The Dark Side of Policing Sex Work and How ‘Playing the Whore’ Exposes It

Policing of sex work is often portrayed as protecting society, but Melissa Gira Grant’s Playing the Whore reveals a darker reality: law enforcement practices frequently perpetuate violence, stigma, and harm against sex workers.

Police sting operations produce videos that serve as ongoing public shaming, marking sex workers permanently. In many jurisdictions, condoms are seized as evidence of prostitution, deterring safe sex and increasing health risks. These practices reflect a system designed to control and punish, rather than protect.

Sex workers face routine harassment, physical abuse, and sexual coercion from police, especially transgender and racialized individuals. Globally, forced testing and illegal detention are common, underscoring the pervasive nature of this violence.

The identity of the 'prostitute' is a social construction created in the 19th century to regulate sexuality and justify policing. This historical context helps us understand how stigma and criminalization are intertwined tools of control.

Despite these challenges, sex workers organize and advocate for their rights, demanding decriminalization and labor protections. Models like New Zealand’s show that involving sex workers in policy-making improves safety and dignity.

Melissa Gira Grant’s work is a vital exposé that calls for a rethinking of how society polices and supports sex work.

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