Burlesque Show: Sex workers spark controversy at VCU

VCU parents and state politicians are reacting to a February performance by the Sex Workers’ Art Show, paid for by student fees and sponsored by the University Student Activities and Programs Office and Queer Action.
The show took place in the University Student Commons Theater and gave students a lesson in the art of burlesque, including strip tease.
The Commonwealth Times, described the art show in vivid detail.
“A nearly naked woman slowly pulls a lengthy strip of paper from her butt, as a visibly shocked crowd watches in amazement,” the Feb. 15 article stated.
VCU parent and Richmond resident, Joel Sutton, filed a complaint with the university. Sutton says he was saddened when he heard the art show was allowed on campus.
“It’s almost another version of a strip club, but in a strip club there are age requirements,” Sutton said.
Sutton says there were no age requirements for admittance at the event.
“Yes, there’s freedom, but there are also rules and regulations that govern society,” Sutton said. “I was rather shocked that they circumvented those regulations.”
Capt. Grant J. Warren, Deputy Chief of Support Services for VCU police, said to his current knowledge, the show did not violate any laws.
“The police viewpoint is whether or not the Code of Virginia was broken, or any university rules or policies were broken,” Warren said. “If not, then we don’t need to get involved directly.”
Claire Gardner, legislative assistant for Delegate Robert G. Marshall, R-Manassas, says Marshall is investigating a show by the Sex Workers’ Art Show at the College of William and Mary.
“He is appalled that this was allowed to go on a Virginia college campus, and I’m sure he will begin a similar investigation at VCU,” Gardner said.
The CT described how the woman, Dirty Martini, turned and shook her breasts at the crowd, wearing a pair of pasties.
Warren says the show at William and Mary was different because glitter was used rather than pasties. State law requires the use of pasties.
Sutton says he does not want student fees to be the means of paying for the events.
“Those fees are mainly paid for by parents, and I don’t think parents would want those fees being spent in that way,” Sutton said.
Gardner says Marshall is working on amending the student fee issue. Marshall introduced a bill two years ago requiring Virginia colleges and universities to publish on the Internet which organizations and people the student fees support.
“As far as I know there are no limitations on how the student groups spend the money,” Gardner said.
The Sex Workers’ Art Show Tour could not be reached for comment.