This is kind of neato—The Star Tribune has a blog called “Yesterday’s News” where it digs up old-timey newspaper articles, photos and ads. This week’s feature made the front page of the Minneapolis Tribune on May 9, 1953: Darlene LaBette Varallo, an “esoteric dancer”, was jailed for disorderly conduct. Two follow-up articles detail the handling… Continue reading Historical Wardrobe Malfunction
The Week in Links: March 18
There were almost 600 crimes committed against sex workers in Ireland last year. A (belated) article on SWOP-LA’s International Sex Workers’ Rights Day Celebration. Amber Rose, model, radio personality, and former Kanye girlfriend, says she was a stripper at age 15. Here’s a list of the 10 Best Prostitute Movies—but, ahem, it’s already been done.… Continue reading The Week in Links: March 18
A Conversation With My Mom
I do these interviews because I want to talk with other sex workers about our work, and because I think we all have interesting stories. But, after interviewing Matthew and his telling me he was coming out, it occurred to me that I didn’t have to worry about that. I acknowledge that I am very… Continue reading A Conversation With My Mom
Tiny Tuesdays: Part Fetish Night, Part Keep Portland Weird
This week I stopped by Tiny Tuesday at Lucky Devil Lounge (633 SE Powell). The ad boasted that all dancers would stand under five feet, there’s a three and half foot tall host, mini bottle service, a free drink for any customer under five feet, and “customers under 4 feet drink free all night!” I… Continue reading Tiny Tuesdays: Part Fetish Night, Part Keep Portland Weird
Malice in La-La Land
You may know her as Portland’s famous stripper, that MySpace celebrity, the anonymous Wikipedia alternative model, or the Wendy O-looking lady who’s always walking her miniature pinschers. I can’t tell you how many times people have insisted on telling me their oh-my-god-I-met-Malice-one-time-and-she’s-like-sooo-nice stories. It’s true; she is the sweetest, most approachable badass you could hope… Continue reading Malice in La-La Land