In this episode of YAS Podcast, host Nats Honey speaks with Akynos, founder and director of the Black Sex Worker Collective. They discuss the formation and purpose of the collective, the importance of preserving sex worker history, and the numerous challenges faced by Black sex workers, including financial struggles and systemic discrimination. Akynos highlights the significance of community support, engagement, and truthful representation of sex workers in media. The episode also touches on Akynos's environmental performance piece, 'I Didn't Mean To Turn You On,' and the newly opened BSWC community space in Berlin.
00:00 Introduction to YAS Podcast
00:48 Meet Your Hosts
01:08 Support and Donations
01:29 Today's Host: Nats Honey
02:24 Introducing Akynos and the Black Sex Worker Collective
03:54 Formation and Challenges of BSWC
07:29 Pronouns and Identity
08:39 Leadership Challenges and Wins
16:12 Villainous Conference and Community Engagement
24:21 Bees Knees Knee Pads
25:11 Upcoming Environmental Performance Piece
25:56 Facing Whorephobia and Cultural Misunderstandings
26:15 Eye-Opening Travels in West Africa
27:52 Reflections on Poverty in Jamaica and America
28:40 Creating a Show on Global South Issues
31:01 Berlin Show and New Community Space
34:24 Archiving Black Sex Worker History
38:12 Public vs. Private Conflict Resolution
41:18 Engaging with the UN and Future Plans
43:17 Final Thoughts and Call to Action
Links:
Villainous Conference Eventbrite
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