Anais Nin
Anaïs Nin was one of the first prominent modern western women known to explore and take part in erotic writing.
Big Nosed Kate
Big Nosed Kate worked as a full service sex worker and eventually became the wife and companion of Old West gunfighter Doc Holiday.
Maggie Meller
French courtesan Marguerite Marie Alibert, otherwise known as Maggie Meller, was the lover of Edward the VII.
Dorian Corey
As documented in the film Paris Is Burning, Dorian Corey was one of the queens of the New York City Ball Culture.
Elizabeth Moryng
A 13th Century madame who tricked the system, Elizabeth Moryng serviced the religious clergy under the guise of an embroidery business.
Sharmus Outlaw
Sharmus Outlaw’s legacy lives on through harm reduction and outreach efforts of the people who loved and were inspired by her vibrant spirit.
Timarchus
Timarchus was a sex worker in his youth and was later shunned and outcast by his fellow politicians in ancient Greece.
Miss Major Griffin-Gracy
Miss Major Griffin-Gracy participated in the Stonewall Riots and founded the The Griffin-Gracy Educational Retreat & Historical Center.
Flawless Sabrina
Arrested over a hundred times, Flawless Sabrina mothered and mentored countless young trans women in the New York City ballroom scene.
Georgina Beyer
Georgina Beyer went from survival sex worker to radio host, and ultimately took her place as the first trans politician in New Zealand.
FOSTA / SESTA
FOSTA / SESTA were introduced as bills to stop sex trafficking, however legislators fail to distinguish adult, consensual sex work.
Jenna Jameson
An absolute legend in the adult film world, Jenna Jameson took her success in the sex industry and started an empire.
Yoshiwara
Yoshiwara was the infamous red light district in 17th century Edo, current day Tokyo, Japan. The original hoe-topia, if you will.
Der Pranger
Der Pranger was a German communist publication by whores for whores, attempting fair treatment and laws for sex workers and their patrons.
Salon Kitty
While running a brothel in Berlin, Nazis threatened to throw Salon Kitty into a concentration camp unless she cooperated with them.
Operation Midnight Climax
The US government forced sex workers to administer LSD tests on their unsuspecting clients, a.k.a. Operation Midnight Climax.
Yu Husuan-Chi
Yu Husuan-Chi had a reputation of being sexually adventurous, and is thought to be China’s first openly bisexual historical figure.
Heidi Fleiss
Heidi Fleiss ran an upscale prostitution ring based in Los Angeles, California in the 1990s and was known as the “Hollywood Madam.”
Santa Claus (Nicholas of Myra)
You may know him as Santa Claus or Old Saint Nick, but Nicholas of Myra has an untold history of relationships with sex workers.
Wu Zeitan
From an impoverished child to the concubine of a powerful Emperor, Wu Zeitan became a powerful Empress who really knew how to run it all.
Sex Worker Witch Hunt
Are sex worker witch hunts being subtly implemented by law enforcement agencies in an attempt to criminally punish sex workers?
Joanna of Naples
Queen of Naples, Countess of Provence, and Princess of Achaea… the epic story of Joanna of Naples lives up to the hype of her titles.
Anna Nicole Smith
Anna Nicole Smith was labeled a white trash gold digger throughout her career, all for capitalizing on her sexuality and good looks.
Phryne
Phryne was a renowned courtesan in Athens at the height of the civilization’s power in ancient Greece, around the 4th century B.C.E.
Mary Jones
The life of Mary Jones gives us a glimpse into the lives of old pros, transgender, and queer experiences in the early 19th century.
Harriet Hicks & The Contagious Diseases Act
Harriet Hicks worked as a prostitute during inception of the Contagious Diseases Act (CDA) in 19th century England.
Ah Toy
Ah Toy was a Chinese American prostitute and madam who dominated the booming sex work industry in San Francisco during the Gold Rush.
Veronica Franco
Courtesan, poet, and author Veronica Franco endured public shaming during the 16th Century in Venice, Italy.
Ishtar
The goddess of romantic love and fertility, Ishtar was worshipped through the bodies of church-sanctioned prostitutes.