Why sex workers' right to choose anonymity is so important

[Sweet Emily J 172062]

Why Belle Knox's Anonymity Was So Important, As Told by an Out Sex Worker

By Eric Barry

 

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/eric-barry/why-the-anonymity-of-sex-_b_4906862.html

 

 

It was recently revealed that the Duke University freshmen who wrote an open and heartfelt essay about being a porn star is indeed adult performer Belle Knox. It was revealed by Knox herself in a follow-up piece for xoJane, wherein she reaffirmed her commitment to her work, and detailed the double standard sex workers face from the very people who are seeking their services.

 

But one particular reaction to Knox's brave and exceptionally poignant essay has left me, a fellow college educated out sex worker, particularly angry. There have been numerous media outlets that have accused Knox of being hypocritical, claiming that if she was truly as empowered and unashamed of her sex work as she claims, that she would never have taken a stage name.

 

Here's the problem: Knox's personal stance on what she does for a living does not negate the exceptionally negative response so many will have to that work. Knox herself has reported numerous threats of harassment, violence, and rape against her. Reports that according to Knox, were largely belittled or ignored by the police.

 

If you were successful in a line of work that you enjoyed, but you knew that those closest in your life - the people you needed and depend on: friends, family, classmates, teachers, and employers might suddenly view you as different, as unintelligent, as immoral, as damaged, as someone without sexual autonomy, and generally speaking as less-than if they found out about that line of work - wouldn't you too take measures to keep that from them?

 

I decided to come out as a sex worker myself on Full Disclosure, a podcast I host where I interview escorts, porn stars, sexologists and the like. Yes, it's had disastrous effects on my ability to find traditional employment. But I think if we're going to edge closer toward a world where sex workers have control of our own bodies and careers, then we need the world to know that we're your friends and neighbors, classmates and colleagues. And while I stand by that decision, the decision was mine and mine alone to make.

 

There is a real and genuine threat of physical violence and social exile that sex workers face, and Knox herself is experiencing that right now. But that threat existed before she wrote for xoJane: Knox was betrayed by a fellow Duke student who recognized her and in whom she confided. Once that student revealed Knox's identity, students and blogs alike began a twisted campaign to reveal her identity to the masses.

 

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