#OldProProject provides resources to sex worker artists and advocates to celebrate our shared history. For our inaugural year, #OldProProject worked with city coordinators connected to active decriminalization efforts in five cities. Those city coordinators, in collaboration with their community, proposed art projects to capture and celebrate their local old pro history. We worked with communities in New York, NY, New Orleans, LA, Portland, OR, Seattle, WA and San Francisco, CA.
Madam Fan Jones of Bangor, Maine
Madam Fan Jones successfully ran Bangor, Maine’s most popular and longest running brothel called the Sky Blue House of Pleasure.
We Organized! OPN Black Sex Worker’s Roundtable
In this final episode of Old Pro News, host and human rights activist Lakeesha Harris gives a raw and righteous farewell to Old Pro News.
We Organized!
Lakeesha Harris, Old Pro News writer and host, shares with us her thoughts on how sex workers have been laboring for everyone’s rights.
Black Sex Worker Roundtable
On this special episode, host and human rights activist Lakeesha Harris gathers a legendary roundtable of leaders in the Black Sex Worker movement.
Sex Worker Rights and Domestic Violence and Gendered Violence
Sex Worker Rights and Domestic Violence and Gendered Violence Sex worker rights underly foundational rights that are critical for women. Laws that criminalize sex workers and their communities are used to limit women and girl’s freedom of movement, association, and...
Who was Jezebel?
Who was Jezebel? How did her legacy become synonymous with loose, misfit, morally depraved, wicked women?
The Everleigh Sisters’ Best Brothel in Chicago
The Everleigh Sisters successfully ran the best brothel Chicago had ever seen from 1900 to 1911. Why did the mayor force them to shut down?
SAFE SEX Workers Study Act with Zola & Mariah of Sex Workers Project
This week on Old Pro News, we have an interview with Zola Z. Bruce and Mariah Grant from the Sex Workers Project at the Urban Justice Center in NYC.
Stella Darby: Beloved Madam of Pendelton, Oregon
Stella Darby, beloved madam of Pendelton, Oregon, had a heart of gold. She is now remembered with a bronze statue and Underground Pendleton Tours.
Interview with HIPS DC Advocacy Manager, Tamika Spellman
Old Pro News writer and host, Lakeesha Harris, welcomes Tamika Spellman, the Advocacy Manager of the harm reduction organization HIPS DC.
COYOTE (Call Off Your Old Tired Ethics)
Mutual aid shout out to the grassroots organization with one of the all-time greatest acronyms: C-O-Y-O-T-E, or Call Off Your Old Tired Ethics.
Chippendales Are Lobbying Up
This year, for the first time ever, Chippendales is making it their goal to lobby for a pandemic-era program for the live event industry.
Update on North Hollywood Strippers Strike
Quick update on the North Hollywood Strippers Strike, which as of today is entering its seventh consecutive week.
“Report John” Platform in Vallejo, California
A program called Report John has been launched by the Police Department of Vallejo, California. More policing is never the solution.
Ugly Mugs Netherlands – Protects Sex Workers from Dangerous Clients
Ugly Mugs Netherlands provides a free-platform for sex workers to anonymously warn each other about dangerous and aggressive customers.
City of New Westminster Aims to Keep Sex Workers Safe
Following a motion approved by the city council in June 2021, the City of New Westminster is developing a work plan related to sex worker safety.
Taxation Without Representation
Lakeesha Harris fills us in on sex work related legislation in Louisiana and Ohio, and why she feels like the government just doesn’t want us to survive!
Taxation Without Representation – with Tamika Spellman
Two online reporting programs, a new sex worker safety plan in Canada, Chippendales lobbying for a pandemic-era program, and special guest Tamika Spellman.
The Age-Old Stigma of Mary Magdalene
The stigma of Mary Magdalene has endured throughout biblical times into the current era. How did she become aligned with sex workers?
The Impact of Criminalizing Undocumented Sex Workers
Geo, an activist from Sex Workers Against Criminalization New Orleans, shares her story of being an undocumented sex worker in the United States.
New Orleans Mutual Aid Society
Mutual aid shout out to New Orleans Mutual Aid Society. NOMAS provides free meals and groceries to neighbors in need.
The 14th Amendment & the Personhood of Sex Workers
Lakeesha Harris explains what the 14th Amendment has to do with the personhood of sex workers.
FOSTA-SESTA Upheld After First Amendment Free Speech Challenge
April 11, 2022 marks four years since the “Allow States and Victims to Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act” became federal law.
Dr. Olivia Snow DoorDash Discrimination
Dr. Olivia Snow claims DoorDash recently banned her due to a detection of unspecified “abnormal behavior” from her account.
We Plead The 14th Amendment
Decriminalization strategies in Rhode Island, dominatrix discrimination from DoorDash, and Geo from Sex Workers Against Criminalization New Orleans.
Strippers Strike Noho Protest Update
These strippers are protesting for safer work conditions in North Hollywood. Instagram “Mistakenly Removed” the stripper strike Noho account.
Two Proposed Rhode Island Decriminalization Bills
In early April 2022, proposed Rhode Island decriminalization was explored in hearings for two bills.
Brothel Owner Mrs. Lake’s Secrets Revealed in Boston’s “Big Dig”
Thanks to Boston’s “Big Dig,” artifacts from a 19th century brothel were unearthed, shedding light on the life of brothel owner Mrs. Lake.
We Are All Worthy – with Alexandra Hunt
Decriminalization in Belgium, a stripper strike in North Hollywood, and special guest Alexandra Hunt, whose background as a stripper is a proud part of her campaign.
Belgium Decriminalizes Prostitution
Belgium is the first country in Europe to decriminalize selling and paying for sex.
OnlyFans Could Ban Porn Again in Push for an IPO
To prepare for the OnlyFans IPO push, the company might decide to ban pornography and other adult content again.
Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson & Why We Are All Worthy
Lakeesha Harris connects Alexandra Hunt’s fight for dignity to the worthiness of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson.
Black Sex Worker Collective
The Black Sex Worker Collective is a philanthropic arts project offering peer support, legal assistance, housing, and more.
Paradise Marketing, Lube & Condom Company, Denied Insurance
Paradise Marketing, which has sold condoms, lube, and other pleasure products since 1978, had its workers’ compensation policy canceled out of nowhere.
Congressional Candidate Alexandra Hunt
Old Pro News writer and host, Lakeesha Harris, welcomes Alexandra Hunt, a Congressional candidate for Pennsylvania’s 3rd district.
North Hollywood Stripper Strike
Current and former employees of Star Garden staged a walkout to protest an unsafe work environment in the North Hollywood stripper strike.
Ella “Cattle Kate” Watson: Trailblazer of the Wild West
Ella “Cattle Kate” Watson was a Western trailblazer. An independent and industrious woman, she sought to challenge gender norms to live life her own way.
Safe Reporting Assaults Suffered By Sex Workers Introduced in Colorado
Colorado lawmakers unanimously approved legislation that allows sex workers to report violent crime without fear of being arrested.
St. James Infirmary Opens Shelter with Our Trans Home SF
Sex worker health organization St. James Infirmary opens San Francisco’s first shelter dedicated to trans and gender non-conforming communities.
A Song of Freedom – with Yeonhoo Cho and Esther Kao
This week on Old Pro News, transgender housing justice, Safe Reporting in Colorado, the dictionary, and Yeonhoo Cho & Esther Kao from Red Canary Song.
Healing is an Act of Liberation
Old Pro News writer and host, Lakeesha Harris welcomes members of Red Canary Song to commemorate the 1 year anniversary of the Atlanta spa shootings.
Mutual Aid Shout Out: Butterfly
Mutual aid shout out to Butterfly, a grassroots organization formed by sex workers, social workers, and legal and health professionals.
Sex Worker Definition on Dictionary.com
In January 2022, Dictionary dot com added the term “sex worker” to their website after a widespread growth in awareness of the term.
Protect Trans Youth from Anti Trans Laws
A wave of anti-trans laws is a disturbing new trend across the USA. We must support trans youth against these heinous laws and the bigotry that enables them.
Lycoris the Mime was the Most Influential Courtesan in Ancient Rome
Evidence of the oldest profession can be traced back to ancient Greece and Rome. Lycoris the Mime is among the oldest and most influential pros in history.
Whose Corner Is It Anyway
Whose Corner Is It Anyway is a Western Massachusetts based mutual aid, harm reduction, political education, and organizing group led by stimulant and opioid using low-income, survival, or street-based sex workers. At each of their peer-led meetings, they provide food...
Intergenerational Sex Work
I want to invite you into a conversation with my daughter, Desiree. It was the second wave feminist movement that coined the phrase, “the personal is political.” For Desiree and I, nothing can be truer to our lives as generational sex workers. But before our...
Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Sex Work Segment
Last Week Tonight with John Oliver’s segment on global sex work politics got so much right, even featuring the Deep South Decrim movement.
Sex Worker Safety Legislation in Vermont, Oregon, and U.S. Congress
Sex worker safety legislation developments in Vermont, Oregon, and U.S. Congress, Elizabeth Warren, Ron Wyden, Ro Khanna, and Barbara Lee.
8Lives Vigil & Massage License Decriminalization Act
8Lives Vigil for Atlanta spa shootings, produced in part by Red Canary Song, and Massage License Decriminalization Act introduced in NY.
Unapologetically Generational – with Desi
Apple Podcasts | SpotifyRecent Stories That Matter to the Movement This episode we’ll update you on exciting new pieces of legislation regarding sex worker safety at the state and federal levels, as well as some troubling developments from Russian Only Fans creators....
The Legend of Punk Rockstar & Hustler Dee Dee Ramone
Hustler Dee Dee Ramone, bassist and founding member of the Ramones, pioneered punk rock and side hustled as a sex worker to pay for his heroin addiction.
Third Wave Foundation
Daly Barnett joins Lakeesha Harris on Old Pro News to discuss the return of the EARN IT Act. Yup, here we go again. The first Eliminating Abusive and Rampant Neglect of Interactive Technologies Act died in Congress back in 2020, due to opposition from many groups,...
Lakeesha Harris on EARN It Act vs. Sex Worker Safety
There are many ways in which we acquiesce to power via surveillance. I mean…Black people have never existed in this country without the gaze of white people critiquing our bodies, overseeing our labor, and watching our finances. So it comes as little to no surprise —...
Breaking Down the EARN It Act with Daly Barnett
Daly Barnett and Lakeesha Harris discuss the return of the EARN IT (Eliminating Abusive and Rampant Neglect of Interactive Technologies) Act.
Decriminalised Futures at Institute of Contemporary Art in London
Decriminalised Futures at the Institute of Contemporary Art in London explores the history of sex workers lives and movement struggles.
Alexandra Hunt is a Former Stripper who is Running for Congress
Let’s get hyped about Congressional candidate Alexandra Hunt’s campaign to represent Pennsylvania’s 3rd district!
Updates on the Backpage Trial
The founders of the website Backpage, Michael Lacey and James Larkin, returned to federal trial on February 22, 2022.
Victoria, Australia Parliament Passed the Sex Work Decriminalisation Bill 2021
Thanks to Vixen Collective and Scarlet Alliance, Victoria, Australia is the fourth jurisdiction in the world to decriminalize sex work.
Super Bowl 2022 Arrests
214 Super bowl 2022 arrests for allegedly selling sex which, to be crystal clear, is not the same as charging people with human trafficking.
EARN IT V. Sex Worker Safety
Apple Podcasts | SpotifyRecent Stories That Matter to the Movement This week, on Old Pro News, we’ll update you on a former stripper who is running for Congress, an exciting new exhibit at the Institute of Contemporary Art in London, and positive news from Victoria,...
Belle Brezing Was Lexington, Kentucky’s Most Successful Madam
With razor sharp wit and dogged determination, Belle Brezing claimed her space as Lexington, Kentucky’s most successful Madam.
Maya Angelou Appearing on the New U.S. Quarter
Lakeesha Harris, host of Old Pro News, shares this: To stigmatize someone means that you withhold power from them, denying them access to reach their full human potential and restricting their ability to thrive and live. Recently the U.S. Department of Mint embossed...
Super Bowl Trafficking Myths Debunked
Researchers have found that the evidence, “did not support a causal or correlative link between Super Bowls and sex trafficking.”
Dallas City Counsel Sets a 2am Closing Time
Dallas City Council has set a 2am closing time for sexually oriented businesses, including strip clubs, cabarets, and adult book stores.
New York District Attorney Alvin Bragg De-Prioritizes Prosecution of Some Forms of Sex Work
Alvin Bragg’s NY DA office will no longer prosecute Prostitution and Patronizing a Person for Prostitution.
Destigmatize It! Breaking Down Sex Work Myths
Apple Podcasts | SpotifyWelcome to Old Pro News! This week on Old Pro News, we’re debunking Super Bowl myths, reporting on late night in Dallas, TX, and updating you on some exciting policy reform in New York City. We’re joined by Mandie Landry, State Representative...
Interview with Rep. Mandie Landry, Proposing the Decriminalization of Sex Work in Louisiana
Mandie Landry is the author of Louisiana House Bill 67, the first ever bill to propose statewide decriminalization in the United States.
Maya Angelou: Sex Worker History is Part of Her Esteemed Legacy
The Oldest Profession Podcast: Maya Angelou – sex worker past matters, and to ignore her experience does a disservice to her legacy.
Old Pro News Trailer
Apple Podcasts | Spotify Old Pro News: Hear what’s new in the hottest movement! Turn us on and stay tuned in. Hosted by longtime human rights activist and former sex worker Lakeesha Harris, Old Pro News is a biweekly podcast that reports on and contextualizes current...
Nevada Brothels and the Truth About Legalized Prostitution
The Oldest Profession Podcast: Nevada brothels house the only legal prostitution in the US; then why the highest arrest rate per capita? Nevada brothels model doesn’t work.
Sex Work Coming Out Stories
Sharing sex work coming out stories; some are funny, some are sad, and they all remind us this holiday season that we are never alone.
thotscholar & The Scarlot Harlot: Perspectives on Language
thotscholar & The Scarlot Harlot: Perspectives on LanguageiTunes | Stitcher | Spotify What is gained or lost by the language we use to define ourselves and our community? Where does this language come from and who gets to use it? In this thought-provoking...
International Whores’ Day: In Conversation with Ceyenne Doroshow
This episode of The Oldest Profession Podcast about International Whores’ Day (June 2) is hosted by Kaytlin Bailey and Ceyenne Doroshow.
A Special Tribute to Margo St. James
A Special Tribute to Margo St. JamesiTunes | Stitcher | Spotify Margo St. James, who founded the prostitutes’ rights organization COYOTE (Call Off Your Old Tired Ethics) and later the St. James Infirmary, passed away on January 11, 2021. As a tribute to Margo, we have...
Tina Horn on SfSx & We Too
Tina Horn on SfSx & We Too iTunes | Stitcher | Spotify Tina Horn is a writer, teacher, and media-maker. She hosts and produces the long-running kink podcast Why Are People Into That?!. Her reporting on sexual subcultures and politics has appeared in Rolling Stone,...
Jack the Ripper’s Victims
Jack the Ripper's VictimsiTunes | Stitcher | Spotify Late in the summer of 1888, a serial killer murdered at least five women in London's East End. The press at the time was quick to paint his victims as prostitutes, punished for their promiscuity. This series tells...
Annie Sprinkle & Beth Stephens: Remembering Margo St. James
Annie Sprinkle & Beth Stephens: Remembering Margo St. James iTunes | Stitcher | Spotify Margo St. James, who sparked the sex worker rights movement in the 1970’s, passed on January 11, 2021. James was a visionary who brought global advocates together to...
Savannah Sly – National Coordinator
Savannah Sly | National Coordinator Savannah Sly is a career sex worker based in Seattle who embraces the arts as a medium for change. As a long time political advocate for sex workers rights, Sly has collaborated with others to produce panels, performances,...
Mx. Pucks A’Plenty – Seattle Coordinator
Mx. Pucks A'Plenty City Coordinator for Seattle Mx. Pucks A'Plenty is the Director of Junk in da Trunk, the Michelle Obama of Burlesque, and Seattle's Own Mxtress of Thiccness! Pucks is the founder and co-producer behind What the Funk?! An All POC Burlesque Festival....
TS Candii – New York City Coordinator
TS Candii | New York City Coordinator I'm founder of Black Trans Nation leader of Decrimny & Walking While Trans public-speaker, public-figure, pro-politics, organizer, activist, and film-producer working on the documentary POLICING OUR BODIES has given me a...
Vanessa Warri – San Francisco
Vanessa Warri Vanessa Warri is a Nigerian-American community-based researcher, strategist, and advocate, committed to the liberation, empowerment, and safety of Black transgender women, queer and transgender people of color, and all communities existing at the various...
Samantha Jo-Dato – San Francisco Consultant
Samantha Jo-Dato | Consultant & Advisor in San Francisco Samantha Jo-Dato’s a humanitarian, author, philanthropist, freedom fighter, and bridge-builder who is originally from Atlantic City, NJ. Sami Jo has found it important to bring with her the voices for all...
Danyell – City Coordinator for New Orleans
Danyell | City Coordinator for New Orleans Danyell (she/they) is a queer femme born & raised on the Gulf Coast. In pre-pandemic times, she was known for carrying around tubs of glitter, bringing entire cakes to Mardi Gras parades, and collaborating in backyard...
#OldProProject & Why January 25th Matters
#OldProProject & Why January 25th MattersiTunes | Stitcher | Spotify On January 25th, 1917, 300 sex workers in San Francisco marched to protest the imminent closure of their brothels. #OldProProject is an annual event that builds towards this anniversary, and this...
Brodin Petrichor – San Francisco Art Contest Winner
Brodin Petrichor Brodin Petrichor is a former military officer turned leftist videographer/photographer. He co-runs the Burning Man camp Electric Sheep, which focuses on eccentric performance art. With Sierra Cirque, Brodin Petrichor won first place for...
Sierra Cirque – San Francisco Art Contest Winner
Sierra Cirque Sierra Cirque is a Seattle-based sex worker and artist/activist, highly motivated by adventures and resisting the kyriarchy. With Brodin Petrichor, Sierra Cirque won first place for #OldProProject's San Francisco Art Contest.
Vandell – San Francisco
Vandell Vandell is a southern queer and genderqueer organizer who was brought into community resistance and empowerment work in their youth. Their movement roots instilled the love of storytelling and self-discovery as an act of resistance. They center black,...
Lessa Millet – San Francisco
Lessa Millet Lessa Millet is a filmmaker and animator. Their work is a mix of hand crafted animation and stylized live action. Born in Barcelona, they relocated to New York City in 2006, where they first learned about animation, art and pizza. In 2016, they packed all...
A Special Collaboration With Peepshow Media: Coming Out As A Sex Worker
COMING OUT AS A SEX WORKER IN COLLABORATION WITH PEEPSHOW MEDIAiTunes | Stitcher | Spotify A collection of coming out stories from sex workers, in celebration of the International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers on December 17th, and in solidarity with all sex...
Art Contest – San Francisco
The Old Pro Project Art Contest – San Francisco The Oldest Profession podcast seeks to advance sex workers rights by elevating the stories of amazing sex workers from history. The Oldest Profession Podcast will be hosting an art competition to tell the stories of two...
Jacqueline Hyde – Seattle Contributor
Jacqueline Hyde | Seattle Contributor Jacqueline Hyde, international entertainer and cosmetologist, has graced stages worldwide since 2005 and formally launched her beauty division in 2020. Jacqueline Hyde Beauty & Barber was born out of her love of Ayurvedic...
COVID-19, Masks & Burlesque in Seattle
COVID-19, Masks & Burlesque in Seattle COVID-19 protocol and procedures are a fact of life right now. Making sure we have safety guidelines in place is a huge priority for us as we prepare to start shooting the Seattle project. Part of preparing for filming has...
Storyboard – Seattle
Storyboard | Seattle Stepping out of our comfort zone is part of the magic in the creative process. When taking on the Seattle City Coordinator position I wasn't sure what direction I wanted to go in, but I knew it was going to involve dance and movement. I also knew...
Lilith
LilithiTunes | Stitcher | Spotify Lilith: The First Woman and First Feminist The story of Eve tempting Adam in the Garden of Eden is a patriarchal fairy tale that most of us learn at an early age. But Eve wasn’t the first wife or the first woman. Her predecessor,...
Katherine – Play Your Part Seattle Panelist
Katherine | Play Your Part Seattle Panelist Katherine, who occasionally prefers the honorific Mistress, is a Professional Dominatrix, Kink Educator, and Relationship Coach, specializing in alternative sexuality, open relationship models, and self acceptance. Like Mae...
Cory – Play Your Part Seattle Panelist
Cory | Play Your Part Seattle Panelist Cory is a transmasculine Adventure Consultant, kinky companion, arts worker, and harm reductionist. Cory is a panelist for the Play Your Part Seattle's production of Mae West's Sex, a play with music that explores the lives of...
Mistress M – Play Your Part Seattle Panelist
Melissa Maven (Mistress M) | Play Your Part Seattle Panelist Melissa Maven (Mistress M) is a sensual dominatrix, educator, sex worker activist and digital artist living in Portland, Oregon. She loves riding her bike to find hidden treasures, petting all the cats,...
Tiffany Diane Tso – New York
Tiffany Diane Tso | New York Tiffany Diane Tso is a journalist and producer based in Brooklyn. She has covered sex work and sex work activism in New York City; her work covering topics surrounding identity, culture, advocacy, and policy has been published in print and...
Kate Zen – New York
Kate Zen | New York Kate Zen is a sex worker activist and co-founder of Red Light Reader, a sex worker book club, podcast, and online writing workshop, originally hosted at the Bluestockings feminist bookstore in NYC. worked with #OldProProject in New York.
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