Sex workers triumph amid controversy

Hundreds descended upon the Gay Community Center of Richmond this
weekend for the Sex Workers’ Art Show, an event that has been shrouded in
controversy since its exhibition at VCU this past year.

The national touring event has drawn media attention for its adult content and
nudity, as well as its criticism of capitalism and the George W. Bush administration.

In an encore performance of this past year’s VCU-sponsored event, burlesque
dancer Dirty Martini presented her generous proportions to the audience while a
recording of Dolly Parton singing, “Proud to be an American,” played. Mocking
the old adage, “Justice is blind,” Martini’s scales became a bit too heavy with cash,
forcing her to remove her trademark blindfold. After bathing in and stuffing her
face with dollar bills, Martini skillfully removed her patriotic bikini. The routine
ended as she pulled a string of dollar bills from her posterior, a clear attack on
capitalism and the corporate corruption that has been sprinkled across headlines
in recent years.

The glittery Kirk Read came out to a warm Richmond welcome and talked about
what it was like growing up gay in Virginia with conservative parents. Read’s witty
stories of jury-duty-inspired patriotic fervor and backyard luncheons with Jerry
Falwell won over the crowd.

Burlesque veteran and performing artist The World Famous Bob appeared on
stage twice, light-heartedly describing the hardships of a 16-year-old trying to
make it in Hollywood. She extracted lots of laughs and cheers from the audience.
She also managed to do some classic burlesque dancing and even mixed a martini
with her breasts.

Carolina Johnson, a graduate English major, said she was struck by how
humanizing certain performances were.

“I think it was helpful for them to express themselves as performers and, at the
same time, important for the audience in being able to witness their expression,”
Johnson said.

Adult film star Lorelei Lee gave intimate insight into the adult-film industry with
a spoken-word essay and a slide show about coping with the inherent emotional
and physical hardships of the job.

“Lorelei Lee’s essay was very thought-provoking,” Johnson said. “It certainly
wasn’t a joking matter.”

Chris Kraus and Erin Markey arguably gave the most passionate performances
of the show. Markey’s intensely humorous monologue received a lot of
laughs and eventually resulted
in a grand finale on the stripper
pole. Kraus’ transcription of
“Sh- On My Sleep Mask” was
an introspective essay that spoke
of change, oppression and the
difficulties of being a writer.
Perhaps the most enigmatic act
of the evening, Kraus received
thunderous applause at the
essay’s conclusion.

“Anyone who has an orifice
that can be pleasurably penetrated
may potentially be raped.
The essence of rape is confusion.
The unconscious is also an
orifice.” Kraus said.

Kraus was followed by Krylon
Superstar, a drag performer,
who sang, danced and swam in
a kiddy pool full of glitter while
exposing his bare chest displaying
the words, “Fu- BUSH.” The
audience seemed to agree.

Many people were moved by
the honesty of the show and the
fact that it gave a voice to an
industry that is such a mystery
to most.

“Most of the time you don’t
think about anything more than
their professions as sex workers,”
Johnson said.

Sex Workers’controversy

The controversy surrounding the Sex Workers’ Art
Show created a red carpet for the performers leading up
to Friday night. Evangelicals on soapboxes armed with
mega-phones greeted guests, while inside, merchandise,
which had been banned from the workers’ event at
the College of William and Mary, sold quicker than
pogs in the mid-’90s.

A press conference was held early Friday to clarify
the dialogue occuring between the VCU administration,
the students and event organizers trying fruitlessly to
bring the event to the university.

Shortly after last year’s performance, Dean of Student
Affairs Reuban Rodriguez made a statement during a
Channel 8 news interview that the show would not
be allowed to return to VCU.

In another news interview, VCU
spokesperson Pam Lepley said that
no contract was ever drawn up
because student groups failed to
follow up on
the booking of
the art show.

Jeremy
Kidd, the former
event coordinator
and
current student
co-organizer,
acknowledged the administration’s
efforts to curb the event.

“There was a pretty universal
ambivalence towards having the
show on campus,” Kidd said.

According to event coordinators,
the administration misused its
authority to stifle the free speech
of the sex workers by forcing them
to perform off campus.

“In several news interviews, the
administration has given varying
reasons for why the Sex Workers’ Art Show is not
appearing at VCU, including a fallacious claim that no
one requested space for the event,” Kidd said.

Kidd said although proper steps were followed to
book the event, the administration still managed to
find “every possible excuse” to prevent the show from
happening at VCU.

“The VCU administration
has sacrificed
academic freedom and
embraced censorship
merely for political
convenience,” Kidd
said.

In a statement, Student
Body President
Jessica Lee stated how
disappointed she was
in the administration’s
inability to embrace
free speech and expression.

“I realize that some may be uncomfortable with the
show; however, I wish we could come to a greater
understanding that sometimes the road to knowledge
is not a comfortable thing,” Lee stated.

Annie Oakley – founder, director, road manager and
emcee for the show – praised the sold-out communitycenter
audience for their solidarity and commitment
to free speech.

“I want to thank you guys so much for being our
last taste of Virginia. It really brightened our feelings
for your state quite a bit,” Oakley said.