Whores and Other Feminists

by Jill Nagle (editor)

Whores and Other Feminists fleshes out feminist politics from the perspective of sex workers--strippers, prostitutes, porn writers, producers and performers, dominatrices--and their allies. Comprising a range of voices from both within and outside the academy, this collection draws from traditional feminisms, postmodern feminism, queer theory, and sex radicalism. It stretches the boundaries of contemporary feminism, holding accountable both traditional feminism for stigmatizing sex workers, and also the sex industry for its sexist practices.

Genres: Feminism, Nonfiction, Sex Work, Sexuality, Gender, Gender and Sexuality, Sociology

306 pages, Paperback

First published July 2, 1997

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am SO glad to have finally read this one, which has been on my "to read" shelf for years. Considered one of the vaginal (as opposed to seminal - get it?) works on the intersection of sex work & feminism, this anthology had it all. From working class to high class, from butch to femme, even an essay or two on male sex workers, "Whores" elegantly discusses the need for "abolitionist feminists" to re-consider their stance that "all sex work is bad and wrong and harms all women, everywhere, always." If you're curious about what it means to be a "pro sex/worker feminist," READ THIS BOOK.

[Ozy Frantz · Rating 2 out of 5]

An interesting anthology, but profoundly marred by its inclusion of only relatively privileged sex workers. More essayists worked at the Lusty Lady, a San Francisco peep show, than did street sex work. While many contributors were queer, there was no discussion of intersections of sex work with addiction, abuse, or immigration, and the contributors of color were safely cordoned off in their own section. Interesting essays include those by sex work feminist foremothers Annie Sprinkle and Nina Hartley, as well as an interview with a butch lesbian second-wave feminist who accidentally got a substantial fraction of her local second-wave lesbian feminist community to work at an erotic massage parlor. Also, I am as disappointed as anyone that dapper butch escort for lesbians is not a profitable profession.

Even among this group of relatively privileged sex workers, all of them acknowledge that sex work is not "empowering" but instead just a job-- and often a crappy one at that. (The one exception is a New Agey sex worker who identifies as a sacred whore. This is a very San Franciscan book.) It's just that, as crappy as their jobs are, the situation won't be improved by making it illegal. Hopefully this will put to bed the straw man that sex workers' rights activists think that sex work should be lrgal because of how ~empowering~ it is.

[ONTD Feminism · Rating 4 out of 5]

LJ user joyeuses:

This book was actually my first introduction to sex-positive feminism, and I've read it over and over. It's a very pro-sex work book, but it does not gloss over the problems in the industry, and also includes essays from women of color and people all over the queer spectrum (although, upon thinking, I don't believe it has any essays by trans* people, which is an issue, but it's still worth the read). Some of it is very frank, with women sharing their stories, experiences, and feelings, and some of it is academic analysis of both sex work and feminism and how they relate.

[Tawny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having read other books and blogs devoted to examining sex work and feminism before reading this one, I have to say I was a little disappointed. Because the book was written exclusively by people in San Francisco, it lacks the range of other sex work collections (I don't know if anyone else noticed, but it seemed like half the essays were written by women who were at one time or another employed at the Lusty Lady.) Everyone in the collection was basically repeating the same talking points to the extent that I actually started skipping intros and a couple of the essays due to the repetition.

That being said, this book is famously one of the first sex work positive collections ever released, and feminism owes it for that. I saw it and still see it as sort of a must-read for this particular part of the discourse. However, if you're looking for a broader view (and even a couple of negative essays!), I'd recommend the more recent Hos, Hookers, Call Girls, and Rent Boys.

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The "Holy Whore," essay seemed a little extreme and it comes early in the book. But don't let that one dissuade you from finishing it. I found this to be an amazing anthology of voices not often heard. This is a must read for anyone who has never considered sex work from a feminist perspective OR for anyone that believes all sex workers are victims. Yes, these essays convey positive attitudes and experiences in the industry. However, they do not gloss over the negatives. Those perspectives simply have been addressed in society, ad nauseam. So here is a view from a different angel. Enter with an open mind.

[Aspasia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Required reading for anyone calling themselves a feminist.

[Isis Molina · Rating 4 out of 5]

“It’s no wonder that whore stigma attaches itself more viciously to women than to men, for in this society a sexually emancipated woman is threatening and despised; neither ‘slut’ nor ‘whore’ is a name most women want to wear. Sex workers cross this line, either proudly or not, for money, adventures, or rebellion.”

This is an informative, well-contributed, anthology with essays from various members of the sex industry. These people range from prostitutes, to strippers, to porn stars and porn writers, to sex phone operators, to dominatrixes, to peepshow workers. Each of them give their insight into the sex industry, and explain how their jobs contribute to their feminist perspectives.

The truth of the matter is, traditional feminism views many sex jobs as objectifying, and demeaning towards women. Such is that these sex workers, who feel empowered and confident in their jobs, feel excluded from the feminist category, despite their activist mindsets.

The stories from these women, and men, are really fascinating. Many of them acknowledge that not everyone in the sex industry is there willingly, and that not everyone who is in it willingly will enjoy it. For them, though, being a sex worker enhances their confidence and well being, and for some it even becomes liberating. I really enjoyed reading from these perspectives, as well as learning from this gray area of the world.

“It is antisex sentiment, or erotophobia, that leads to such a strong distinction between sex work and other types of work available to women on the bottom rungs of the economic ladder.”

My biggest complain is that not every essay mentions how feminism ties into the specific jobs these people are engaging in. Many of them simply explain what the job consists of, and leaves out the struggle of keeping the feminist label while being a sex worker. That’s something I would have liked to see throughout, but then again, some essays were just too short. Regardless, I highly enjoyed this collection. It’s even more interesting that it’s set in the 90’s, so there have obviously been some changes since then. I’m not sure if peepshow workers still exist.

I recommend this to fellow feminists, or anyone interested in feminism and the sex industry. It could be simple seeing these two things as complete paradoxes, but they do have strong connections, especially in an individual sense.

“Sex has historically been key to controlling women. The hatred of women began with the fear of our sexual power.”

[Isa · Rating 2 out of 5]

It almost seemed pro-sex worker oriented. Which is cool, I respect the fact that in many cultures they are outside the whole sexual wars. Not as subjugated to the rules, yet still put through exile by men and by women due to the fact they don't follow a certain rule. Men ashamed by what they mean, particularly in correlation to them. Women dislike them due to what they mean in correlation to their husbands. It makes for a good starter book in regards to sexuality and what it means to be female, but it needs another one to counter balance the whole proproprosex message. Eh. I get it, just. . . There's more to feminism than pro-sex. Good book, but not outstanding.

[Eileen Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

So this book was given to me as a gift by a very special friend who was conducting studies of women in the sex industry. The friend was my mentor in a project I conducted my senior year about child prostitution in Hawaii. This book is an AMAZING compilation of stories shared by women who are "classified in stereotypes" and their reflections. Very complex and I laughed and cried through out this book.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciate the perspective of this book and think it's important for these voices to be heard, a lot of it just reads too much like a textbook for my taste. I especially liked the essay by the female ex-cop turned prostitute, it was a very eye-opening account of how these ladies are often abused not by their career choice, but by the policemen who arrest them.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most interesting compilations of essays i've ever read. I never really thought much about the sex worker trade until this book, but it really opened my eyes to the point of view of the sex worker rather than the overriding moral assumptions that prevail in society.

[patigerjet · Rating 5 out of 5]

there is suppose to be a free preview, but i Haven't been able to access yet, so i will just pertend i read a bit of it. OK, so this 1997 whore book would probably be my favorite of my many to read whore series's, just cuz i love the title, plus in 1997 when it was written i knew alot of whores. It would probably be even wayz betta then probably my 2nd best favorite of my 2 read, 'Tis Pity She's a Whore..." by John Ford (2008, Oxford Uni. Press). Anywayz, when i do get it chance to finish this title in 100%completion, hopefully by 2097, on my 2nd century go-around and most likely way 2 many more whores in that year too- with the upcoming new century encroachment an thus lots of panty drops with Y2.1k assorted chickin run apocalypses and 100 feet sea rises (lets go surfin peoples in da backyard)- ; i will update this review for all my fans out there in lala land.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this book. Feminism has to grow and accept women (and men) who freely choose to work in sex work. It has to change its stance on sex work and sex in general and become more positive. It was so refreshing to hear the viewpoints from women who have and are living this life and defying the old outdated stereotypes about women who do sex work.

[Maggie Mayhem · Rating 5 out of 5]

Canonical Text if sex worker rights interests you.

[Anum Tanveer · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Short Guide To Women Mental Health

[Jehnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A series of academic essays about sex work and the challenges of feminism. This has been on my list since I was teaching Women and Gender Studies - it would've added great topics for class.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for anyone who considers themselves a feminist. A thoughtful and diverse collection of stories and narratives from those who are often on the frontlines of sexual politics.

[Andrea]

I must admit that the title is what grabbed me when I saw this added to Robin's list. But, after reading the description, it actually sounds like a very interesting book and several other readers gave it rave reviews. Plus, and I apologize for my childishness here, who doesn't want to wonder around with a book under their arm shouting the word Whores (one of my favorites as my husband will tell you), if just to giggle at the stares?

[Katherine Fountain · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was assigned for my freshman year Sex and Society class during undergrad... I was completely blown away the first time I read it! The book is a collection of essays telling the stories of sex workers who identify as feminists and consider their actions a form of agency. Great for analysis.

[Madeline]

I really want to read this. The problem with a lot of mainstream feminism, like white liberal feminism, is the exclusion and villainization of sex workers. This book, written entirely women who are indeed sex workers, looks like it will be a great start in undoing the negative, exclusionary, and harmful viewpoints of mainstream feminists.

[Jafar · Rating 3 out of 5]

This collection of essays is not as good as its title.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book on this subject. And let me tell you something, I read all 7. Take it from me, I love you!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think people's experiences are very important. This book is a collection of experiences. I love that.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of essays from sex workers on the subject of sex-positive feminism.

[Cmoselle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing look at the sex industry from the feminists working in the industry. Very worth reading!

[Laura McKelvey · Rating 4 out of 5]

http://thedismantledlibrary.blogspot....

[Nandy Siptrott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Critical thinking for the modern woman. Consider yourself "liberated"? Think again.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...#

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Essays by feminist-identifiyed sex-workers. Really interesting stuff.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was interesting but rather outdated in several ways.