This week our host Kaytlin Bailey is joined by Old Pros historian, Dr. Charlene Fletcher for a powerful conversation about Maya Angelou’s unapologetic past as a sex worker. To ignore this part of Maya Angelou’s personal journey does a great disservice to her legacy. Maya Angelou wasn’t ashamed of sex work and neither are we. For more resources on this episode, visit our website: https://oldprosonline.org/maya-angelou-sex-worker

Maya Angelou: Sex Worker History is Part of Her Esteemed Legacy

The Oldest Profession Podcast reminds listeners that sex workers have always been part of the story. Each episode focuses on an “old pro” from history, contextualizing that figure in their own time and connecting their story to the ongoing struggle for sex worker rights.

Your host, Kaytlin Bailey, is a nationally touring stand up comic, notorious old pro, and sex worker rights advocate. She’s partnered with the whole team at Old Pros to create an accessible and entertaining resource for anyone who wants to learn more about sex workers and our place in history.

https://oldprosonline.org/the-oldest-profession-podcast

Comedy

History

Society & Culture

In this episode of The Oldest Profession Podcast, host Kaytlin Bailey celebrates the life of Pamela Churchill Harriman, a remarkable woman whose journey kept her at the forefront of history through the 20th century. Born in 1920, Pamela came of age on the cusp of WWII, marrying Randolph Churchill days before Hitler began bombing London. After divorcing the prime minister's son she embarked on a career as prominent socialite and companion of the rich and powerful in the high society of Milan, New York and Paris. Pamela's charisma and wit opened doors to powerful circles. However, it was resilience, political acumen, and fundraising ability that truly defined her legacy. In 1990 Bill Clinton asked her to serve as the United States Ambassador to France, which she proudly did. Pamela Churchill Harriman is an iconic figure worthy of exploration in this captivating episode. For more resources on this episode, please visit our website: https://oldprosonline.org/pamela-churchill-harriman/  This episode was made possible through recurring tax deductible contributions from listeners like you. We’d also like to thank our Season 5 sponsors A Great Idea, New Moon Network, Brian McVickar, and Tryst.link. Original Music by Adra Boo Music by Epidemic Sound The Oldest Profession Podcast is produced by Old Pros, a non-profit media organization creating conditions to change the status of sex workers in society. If you value our mission, please consider making a recurring contribution that you can commit to, and that we can count on. To learn more visit us at oldprosonline.org, which is also where you can get Old Pros t-shirts, sweatshirts, totes, stickers, and more. Of course, proceeds from our shop go to support Old Pros.

Pamela Churchill Harriman

n this thought-provoking episode of The Oldest Profession podcast, host Kaytlin Bailey explores the shared historical context of the stigma and criminalization of homosexuality and prostitution. Kaytlin discusses the origins of negative attitudes towards homosexuality and “non-traditional” sexual practices in the Abrahamic religions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. This episode highlights how these religious beliefs have shaped social mores and contributed to the marginalization of both LGBTQ+ individuals and sex workers. This episode challenges misconceptions and emphasizes the importance of both communities in the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ and sex worker rights.  Content Warning: This episode contains frank discussions and acknowledges the constantly evolving language used to identify stigmatized groups. Please be aware that sensitive topics related to marginalization, societal stigma, and historical erasure will be addressed. Listener discretion is advised. For more resources on this episode, please visit our website: https://oldprosonline.org/lgbtq-rights/. This episode was made possible through recurring tax deductible contributions from listeners like you. We’d also like to thank our Season 5 sponsors A Great Idea, New Moon Network, Mary Muse, and Tryst.link. Original Music by Adra Boo Music by Epidemic Sound The Oldest Profession Podcast is produced by Old Pros, a non-profit media organization creating conditions to change the status of sex workers in society. If you value our mission, please consider making a recurring contribution that you can commit to, and that we can count on. To learn more visit us at oldprosonline.org, which is also where you can get Old Pros t-shirts, sweatshirts, totes, stickers, and more. Of course, proceeds from our shop go to support Old Pros.

LGBTQ+ Rights & Sex Worker History

In this eye-opening episode of The Oldest Profession Podcast, host Kaytlin Bailey dives into the dark history of the Magdalene Laundries in Ireland and the homes for unwed mothers in the United States. These institutions were once touted as charitable organizations for "fallen women" and pregnant teens, but concealed a dark reality of exploitation and abuse. Kaytlin Bailey exposes the shocking treatment of these women, the heart-wrenching stories of forced separations from their children, and the whorephobic philosophy that justified their horrific treatment. Through compelling research, this episode sheds light on the pervasive impact of these institutions that exploited and harmed countless lives. For more resources on this episode, please visit our website: https://oldprosonline.org/magdalene-laundries-homes-for-unwed-mothers/ This episode was made possible through recurring tax deductible contributions from listeners like you. We’d also like to thank our Season 5 sponsors A Great Idea, New Moon Network, and Tryst.link. Original Music by Adra Boo Music by Epidemic Sound The Oldest Profession Podcast is produced by Old Pros, a non-profit media organization creating conditions to change the status of sex workers in society. If you value our mission, please consider making a recurring contribution that you can commit to, and that we can count on. To learn more visit us at oldprosonline.org, which is also where you can get Old Pros t-shirts, sweatshirts, totes, stickers, and more. Of course, proceeds from our shop go to support Old Pros.

Magdalene Laundries & Homes for Unwed Mothers

In this episode of The Oldest Profession Podcast, your host Kaytlin Bailey explores the life of prolific madam, Carol Erwin, who daringly thrived across the American West during the Great Depression and World War II. Kaytlin Bailey brings Carol's journey to life, with a particular focus on her establishment in Fairbanks, Alaska. Set against the backdrop of gold rushes and boomtowns, Carol's story shines a light on women's resilience amid legal constraints.  Shaped by a nomadic upbringing and fearless spirit, Carol Erwin embarked on a diverse range of experiences, from train hopping to running her own brothels and finally establishing a career as a painter. Throughout her ventures, Carol's unwavering independence portrays a pioneering woman who deserves a place in the annals of Wild West history.  A special shoutout to Alaska based sex worker rights advocate Tara Burns for drawing our attention to this amazing woman.  For more resources on this episode, please visit our website: https://oldprosonline.org/carol-erwin/ This episode was made possible through recurring tax deductible contributions from listeners like you. We’d also like to thank our Season 5 sponsors A Great Idea, New Moon Network, and Tryst.link. Original Music by Adra Boo Music by Epidemic Sound The Oldest Profession Podcast is produced by Old Pros, a non-profit media organization creating conditions to change the status of sex workers in society. If you value our mission, please consider making a recurring contribution that you can commit to, and that we can count on. To learn more visit us at oldprosonline.org, which is also where you can get Old Pros t-shirts, sweatshirts, totes, stickers, and more. Of course, proceeds from our shop go to support Old Pros.  

Carol Erwin

In this episode of The Oldest Profession Podcast, host Kaytlin Bailey explores the significance of December 17th, which is the International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers. This day has been observed by sex worker advocates and allies worldwide since December 17, 2003. Originally conceived as a memorial for the victims of the Green River serial killer in Seattle, this event reignited the sex worker rights movement and has kept the movement alive for the last twenty years.  In this episode, Kaytlin Bailey highlights the challenges faced by the sex worker rights movement in the 1990s and early 2000s, including violence, an increase in law and order policing, and the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS. She pays tribute to Annie Sprinkle, an accomplished performance artist and sex worker rights advocate and Robin Few, one of the founders of SWOP USA, who both played a pivotal role in organizing the first International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers. This annual ritual hosted around the world on December 17th allows sex workers and their allies to gather, share their stories, and commemorate those who have lost their lives to violence. These events serve as a powerful reminder that sex workers are real people and deserve dignity, respect, and safety. We at Old Pros encourage listeners to attend or host a December 17th event to support the sex worker rights movement and create awareness about the violence faced by sex workers worldwide. For more resources on this episode, please visit our website:  https://oldprosonline.org/december-17-international-day-to-end-violence-against-sex-workers/ This episode was made possible through recurring tax deductible contributions from listeners like you. We’d also like to thank our Season 5 sponsors A Great Idea, New Moon Network, Kam, Mary Muse, and Tryst.link. Original Music by Adra Boo Music by Epidemic Sound The Oldest Profession Podcast is produced by Old Pros, a non-profit media organization creating conditions to change the status of sex workers in society. If you value our mission, please consider making a recurring contribution that you can commit to, and that we can count on. To learn more visit us at oldprosonline.org, which is also where you can get Old Pros t-shirts, sweatshirts, totes, stickers, and more. Of course, proceeds from our shop go to support Old Pros.

Maya Angelou: Sex Worker History is Part of Her Esteemed Legacy

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