Dancers in Portland aren't even paid an hourly wage, and in fact are required to pay "stage fees" and in some instances tip out djs and bouncers. They rely solely on tips for income.

I would love to see this pass...and then spread to other states. I just really strongly believe that sex workers deserve so much more than the hand they're dealt. They are making an honest living just like everyone else and are entitled to safe and fair working conditions. However I do contend with my own personal…

This is great and I wish them luck.I worked in a strip club for nine months as a dancer and then 18 months as a cocktail waitress. The club I worked at was incredibly sketchy and absolutely predatory and exploitative of all their employees. Unfortunately from what I hear from friends still in the industry, almost all…

Seriously, I would love to see a club version of 'Kitchenette' where performers share their best/worst/weirdest customer stories. Assuming Emma wants to leave her current job for the money and prestige of online journalism, of course.

I retired from my club job three months ago and this email made me shudder from foul memories. You exercised remarkable, NAY, saintly restraint in your response.

You forgot: "Don't get too drunk!" (for oh, so many reasons...).

Stripper here. I can confirm that a big group of ladies is a dreaded sight at the club.

Not the norm, but every club has some ruthless people who will try to take advantage. Like girls who just start dancing without asking when they know there is a tab with multiple people on it. Or quote more dances than they actually did. I tried to treat people fairly and not take advantage. It was one of those…

not to sound thirsty, but oh my god emma. you are so fucking cool.

We don't want to be sexualized by you guys

5. But also legit I've never met a stripper who didn't love lesbians coming in so

Thank you! Thank you to you and the other ladies in the field who've commented. I try to be as respectful and generous as I can but I've only been to a club a few times with some friends so my knowledge on the money stuff is pretty hit and miss (trying to be generous but it's good to have a solid baseline now). Thank…

*this

Peeps, come on. That felt fake to me. That was the craziest rantiest commenter ever. I just do not believe that person could be real.

she sure showed me!

Back before my face and body submitted to gravity, I spent two years shaking my ass at a relatively 'classy' chain in the south. We had to wear gowns on the floor while cruisin' for customers, and if some of the more *assertive* ladies happened to catch anyone giving extras in the VIP, they would get the shit kicked…

I'm currently perusing a degree in Prancethropology

To our male oppressor/friends: We don't want to be sexualized by you, subjected to the male gaze, or ANY kind of sexual objectification, but STRIPPERS ARE LITERALLY THERE TO BE HOT AND ADMIRED LIKE OMG!!! Make sure you bring $40 too because strippers deserve mad respect.

It's your birthday, hurray!