of view through art. The research methodology of photovoice was used to bring forward the knowledge and experiences of sex workers’ everyday lives through the inclusion of their photographic images and voices. This process entailed giving 35mm cameras to 11 diverse women working in different positions within the sex industry to take black & white photographs of their needs and aspirations.
After each woman took her photographs, individual dialogue sessions were held to reflect and discuss the images. The women were also invited to partake in two group dialogue sessions where they shared their photographs with each other and planned for an opening art exhibit of their visions and voices. The objective was to collaboratively identify important issues for female sex workers and to provide this information in a photographic art exhibit to inform policy makers, influential community advocates and the broader public in order to advocate for social justice.
Alex is a 33-year old exotic dancer of Scottish-American and Indian decent. She has danced her way across North America, from HI, CA, OR, WA, CT, OH, NY and all the way up to Canada. While living in California, Alex worked as a professional photographer for a rock magazine’s charity benefit, “Stop the violence, face the music.” Alex’s ultimate dream is to have the opportunity to host her own photography exhibit featuring abandoned places and things in Portland, Oregon. She is drawn to mystery, history and the original state of things. Her other hobbies include painting on photographs and writing. She is a published poet who is inspired by beautiful men. Alex has some experience with performance and acting, and hopes to pursue this when she quits dancing.
Bee is a 42 year old exotic dancer who identifies as Caucasian. She has worked in the sex industry for the past 10 years and has an 18-year old son. She started dancing at a young age and has professional training in ballet, tap and jazz. She was also a dancing instructor for young girls and views dancing as a form of art. Bee has many stories to tell about her various life experiences and her work in different sectors of employment. She has worked in construction, as a telemarketer, a bartender, a caterer and a business manger. Bee considers herself a “matriarch” in the business industry and hopes to utilize her managerial skills to open her own business. She is at the end of her career in the sex industry and aspires to return to school in order to follow her lifelong dream of working with animals.
Crystal is a 29 year old woman who identifies as Hispanic and White. She has been working in the sex industry for the past ten years as an exotic dancer, erotic masseur and escort for elderly gentlemen. She dropped out of high school in the 10th grade, acquired her GED and spent one year at community college. She has aspirations of going back to school and entering the helping profession. After being in an abusive relationship for eight years, Crystal, now currently single, aspires to give back to the community by working with domestic violence survivors. She has four children (two boys and two girls) and hopes to be reunited with them once her life is more stable. Her greatest joy is the time she is able to spend with her children, family and friends. Crystal also loves street art, such as graffiti and murals. She also has a passion for costumes and dressing up during performance.
Grahm
Grahm is a 21 year old student, activist and stripper. She moved to Portland from a big city a few years ago. She blogs her feelings about sex workers' rights, activism, and books she likes and she is in the process of putting together a sex worker ‘zine in collaboration with other like-minded folks. She thinks its fun to describe herself as a “queer feminist anarcha-stripper who voted for Obama.”
Jasmine, Camp, Sweet Camp, October 2008
Jasmine, Untitled, October 2008
Jasmine
Jasmine is a 31 year old gutter punk who spent the last couple years of her life riding freight trains all across the country and meeting many interesting people along the way. She is not afraid to defend herself and also knows how to diffuse difficult situations. She has worked in the sex industry for the past ten years; at an escort agency as well as on the streets. Jasmine has two children; one boy and one girl. She is “single by choice” and identifies as being 1/8 Native American and of European ancestry. She currently works off of craigslist as an escort and accepts outcalls in order to support her addiction. Jasmine hopes to pursue a career as a nature photographer. She loves animals and her dream is to work for National Geographic. You can always find her downtown with her dog, Wagner.
Lady Purfection, Optimistic, October 2008
Lady Purfection
Lady Purfection is a 23 year old entertainer who chose to work in the sex industry because it’s fun and it offers an experience that you can’t get anywhere else. She has worked in the sex industry for the past two years and currently works as a dancer and an escort anywhere between 40-60 hours a week. Lady Purfection identifies as Creole and Blackfoot Native Mix. She is a high school graduate with some college credits. She is involved in numerous activist projects and was recently engaged. For Lady Purfection, entertaining in the sex industry is a form of art and she aspires to be famous; not just for her sex work, but for her art. She is a spoken-word poet and a sex worker artist recently featured in Spread Magazine.
Merry Mag
Merry Mag is a 52 year old self-described “activist ho” who has been working as a prostitute doing all types of work in the sex industry (from high class escorting, to working in a brothel to working off of the streets) on and off since age 13. She has struggled with addictions to heroin and cocaine, homelessness, and schizoaffective and bi-polar disorder. She has also been a successful business owner of two family oriented social clubs. She is a highly respected leader in her community. She is a mother of two adult children as well as a proud grandmother. She is a risk-taker and is energized by involving herself in a variety of social justice movements that address issues of violence, sex workers’ rights, homelessness and poverty. She is also passionate about social justice for prisoners and is vocal on human rights issues. She is a deeply spiritual woman with hopes for a special “ho heaven” where she will one day reunite with her oldest and closest sisters/friends.
Mouse, Rich Landscape, October 2008
Mouse
Mouse is a 21 year old exotic dancer and erotic model. She is a college student studying psychology who loves to read. Mouse identifies as a gutter punk and has spent the past few years hopping trains around the country. She likes to hitchhike and live life freely. She adores dogs and their playfulness, and especially admires their carefree essence. Mouse also plays the accordion and trumpet, as music is one of her many passions. She hopes to devote her attention to playing music and being with animals when she is able to settle down and have a comfortable, stable place of her own.
Rizzo, Untitled, October 2008
Rizzo
Rogue
Rogue is a 30 year old woman who identifies as Indian. She is happily married to a man who is her greatest support in life. Rogue met her husband on the bus after going home from band practice; a band where she was the lead female vocalist. After making eye contact and wonderful conversation, she instantly fell in love with him and has been happily married every since. Rogue currently engages in street work and works off of craigslist in order to support her heroin addiction, but states that she does not want to keep doing this work any longer. Rogue completed the 11th grade and proceeded to work as a dancer shortly after high school. She has four children (2 girls and 2 boys) who do not live with her but who she hopes to be reunited with in the near future. Her dream is to open a family restaurant where she can be chef and where kids can do karaoke.
Sarah
Posts
Amazing.
ReplyDelete