A Sex Worker's Guide to the Galaxy

This episode of "A Sex Worker's Guide to the Galaxy" marks the International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers, founded by Annie Sprinkle and Robyn Few in 2003. Host Parker Westwood discusses the history of the day, highlighting the Green River Killer, Gary Ridgway, who targeted sex workers, and the systemic dehumanization of sex workers through the "No Humans Involved" (NHI) designation. The episode features interviews with veteran sex workers' rights activists, including Melissa Ditmore, Jill McCracken, Tracy Quan, Stella Zine, and Veronica Vera, who recount their experiences and the evolution of December 17th events. The conversation emphasizes the need for decriminalization to end violence and improve the lives of sex workers.

**Trigger Warnings** sexual violence & serial killings/murders

Personal Accounts or Statements from: 

Veronica Vera: VeronicaVeraWrites.com

Tracy Quan: http://tracyquan.net

Annie Sprinkle: https://sprinklestephens.ucsc.edu/

Stella Zine: https://linktr.ee/stellazine

Jill McCracken

Zee St.James: 

Melissa Ditmore: https://melissaditmore.com/about/

Host: Parker Westwood: https://parkerwestwood.com/

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/SexyGalaxyPod

A Network of Sex Workers to Excite Revolution (ANSWER): https://answerdetroit.org/

Articles and Things that We Mention/Cite:

“List of Names for 2025 December 17th” by COYOTE-RI: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LOm3Lut-IRSGhEaxcm4XqtRAyyAsY8FIMgLhvEA6CKI/edit?tab=t.0

“Predatory Prostitute” Video by Juniper Flemming: https://vimeo.com/263617662?&login=true

“How to End Violence Against Sex Workers” by Jayne Swift: https://genderpolicyreport.umn.edu/how-to-end-violence-against-sex-workers/

“No Humans Involved (NHI): The dehumanization of black people” by Guy Nave for Medium: https://medium.com/illumination-curated/no-humans-involved-nhi-the-dehumanization-of-black-people-8866a7122f97

“International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers” by National Ugly Mugs: https://nationaluglymugs.org/idevasw/

“International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers” by Decriminalize Sex Work: 

https://decriminalizesex.work/international-day-to-end-violence-against-sex-workers/

“AIDS United marks the International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers” by AIDS United: https://decriminalizesex.work/international-day-to-end-violence-against-sex-workers/

“Pimps are People Too” by Tracy Quan: https://mycitypaper.com/articles/2003-12-18/slant.shtml

“International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers” by Global Network of Sex Worker Projects: https://www.nswp.org/event/international-day-end-violence-against-sex-workers-6

“Green River homicides investigation” by King County Sherrif’s Office website: https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/sheriff/courts-jails-legal-system/sheriff-services/investigations/green-river

“Gary Ridgway: The Green River Killer” by Real Crime: https://youtu.be/9iAsZH_30rM?si=NTnINXHIucpRm4YE

“Gary Ridgway” by Biography.com: https://www.biography.com/crime/gary-ridgway

“Organize Like a Sex Worker: Learning from worker and organizer Kate D’Adamo” by Scarleteen: https://www.scarleteen.com/read/culture/organize-sex-worker-learning-worker-and-organizer-kate-dadamo

“Direct Action: by the Activist’s Handbook: https://activisthandbook.org/tactics/direct-action?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA9vS6BhA9EiwAJpnXw3b4dLkEVM3mwQ4UehGAxMg_rWSp53jFbxGX5UBUfpBOOwgr6I5ethoCeTEQAvD_BwE

“How to Organize a Direct Action” by Resist Harm: https://resistharm.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/ResistHarm_OrganizingDirectAction.pdf

“Direct Action Manual” by Mutual Aid Disaster Relief and Earth First!: https://mutualaiddisasterrelief.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/direct_action_manual_3-1.pdf

Erin Taylor (The poet with the more angry poem from Tracy’s account of 2019 NYC D17 Event): https://bluestockings.com/item/NLwFYGtI2nOisHHXp9SzZg

Rachel Rabbit White (who organized 2019 NYC vigil from Tracy’s account) : https://www.thebeliever.net/logger/an-interview-with-rachel-rabbit-white/

“Dis/organizing Toolkit: How We Build Collectives Beyond Institutions” by Hacking Hustling

https://hackinghustling.org/research-2/disorganizing-toolkit/

“The Legacy of Cecilia Gentili: Artist, Mother, and Saint of Trans Liberation” https://www.them.us/story/cecilia-gentili-artist-mother-organizer-and-saint-of-trans-liberation

“Arrested for Walking While Trans: An Interview with Monica Jones” 

https://www.aclu.org/news/criminal-law-reform/arrested-walking-while-trans-interview-monica-jones 

ACT UP New York: https://actupny.org/documents/documents.html

“Rescue is for Kittens: 10 Things Everyone Needs to Know about ‘Rescues’ of Youth in the Sex Trade” by Eminism.org: https://eminism.org/blog/entry/400

"Supporting Sex Workers and Survivors: Lessons for Defense Campaigns" by SurvivedandPunished.org: https://survivedandpunished.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/SP-Sex-Work-toolkit.pdf

"Maine's Bad Prostitution Law Could Be Coming Soon to Your State" by Elizabeth Nolan Brown for Reason.com: https://reason.com/2024/01/03/maines-bad-prostitution-law-could-be-coming-soon-to-your-state/

This week, we get to speak with Chad, a Texas-based male escort and friend of mine. He shares with us his perspective on sex work being healing in two directions, both for him and his clients. We also talk extensively about STIs and PrEP. We talk about stigma of various kinds revolving around sex and sex work and how they can crop up in non-profit settings, even when the organizations mission is to serve sex workers.

**TW: Sexual Assault and Suicide**

Things We Talk About:

• PrEP Resources:
• https://heymistr.com/
• https://www.nurx.com/prep/
• https://www.hiv.gov/federal-response/ending-the-hiv-epidemic/prep-program
• https://www.iwantprepnow.co.uk/
• https://endinghiv.org.au/stay-safe/prep/#
• STIs: "Six Things Sex Educators Wish You Knew About STIs" by Planned Parenthood
• COYOTE (Call Off Your Old Tired Ethics)
• "Bidi Bidi Bum Bum" by Selena
• Harm Reduction
• Resonance Art Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KEjtcsZ4TI

Podcast Links:

• Patreon: patreon.com/SexyGalaxyPod
• Website: parkerwestwood.com/podcast/
• Twitter: @SexyGalaxyPod
• ANSWER-Detroit: answerdetroit.org

This is the second half of my interview with Makeda Joi, an escort based out of Atlanta, GA. Last time, we talked about compassion, toxic masculinity, and privilege. The last half of our discussion is dedicated to all things joy and resilience, something we could all use more of right now. <3

Makeda Joi's Links:

• Website: MakedaJoi.com
• Twitter: @makedajoi

Things We Talk About:

• Sex Matters: From sex to superconsciousness by Osho (book)
• The original translation of the Kama Sutra by Vatsyayana (book)
• River by Leon Bridges (song)

Podcast Links:

• Patreon: patreon.com/SexyGalaxyPod
• Website: parkerwestwood.com/podcast/
• Twitter: @SexyGalaxyPod
• ANSWER-Detroit: answerdetroit.org

We are graced by the presence of Makeda Joi, an escort based in Atlanta, GA. In this episode we talk about privilege, acceptance, compassion, toxic masculinity, and we do it with gusto!

Makeda Joi's Links:

• Website: MakedaJoi.com
• Twitter: @makedajoi

Things We Talk About:

• Full Service Podcast with Tank
• Atlanta Strip Club Magic City Article

(Check out Part Two's show notes, because I am definitely missing some here.)

Podcast Links:

• Patreon: patreon.com/SexyGalaxyPod
• Website: parkerwestwood.com/podcast/
• Twitter: @SexyGalaxyPod
• ANSWER-Detroit: answerdetroit.org

This week we talk with Chris Ballbelly, a belly-bloat content creator. He talks to us about the belly-bloat fetish community, the importance of listening to your body while creating this kind of content, and being a content creator with autism. It's an interesting conversation with a charming individual about a niche area of sex work. Enjoy!

**Trigger Warning: Binge Eating Behavior**

Chris Ballbelly's Links:

Twitter: @BallbellyChris

Instagram: @chrisballbelly

PornHub: pornhubcom/model/chris-ball-belly

Things We Talk About:

Pop Rocks & Coke Myth Busters

LittleMissBelly Youtube

Pultinos

ANSWER's Links:

Website: www.answerdetroit.org

Instagram: @weareanswerdetroit

Twitter: @answerdetroit

Podcast Links:

Website: parkerwestwood.com/podcast/

Patreon: Patreon.com/SexyGalaxyPod

Twitter: @SexyGalaxyPod

Instagram: @parker.westwood

It's been nearly one year since we heard from Savannah. She and her partner, Mountain Man Link, joined us for last years Valentine's Day couples episode. This time, she's returning with a new last name and a new outlook on life. Savannah Hart talks to us about her rebranding and the burnout that preceded it. She discusses the tactics that she used to move forward from that burnout moment and find ways to make the work better suited to what she wants out of life.

Savannah Hart's Links:

Website: savannahhart.com

OnlyFans: onlyfans.com/savannahhart

Twitter: @yoursavannahxo

Instagram: @yoursavannahxo

Linktree: @yoursavannahxo

ANSWER Detroit's Links:

Website: answerdetroit.org

GoFundMe: gofundme.com/f/grantmatching-fundraiser

Twitter: @answerdetroit

Instagram: @weareanswerdetroit

Podcast Links:

Patreon: patreon.com/SexyGalaxyPod

Website: parkerwestwood.com/podcast

Merch: sexygalaxypod.bigcartel.com

Twitter: @SexyGalaxyPod

Instagram: @parker.westwood

"A Sex Worker's Guide to the Galaxy" has been a podcast for one whole year! This episode is a big thank you to the many people who have made this podcast happen and an announcement of an online merch store (SexyGalaxyPod.bigcartel.com)! Thank you for one year, you wonderful human beings!

Things I Talk About:

• A Network of Sex Workers to Excite Revolution (ANSWER) Detroit
• ANSWER Detroit Fundraiser
• Companion Tax
• Captivate.fm
• Detroit Podcast Festival
• Erin Allen
• Skyler Mills
• Kori Davenport
• KA2 Art (doowarrt.bigcartel.com)
• "The Iridium Flare Era is About to End" by David Dickinson
• Iridium Satellite and Flare Tracker at satflare.com

Mental Health Resources:

• National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
• American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists
• "The Sex Worker Self Care Kit" by Anna Borges
• Sex Worker Outreach Project (SWOP) Counseling (Australia)
• Pineapple Support Subsidized Therapy for Adult Industry Workers

Podcast Links:

• Patreon: patreon.com/SexyGalaxyPod
• Website: parkerwestwood.com/podcast
• MERCH!: SexyGalaxyPod.bigcartel.com
• Twitter: @SexyGalaxyPod
• Instagram: @Parker.Westwood

In this Episode we talk about Elaina St. James journey as a new OnlyFans model, how sex work facilitated her acceptance of her body, and the struggle for work-life balance. We also discuss solo parenting as a sex worker, flipping society's ageism the middle finger, and Elaina's general badassery.

Elaina's Links:

Website: elainastjames.com

OnlyFans: onlyfans.com/elainastjames and onlyfans.com/elainavip

Twitter: @ElainaStJames

Instagram: @Elaina.StJames

LinkTree: linktr.ee/ElainaStJames

ANSWER-Detroit Links:

Website: answerdetroit.org

GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/giving-season-grantmatching-fundraiser

Things We Talk About:

• Margo St. James
• Mrs. Poindexter
• OnlyFans explicit content ban and reversal
• Merkins were mentioned so... "Map of Tazmania" by Amanda Palmer and The Young Punx
• Dolly Parton's America Podcast
• When God Was a Woman (book)
• Cleopatra (book)

Podcast Links:

Website: parkerwestwood.com/podcast

Patreon: patreon.com/SexyGalaxyPod

Twitter: @SexyGalaxyPod

This week, we're talking about selling worn items with a wonderful human being and fan of the show, Calla Miia. She tells about her experience getting into the industry, what she's learned, and what it's like. She shares about how sex work allowed her to explore her sexual identity and get to know herself better. We also talk about the importance of mental health and, probably most importantly, puppies.

Calla Miia's Links:

PantyDeal: pantydeal.com/member/callamiia

Things We Talk About:

BDSM Test

PantyDeal.com

Panty Selling School

SW Rolodex (website where Sex Workers can find and hire freelancers for various projects)

ANSWER-Detroit Links:

Website: www.answerdetroit.org

Grant-Matching Fundraiser: https://www.gofundme.com/f/giving-season-grantmatching-fundraiser?utm_campaign=p_lico+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer

Twitter: @answerdetroit

Instagram: @weareanswerdetroit

Podcast Links:

Website: parkerwestwood.com/podcast

Patreon: patreon.com/SexyGalaxyPod

Twitter: @SexyGalaxyPod

We hear from Kristy Cooper, former stripper, librarian, and now author of the book I Was a Stripper Librarian: From Cardigans to G-strings. We discuss stripping as an industry, feminist views of sex work, and community organizing skills that Kristy learned from sex workers. Kristy also opens up about the stigma surrounding sex work and the emotional strain of living a double life.

Kristy Cooper's Links:

I Was A Stripper Librarian: From Cardigans to G-Strings (book)

Things We Talk About:

Library Freedom Institute

Revolting Prostitutes (book)

Westland Public Library Protests

Live Nude Girls Unite (documentary)

Lusty Lady Stripper Union

Project Green Light (Detroit Surveillance Bullshit)

I did not figure out how to spell the name of the musical artist mentioned. I wish you all more luck finding it than I had. :-)

Podcast Links:

Patreon: patreon.com/sexygalaxypod

Website: parkerwestwood.com/podcast