Introduction:
My official third-person whirlwind of a bio is: Audacia Ray is a blogger (WakingVixen.com), video podcast host (LiveGirlReview.com), author (Naked on the Internet), porn director/producer (The Bi Apple), magazine editor ($pread), and erotic art curator (Arena Studios). She is based in New York and can be contacted at dacia[at]wakingvixen[dot]com.

What kind of sex work are you currently doing?
I’m actually retired from sex work and have been for more than two years (wow, crazy). I still work in the sex industry and probably will for life, though now I’ve moved into more management type positions, which I’m trying to do in an ethical way that gives workers a lot of autonomy. I’ve directed/produced a porn film (The Bi Apple) that won a Feminist Porn Award for “Hottest Bi Sex Scene” and I’m starting to work as a manager/phone girl at a dungeon. When I was a worker, I started as a foot fetish worker, moved briefly into escorting, and then spent the vast majority of my work time as a sensual body worker (which I loved). I also did a lot of nude modeling, which includes one hardcore scene (Pyschocandy 4), some alt porn web stuff, and a lot of obscure, low-production value fetish videos including wrestling, trampling, and sleepy fetish stuff.

(As an aside, I know that I’ve just nuanced/complicated what a sex worker is a little bit more by saying that I’m no longer a sex worker now that I work in management – discuss amongst yourselves)

Are you active in sex worker activism? If so, what are you doing?
I’ve been an editor at $pread magazine for the past three years, and I’ve helped to organize countless parties, events, and panels as a result of that work. My activism tends to be of the consciousness raising and cultural variety: I think that producing and publicizing culture made by sex workers is extremely valuable. Visibility on our own terms and the ability to uses our voices (and other mediums of expression) are key to the progress of sex worker’s rights. It’s very important not just for us to talk to one another and share our thoughts and experiences, but also for people who are not sex workers to engage with our culture and see us for what we are – people who are trying to gain better working conditions and understanding.

What do you think is the best way to promote solidarity with fellow sex workers?
I think that at the very basic level, sex workers need to communicate with each other both inside and outside of their work places. This can happen through casual conversation (and bitch sessions, no one understands like another sex worker!), support groups (social ones, not necessarily activism), art (like the traveling Sex Workers Art Show and $pread’s annual Sex Worker Visions), and writing (on blogs, in handmade zines, and –shameless plug- $pread). Incidentally, sex workers who are interested in writing for $pread shouldn’t feel shy about writing to us and pitching ideas – contribute[at]spreadmagazine[dot]org. If you want to write but don’t have a pitch, I’m the person to talk to – I’ll start you off with a review or a news piece.

What project(s) are you working on now?
My big new project of the moment is Live Girl Review (http://livegirlreview.com) - a video blog in which I review all things sex-related: books, movies, sex toys, porn, art, etc. If anyone has stuff they’ve made that they want me to review, or has tips, drop me a line!

I’m also planning to direct and produce some new porn films in 2008 and I’m starting work on my next book. And as always, I’m working on $pread, blogging, developing art shows, and trying to get paid gigs doing what I love.

—
Audacia is right. It is extremely important that we sex workers talk to and educate each other.

I had been a pso for about six months when an opportunity came up for an in person session. While the extra money was certainly exciting, I was a little scared by the idea of meeting a client face to face. What if he became violent? What if I did the session and he threatened to attack me if I didn’t give back the money? Scary scenarios were running through my head and I thought about cancelling on the client.

Then I wised up. I talked to fellow mistresses. They gave me their tips for ensuring a safe session. That first in person (and thankfully all of my in person sessions) was successful and safe. By talking to my sex worker comrades I was given a good education on how to prevent violence in the workplace. It was an invaluable lesson.

If you’re a sex worker and would like to be interviewed (just a few questions, via email) write me at radicalvixenatgmaildotcom

Sex Worker Solidarity Series
Sex Worker Solidarity: Introduction

Posted by Vixen in PSO Confessions, Interviews, Sex Workers