In this episode of YAS Podcast, host AM Davies interviews Savannah Sly, a seasoned sex worker and activist affiliated with New Moon. The discussion covers the intricate issues of white supremacy culture, ableism, and the unique challenges faced by marginalized sex workers. Savannah shares her journey into activism, driven by personal experiences with the war on drugs and her immersion into the sex worker advocacy community. The conversation also delves into the historical and current impacts of anti-sex trafficking campaigns fueled by propaganda and moralistic agendas. Savannah highlights the importance of local community organizing, mutual support among sex workers, and the necessity of engaging with various social justice movements to resist fascism effectively. The episode concludes with an overview of New Moon's initiatives, focusing on philanthropic engagement, financial support for sex worker-led organizations, and capacity-building programs aimed at empowering the sex worker rights movement.

00:00 The Urgency of Collective Action

00:33 Welcome to YAS Podcast

01:34 Introducing Today's Guest: Savannah Sly

02:10 Savannah's Journey into Sex Work

03:32 The Impact of the War on Drugs

04:28 Sex Worker Advocacy and Propaganda

05:44 The Rise of Anti-Sex Trafficking Campaigns

06:33 The Role of Feminism in the Sex Work Debate

09:00 Manufactured Hysteria and Its Consequences

12:08 The Growth of the Sex Worker Rights Movement

17:19 Challenges in Advocacy and Activism

19:59 Lessons on White Supremacy Culture

26:16 Coping with Current Global Challenges

27:18 Facing Fear and Privilege

29:06 The Role of Privileged People in Resistance

30:47 Local Engagement and Political Action

32:30 Conversations with Trump Supporters

34:51 Sex Workers' Unique Perspective on Authoritarianism

42:05 New Moon Network's Mission and Work

49:10 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Links

Beyond Strange Bedfellows (article)

Characteristics of White Supremacy Culture

New Moon Network

Savannah Sly Website

YAS Work Instagram

YAS Work BlueSky

YAS Work Twitter

YAS Work Youtube

In this episode of YAS Podcast, host Daisy Ducati speaks with Lolo Lavish, the 'High Siren,' about her unique spiritual journey and its intersection with sex work. Lolo shares her experiences as a psychic medium and how embracing her identity as a mermaid has influenced her perspective and practices. The conversation delves into the connection between water, femininity, and sensuality, emphasizing the importance of honoring one's body and desires. Lolo discusses her efforts to help sex workers through spiritual readings and rituals, advocating for self-love and dismantling systematic oppression. The episode highlights the transformative power of seduction and spirituality for challenging the patriarchy and supporting marginalized communities.

00:00 Introduction to Seduction and Politics

00:19 Welcome to YAS Podcast

01:23 Meet Our Guest: Lolo Lavish

02:40 Lolo's Journey as a Psychic Medium

06:34 The Connection Between Spirituality and Sex Work

09:26 The Importance of Water in Spirituality

14:16 Challenges and Transitions in Lolo's Life

22:31 The Power of Seduction in Social Change

27:01 The Power of Spirituality in Femininity

27:46 The Rise of Spiritual Practices in Strip Clubs

28:03 Controversies Around Spiritual Altars in Clubs

29:03 Hexing and Mermaids in Clubs

30:38 Services Offered to Dancers

33:43 The Impact of Spiritual Work

34:46 Handling Negative Messages

36:26 The Importance of Authenticity in Spirituality

37:21 Embracing Feminine Energy and Water Magic

38:56 Spiritual Hygiene Tips

43:23 Mermaids and Gender Identity

45:14 Discovering Your Inner Mermaid

46:59 Final Thoughts and Offerings

Links

The Blue Dollar Website

The Blue Dollar Instagram

Lolo Lavish Instagram

YAS Work Instagram

YAS Work BlueSky

YAS Work Twitter

YAS Work Youtube

In this episode of YAS Podcast, host AM Davies speaks with Mark, the director of the Queer Sex Worker Initiative for Refugees based in Kenya. The conversation sheds light on the organization's work in providing shelter, food, and support to LGBTQ asylum seekers and refugees who often have no other means of survival but sex work. Mark discusses the immense challenges faced by queer individuals in Kenya, including legal discrimination and societal stigma. Despite these hurdles, the organization continues to advocate for the rights and safety of LGBTQ sex workers through community outreach, skill-building programs, and collaborations with international supporters. Listeners are encouraged to visit QSWIR.org to learn more and contribute to their crucial work.

00:00 Introduction to Police Interactions

00:33 Welcome to YAS Podcast

01:33 Meet Today's Guest: Mark from Queer Sex Worker Initiative for Refugees

02:13 Challenges Faced by LGBTQ Refugees in Kenya

08:18 The Importance of the Safe House

14:26 Recent Raid on the Shelter

18:38 Ongoing Struggles and Advocacy Efforts

26:08 Achievements and Triumphs

27:15 Introduction to CVT and Trauma Support

28:28 The Importance of Safe Spaces

29:02 Programs and Outreach Initiatives

30:05 Crafts and Economic Empowerment

34:04 Challenges and Support for the Queer Community

35:15 Advocacy and the Magazine Initiative

45:53 Personal Insights and Leadership

48:51 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

QSWIR.org

QSWIR GoFundMe

QSWIR Instagram

YAS Work Instagram

YAS Work BlueSky

YAS Work Twitter

YAS Work Youtube

In this episode of YAS Podcast, host AM Davies welcomes Gal Mariya Rivers, a not safe for work content creator and artist. Together, they delve into Gal's journey of embracing body hair, challenging societal norms, and finding confidence and artistic voice through erotic content. The conversation touches on body liberation, gender identity, and the psychological impact of societal beauty standards. Gal shares her personal evolution from struggling with body image to celebrating her authentic self, also addressing the nuances of dealing with online criticism and fostering positive conversations about body image with her audience. This episode highlights the intersection of sex work, art, and activism, emphasizing the significance of authentic expression in changing public perceptions about bodies and sex work.

00:00 Introduction and Personal Anecdote

00:20 Welcome to YAS Podcast

00:39 Meet the Hosts

00:51 Support and Donations

01:29 Today's Episode and Guest Introduction

03:00 Interview with Gal Mariya Rivers Begins

03:33 Pronouns and Gender Identity

05:42 Body Image and Reddit Journey

09:10 Transition to NSFW Content

12:46 Body Liberation and Online Communities

35:18 Navigating Authenticity and Consent

42:58 Break and Upcoming Topics

43:24 Introduction to Queer and Sex Worker Refugees (ad)

43:40 Impact of ADHD and Autism on Art

45:20 Navigating Consistency and Creativity

50:56 Body Hair and Societal Norms

53:55 Empowerment Through Authenticity

01:01:37 The Realities of Sex Work

01:05:07 Dealing with Haters

01:14:13 Final Thoughts and Future Outlook

01:17:33 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

Links 

Gal Mariya’s Website

Gal Mariya’s OnlyFans   

YAS Work Instagram

YAS Work BlueSky

YAS Work Twitter

YAS Work Youtube

In this episode of YAS Podcast, host Daisy Ducati, along with co-host AM Davies, engages with guests Elene Lam and Chanelle Gallant to discuss their book 'Not Your Rescue Project.' The conversation delves into the problematic aspects of anti-trafficking movements, revealing how these initiatives often harm rather than help sex workers, particularly migrant and racialized workers. Highlighting the intersection of SW, migration, and racial justice, the discussion uncovers the urgency of addressing the misconceptions behind rescue projects and calls for unified support from the left. The episode also focuses on the organizing efforts of Butterfly, an Asian and migrant SW support network, and explores the detrimental impact of criminalization and policing on sex workers. Listeners are encouraged to educate themselves, support migrant SW organizations, and challenge the systemic issues within anti-trafficking movements.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Hosts

00:41 Welcome to YAS Podcast

02:13 Meet Our Guests: Elene Lamb and Chanelle

03:17 Discussing 'Not Your Rescue Project'

05:48 The Intersection of Sex Work and Racial Justice

07:42 Challenges Faced by Migrant SW's

10:39 The Role of Anti-Trafficking Movements

16:15 The Complexity of Migrant SW

21:57 The Anti-Trafficking Industry

26:49 Racism in Human Trafficking Narratives

37:56 State Exploitation and Armed Robbery

38:22 Undercover Officers and Legal Loopholes

38:54 ICE Arrests and Migrant SW

39:45 The Spectacle of Cruelty in Immigration Enforcement

40:14 Sex Workers and Immigration Enforcement Tactics

40:43 Anti-Trafficking Organizations and Surveillance

43:38 Racial Disparities in Anti-Trafficking Efforts

44:05 The Criminalization of Migrant SW's

49:44 Funding Disparities in Anti-Trafficking Movements

58:55 The Resistance and Organizing of Migrant SW's

01:01:14 How to Support Migrant SW's

01:04:07 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Links

Butterfly SW Org

Butterfly Instagram

Chanelle Galante Website

Chanelle Instagram

Daisy Instagram

YAS Work Instagram

YAS Work BlueSky

YAS Work Twitter

YAS Work Youtube

In this episode, we learn about the UN and the way the US forced representatives from different countries and organizations to talk to one another.  We learn how global human rights is interconnected and how this coalition of SW’s keep doing their work despite having to work around new rules and a constant changing landscape, but one that is mostly pushing back against Trans people and SW’s.  The discussion highlights the urgent need for activism within the sex worker community, focusing on human rights and the impact of US policies internationally.

Links

BPPP

NJ RUA

YAS Store Bees Knees Knee Pads Affiliate Link - 10% off

Donate to YAS Work

00:00 Call to Action for Sex Workers

00:28 Introduction to YAS Podcast

00:46 Meet the Hosts

01:27 Introducing the Guests

01:46 Sex Worker Rights Coalition

02:00 Guest Introductions

04:03 Discussing the UPR and UN Work

04:54 Best Practices Policy Project

07:06 Impact of US Policies on Global Sex Work

22:30 Challenges in HIV/AIDS Advocacy

27:21 Creating the UPR Report

37:58 Empowering Sex Workers Through Human Rights

38:42 The Importance of Writing Workshops

39:46 Challenges and Misconceptions in Activism

41:32 Political Engagement in Washington, DC

45:16 Global Advocacy and the United Nations

58:17 The Fight for Decriminalization

01:06:10 Supporting the Movement: How You Can Help

01:12:35 Closing Remarks and Call to Action

In this Sex Worker Pride special, Maedb Joy (Sexquisite) and AM Davies (YasPodcast) examine the strip-club industry, exploitation scandals, and the fight for decriminalisation. Both survivors of serious road accidents, they discuss how those experiences fuelled their activism and the creation of Sexquisite, YAS Podcast, a program of YAS Work, and Strippers United, showing that sex-worker rights know no borders.

Follow Sxquisite Podcast

Donate to YAS Work

Shop at the YAS Store

Follow us on IG

Follow us on BlueSky

Follow us on X

In this episode, representatives Margot and Sabeen from Fired Up Stilettos discuss their fight for sex workers' rights in New Zealand. They share the genesis of the movement, which began with collective action against exploitative practices at a Wellington strip club, leading to the firing of 19 dancers. The movement has since evolved into a broader campaign for better legislation and rights enforcement. They discuss the challenges sex workers face, including unfair fines, contract changes without notice, and broader industry-specific issues. The conversation also touches on their media strategies, protests, and outreach work to build solidarity among sex workers and gain political support. Additionally, they highlight a recent case involving a top government official, Michael Forbes, to underscore systemic issues in protecting sex workers’ rights.

LINKS

Fired Up Stiletto Website

https://firedupstilettos.com/

YAS Store Bees Knees Knee Pads Affiliate Link - 10% off

https://www.beeskneeskneepads.com/collections/best-pole-knee-pads?sca_ref=7060136.lpCV4SclDt

Donate to YAS Work

https://yaswork.org/donate/

00:00 Introduction and Greetings

00:31 The Birth of Fired Up Stilettos

00:58 Initial Challenges and Collective Action

02:28 Media Strategy and Union Formation

03:42 Union Busting and Worker Solidarity

06:38 Legislative Efforts and Parliamentary Speeches

08:31 Independent Contractor vs. Employee Debate

17:11 Exploitation in the Strip Club Industry

18:37 Club Practices and Worker Rights

23:22 The State of Strip Clubs in New Zealand

23:57 Building Solidarity Among Strippers and Sex Workers

25:06 Fighting for Rights and Legal Support

25:55 Challenges and Collective Power

27:21 Political Recognition and Next Steps

29:49 Outreach and Community Involvement

32:07 Addressing Exploitation and Financial Support

34:15 Michael Forbes Scandal

38:15 The Need for Legislative Change

42:45 Supporting the Movement and Final Thoughts

In this episode of YAS Podcast, host Nats Honey speaks with Akynos, founder and director of the Black Sex Worker Collective. They discuss the formation and purpose of the collective, the importance of preserving sex worker history, and the numerous challenges faced by Black sex workers, including financial struggles and systemic discrimination. Akynos highlights the significance of community support, engagement, and truthful representation of sex workers in media. The episode also touches on Akynos's environmental performance piece, 'I Didn't Mean To Turn You On,' and the newly opened BSWC community space in Berlin.

00:00 Introduction to YAS Podcast

00:48 Meet Your Hosts

01:08 Support and Donations

01:29 Today's Host: Nats Honey

02:24 Introducing Akynos and the Black Sex Worker Collective

03:54 Formation and Challenges of BSWC

07:29 Pronouns and Identity

08:39 Leadership Challenges and Wins

16:12 Villainous Conference and Community Engagement

24:21 Bees Knees Knee Pads

25:11 Upcoming Environmental Performance Piece

25:56 Facing Whorephobia and Cultural Misunderstandings

26:15 Eye-Opening Travels in West Africa

27:52 Reflections on Poverty in Jamaica and America

28:40 Creating a Show on Global South Issues

31:01 Berlin Show and New Community Space

34:24 Archiving Black Sex Worker History

38:12 Public vs. Private Conflict Resolution

41:18 Engaging with the UN and Future Plans

43:17 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Links:

Akynos.com

Villainous Conference Eventbrite

The BSWC Website

Follow BSWC on Instagram

Follow NatsHoney on Instagram

Support our work: YASStore.Shop

Donate to our work: YASWork.Org/Donate

In this episode of YAS Podcast, hosts AM Davies (AMD) and Emily welcome Sam Sun from the East London Stripper Collective. The discussion covers the collective's history, their efforts in decriminalizing sex work, and the diverse initiatives they are involved in, including their innovative tour of the 'strip mile' in East London. Sam also shares insights into the challenges faced by sex workers in the UK and the community's unique relationship with kink culture. They highlight the importance of creating supportive, ethical environments within the industry and the collective's ongoing efforts to humanize and advocate for sex workers.

Links

East London Stripper Collective Website

https://eastlondonstripperscollective.com/

ELSC Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/eastlondonstripperscollective/

YAS Store Bees Knees Knee Pads Affiliate Link - 10% off

https://www.beeskneeskneepads.com/collections/best-pole-knee-pads?sca_ref=7060136.lpCV4SclDt

Donate to YAS Work

https://yaswork.org/donate/

00:00 Welcome to YAS Podcast

00:18 Meet the Hosts

00:30 Supporting the Podcast

00:59 Special Guest: Samantha Sun

01:49 Introduction to East London Stripper Collective

03:24 Challenges and Achievements

07:23 Cultural Impact and Public Perception

12:25 Aesthetics and Subculture

28:58 Advocating for Decriminalization

32:45 Legal Advisors and Their Role

33:56 Challenges with Licensing and Legal Advice

35:05 Kink Community and Licensing Issues

40:41 History of East London Strip Clubs

51:39 Current Projects and Future Plans

01:01:55 Conclusion and Contact Information