Womxn: Working is a recently produced documentary that examines sex work activism in South Africa. Sex work is still criminalized in the country and this important work assesses the damage these archaic laws continue to deal sex worker communities, denying them their rights and freedoms. Directed by Shanelle Jewnarain, the film applies an important feminist […]
Former Prosecutors Say Feds “Overreached” in Charging Diddy with Sex Trafficking
The stunning acquittal of Sean “Diddy” Combs on the most serious counts of sex trafficking and racketeering surprised many, but not experienced federal prosecutors. Instead, he was merely convicted on two counts of violating the archaic 1910 Mann Act for transporting persons across state lines for purposes of sex work. The jury’s refusal to buy […]
Despite liberal laws Europeans grow more hostile to sex work
Public opposition to sex work has been growing in Europe, despite more liberal policies in some countries. A study forthcoming in the Archives of Sexual Behavior shows that decriminalizing sex work does not necessarily lead to greater public acceptance, as reflected on a ten-point scale. While public attitudes in Spain did become more liberal after decriminalization in […]
If you find a 200-year-old condom you probably shouldn’t use it…
An exhibition called “Safe Sex?” about 19th century sex work opened recently at the Netherlands’ national museum. A nearly 200-year-old condom that is adorned with erotic art is one of the fascinating objects that is on display. If you need a break from the onslaught of heavy and depressing sex news as of late, be […]
Florida’s “Fool Around and Find Out” operation culminates
Famous tough-on-crime Florida Sheriff Grady Judd, a favorite of President Trump, proudly announced the results of “Operation Fool Around and Find Out.” It presumed to target human trafficking, but instead arrested 250+ sex workers, clients, and undocumented immigrants and found few, if any, cases of individuals trafficked against their will. The demonization of sex work, […]
The “Nordic Model” is spreading to Scotland and sex workers are concerned
In Scotland it is currently legal to pay for sex, although related activities like running a brothel and loitering in public are in fact illegal. The Nordic model, as enacted in countries such as Sweden, Norway, and Iceland, aims to criminalize the purchasing of sex and decriminalizing the selling of it. A member of the […]
What does it mean for users if OnlyFans is sold?
OnlyFans is owned by American internet entrepreneur Leonid Radvinsky and could soon be sold in a deal worth a whopping 8 billion dollars. While the company is quite young, having been founded in Britain in 2016, it has significantly altered the nature of sex work around the world. By making sex work a more accessible […]
Major advances at the state level for sex workers’ rights and protections
A fear of legal trouble deters many sex workers from coming forward to report violence and other crimes that they suffer or witness in their trade. The Nevada Legislature has recently proposed a bill that if passed would help to safeguard sex workers against prosecution for substance, vagrancy, and selling-sex offenses. Presently there is a […]
Are “breastaurants” not as titillating as they used to be?
The US-based restaurant Hooters filed for bankruptcy protection about a month ago. Known for both its chicken wings and sexualized waitresses, it was founded in Clearwater, Florida in 1983. Given some recent tectonic shifts in the state of sexual politics, thanks in large part due to the #MeToo movement, Hooters closing over 40 of its […]