From Stigma to Solidarity: How ‘Playing the Whore’ Inspires a Movement for Change

Behind the stigma and criminalization of sex work lies a vibrant and resilient movement fighting for rights, dignity, and justice. Melissa Gira Grant’s Playing the Whore chronicles this ongoing struggle, revealing the power of solidarity and self-advocacy.

The sex worker rights movement began in the 1970s with groups like COYOTE, which challenged police violence and criminal laws. This activism often faced exclusion from mainstream feminist and social justice movements but persisted through grassroots organizing.

The movement embraces intersectionality, recognizing the overlapping oppressions of race, gender, class, and migration. This approach builds broad coalitions and connects sex worker rights to wider human rights struggles.

Decriminalization and labor rights are central goals, with countries like New Zealand providing hopeful examples. Involving sex workers in policy-making ensures reforms reflect their lived realities, improving safety and respect.

Melissa Gira Grant’s work is a call to recognize sex workers as agents of change and to join the movement for a just future.

Sources: Feminist Current review, Another Angry Woman blog, US Intellectual History blog, Goodreads reader reviews. 1 2 3 4