There’s a lot that non-sex working citizens will never understand about the industry. They can probably guess that the work is stigmatised, if they’re not participating in the prejudice themselves. But that it can be joyful, celebrated, something to be proud of – that’s the part that’s often overlooked.
“Sex workers are never allowed to be proud because we’re marginalised in society outside of our sex positive echo chamber. There are so many microaggressions and negative perceptions of us. Even one of the girls I’m seeing, who is in an open relationship, said her girlfriend would break up with her if she dated me, because of my job.”
I’m speaking to Maedb Joy, a 26-year-old artist and co-organiser of Riot Party, a Queer sex worker-led rave, and founder of Sexquisite Events, an arts company that focuses on platforming sex workers. This Sunday September 8, Riot Party is taking over London’s Electrowerkz for a Sex Worker Pride Festival, that will give this community the opportunity to wear their profession and identity proudly, rather than in the shadows.
The idea for the festival has been floating for a few years. In 2021, sex worker charity Umbrella Lane commissioned Sexquisite to host some performances at an event. The following year they hosted a cabaret and political performance party for people in the industry, and from there started hosting sex worker-only events.
“But we just had this dream of creating a sex worker pride that’s recognised like regular pride, Trans Pride, Black Pride, and convince people to come and celebrate with us, so it’s not just something focused on only our community,” says Maedb.
SWer Pride is a collaboration with women and non-binary only event series One Night, organised by famed fetish photographer and fellow sex worker Miss Gold. The event has earned a fierce reputation for itself since starting in 2019, attracting a predominantly Queer crowd of women who want to play, learn and socialise with each other safely and authentically, away from the male gaze. While most of Electrowerkz will be open to all genders and allies on Sunday, organisers are keeping one exclusive area for vetted One Night babes only, putting Queer and sapphic experiences at the forefront of the event.
“It makes sense because almost every stripper I know is Queer,” says Miss Gold, laughing. “It’s out of hand!”
“Yeah, there’s a sticker we sell at Sexquisite that says ‘Straight For Pay’,” agrees Maedb. “There’s a massive intersection between the Queer and sex work community. It’s a bit like chicken and egg, like were you Queer first? Or did sex work make you more Queer?”
But the One Night play area and dance floor are not the only highlights on offer on Sunday. There will also be a Cabaret by Cybertease and Sexquisite, as well as a sex worker-led market. A protest sign making workshop and exhibitions from Queer Whore Collective and Anonymous Sex Worker Arts Collective, and a panel discussion, keep the festival firmly established in the political roots of pride.
“As sex workers, you’re constantly encouraged or made to feel that you have to hide your identity,” says Miss Gold. “It’s like the concept of being associated with being a sex worker as a brand is frowned upon, or you could lose your business or whatever. But us standing together and being like, ‘I want to be associated with being a sex worker. I want to stamp that all over my brand.’ There’s a real power in that. I’m so proud of what I do, and I’m proud of all my peers. So the more we can do for visibility, the better.”
Riot Party London Sex Worker Pride Special takes place September 8 from 4pm. Get tickets on Dice.
