S3 E11: What Does It Mean to Be Human? More Importantly, What Does It Mean to Have Humanity? with Zalika

In this episode of When We're Not Hustling, Jessie Sage speaks with Zalika U. Ibaorimi, PhD, about the complex intersections of race, gender, and sex work. They discuss how Blackness disrupts conventional categories of identity and the limitations of the term "sex worker" in encompassing the diverse experiences within the sex industry. The conversation delves into the historical and systemic dehumanization of marginalized bodies, particularly focusing on the concept of "no humans involved" as a police code and its broader implications in Black studies. Zalika, an anti-disciplinary artist and professor, shares insights from her projects exploring Black femme identities and the societal constructs of humanism. Together, they examine the relational dynamics within sex work, the politics of coalition building, and the nuanced realities of being labeled a "whore." Through laughter and lived experiences, the episode offers a profound exploration of identity, existence, and the ongoing struggle for recognition and rights in both academic and sex work communities.

In this Episode:

04:16 - Introduction of guest Zalika U. Mbararimi, her background, and her work on Black sexualities and humanism.

05:08 - Jessie and Zalika discuss their involvement in a book project with Working Girls Press.

09:15 - Explanation of the term "No Humans Involved," its implications, and its relevance to Black studies and sex work.

28:28 - Discussion on the complexities and critiques of the term "sex work" and its political implications.

41:40 - Jessie and Zalika discuss the challenges of coalition building, especially in relation to anti-Blackness and self-serving allies.

01:01:41 - Discussion on how Blackness disrupts traditional gender categories and the concept of womanhood.

01:06:48 - Zalika talks about her excitement for the I Hate My Job book and her critical porno project.

01:07:17 - Closing remarks, where to find Zalika and Jessie online, and podcast sign-off.

Guest:

Zalika U. Ibaorimi, PhD (she/they), also going under the artist’s name n0humaninv0lved (N.H.I.), is a former sex worker, antidisciplinary artist, Assistant Professor of Black Sexualities in the Department of African American and African Studies at the Ohio State University and a 2021-2023 Carter G. Woodson Predoctoral Fellow at the University of Virginia. She engages Black material and digital publics as landscapes to trace the Human sexual geographies between the relation of the Black femme and spectator. Their relationality is tethered to the logics of shame, desire, and pleasure. Additionally, they consider the discursiveness of critical and revolutionary Humanism as modes to chart the (de)figuration of the Black wh0re vis-à-vis the counter and anti-Human. They are currently working on two book projects, Haunted Femmes, Haunting Spectators and (BE)CUM(ING): N.H.I. in Three Acts. Her performance, a crit-p0rno titled (be)cum(ing): on humanist edging, will screen beginning March 2025.

Instagram: @hauntedfemme

Bluesky: @n0humaninv0lved.bsky.social

 

Recommendations: 

Books: 

The Witch's Flight by Kara Keeling

Showgirls: Portrait of a Film by Paul Verhoeven

Music: 

Jazmine Sullivan 

Mk.gee

The Rest: 

Enter to win a custom leather harness by Mia Walsch! Contest closes on 3/21/2025. Visit our socials for instructions! 

Host: Jessie Sage

Producer: Emily Foster

Music: Benjamin J Benamati

Sponsor: Assembly Four

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