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Join Sex Work Exhibition Gallery Event
Why did you want to redefine sex work in this way?
The term sex work provides a powerful narrative that highlights the ‘sex work is work’ movement. “The concept of sex work unites [people] in the industry – [full service workers], porn actresses and dancers – who are enjoined by both legal and social needs” (Caorl Leigh, who coined the term). Originally coined to be inclusive of all types of work that exchange any variety of sexual services, it continues to shift as technology and the industry grow. S*x Work the gallery aims to continue on with this definition, we say “redefine” because we want to allow folks the creative opportunity to push even further with this inclusive narrative. For example, we want to highlight drag performers - with the current political world drag performers are lacking in labor protections, consistently criminalized, and have a high risk of violence and ostracization. This is the kind of thing that we want our artists to explore and our audiences to discuss.
The temporary redefinition is also so important as trans people - when we participate in the types of sex work that are considered “safer” or more protected, our trans identity often time counteracts that and leaves us open to harm and even less legal protection. Through redefinition for the night we also hold space for all the people who identify with our community but are scared to be outed, harassed or harmed.
S*x Work challenges artists and audience members to note all their experiences, redefine sex work for what it means to them, and to create both art and conversation from it.
It is not until full service sex work is protected that all other variations of sex work will also be respected.
Photographed: Mellionaire
Instagram: @mellionairevarietyarts
Maria Ignacia
Instagram: @mims_fotos
Experience the Magic of Sex Work Exhibition Gallery Event
Q: What kind of impact have you seen so far?
Q: Where do you hope to see S*x Work in the future?
Q: Where do you hope to see S*x Work in the future?
Photographed: Tex NoLogic
Instagram: @irisdeziree
Honestly, it’s been beautiful. So many people told us that S*x Work inspired them or gave them the courage to share their art in a new way. That’s the kind of ripple effect we dreamed of, visibility and empowerment.
At the same time, this event is one night of art, discussion, and celebration- but it’s important we stay close to the bigger picture: we’re still fighting for survival. Each year we’d love to focus more and more on tangible resources — things like free STD testing, housing support, drug test kits, food access.
We want to see art by sex workers about sex work recognized as professional art in the same way as any other gallery show. And we want our artists to leave not just with applause, but with resources, safety, and community.
Q: Where do you hope to see S*x Work in the future?
Q: Where do you hope to see S*x Work in the future?
Q: Where do you hope to see S*x Work in the future?
Photographed: Cole Valentine
Instagram: @meowmxart
Our dream is that this show keeps expanding — not just in size, but in power. We want to see art by sex workers about sex work recognized as professional art in the same way as any other gallery show. And we want our artists to leave not just with applause, but with resources, safety, and community.
While S*x Work the gallery is looking to invite everyone to the table - we also want to acknowledge that having a seat doesn’t mean you need a microphone. We still encourage everyone involved in our show to prioritize the voices of full service workers. Our industry’s demand for change began with full service workers and it cannot be successful until full service work is decriminalized, destigmatized, and offered complete labor protections.