Holiday Special: Coming Out Stories
The Oldest Profession Podcast
Trigger warning: this episode discusses suicidal thoughts. Coming out as a sex worker can be an act of courage, a moment of rupture, or a slow, ongoing negotiation with the world. In this holiday special of The Oldest Profession Podcast, Kaytlin Bailey shares powerful listener-submitted stories about coming out, being outed, and finding—or losing—community. Released in recognition of December 17, the International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers, this episode brings together voices from around the world. Sex workers speak candidly about family conversations that went better than...
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Decriminalization in Rhode Island
The Oldest Profession Podcast
For decades, Rhode Island effectively decriminalized indoor, consensual sex work—and the sky didn’t fall. It got safer. Kaytlin traces the legal fight, the raids, and the politics, then digs into new evidence: a ~40% drop in gonorrhea among women and ~30% fewer reported rapes during the decrim window. With voices from attorney Michael Kiselica, ACLU’s Steven Brown, COYOTE RI’s Bella Robinson, and economist Manisha Shah, this episode shows what happens when you stop arresting adults for consensual sex. Guests: Michael Kiselica (attorney) on litigating “public” vs. private and the...
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History of Decriminalization in Australia: Part 2
The Oldest Profession Podcast
In this second and final episode on the decriminalization of sex work in Australia, host Kaytlin Bailey picks up where we left off: the 1995 vote to decriminalize sex work in New South Wales. We look at what happened after decrim passed, what it actually changed for sex workers and their neighbors, and how the fight has moved from the streets and brothels to city councils, state legislatures, and online platforms. You’ll hear from: Elena Jeffreys – sex worker and advocacy lead for Scarlet Alliance, on how decriminalization transformed day-to-day safety, the ongoing damage caused by local...
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History of Decriminalization in Australia: Part 1
The Oldest Profession Podcast
In 1995, New South Wales, Australia became the first place on earth to fully decriminalize adult consensual sex work. How did that happen – and what can today’s decrim campaigns learn from it? In this first of two episodes, host Kaytlin Bailey traces the long arc of sex worker organizing in Australia, from colonial brothels and early feminist allies to the HIV/AIDS crisis and a massive police corruption scandal that forced lawmakers to change course. You’ll hear from three longtime sex worker rights leaders who were there: Elena Jeffreys – sex worker and lead advocate for Scarlet...
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Decriminalization in New Zealand
The Oldest Profession Podcast
New Zealand became the first country to decriminalize sex work in 2003. NZPC leaders Catherine Healy and Annah Pickering tell the story of how it happened—and what came after. For more information, including a complete list of sources You can buy . And learn more about We’d like to thank our Season sponsors M e g a P e r s o n a l s, Assembly Four, Tryst, A Great Idea, and the New Moon Network. The Oldest Profession Podcast is produced by , a non-profit media organization that uses storytelling to advocate for sex worker rights. If you value our mission, please consider making...
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Georgina Beyer
The Oldest Profession Podcast
Georgina Beyer made global history as the world’s first openly transgender mayor and member of parliament. In this episode, host Kaytlin Bailey traces Beyer’s path from boarding schools and strip clubs to the halls of power. We explore how her lived experience shaped her political courage and the critical role she played in decriminalizing sex work in New Zealand. This is a story of survival, dignity, and profound transformation.
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Carmen Rupe
The Oldest Profession Podcast
Carmen Rupe was many things—drag queen, sex worker, business owner, activist, icon—and almost the mayor of Wellington. This week, Kaytlin Bailey tells the story of New Zealand’s most beloved old pro, tracing her journey from hula dancer to trans pioneer. Carmen’s life was one of glamour, resistance, and love. She built safer spaces, fought unjust laws, and carved a path for generations to follow. Special thanks to everyone I met in New Zealand who told me about this amazing old pro! Thank you NZPC for sponsoring my trip there. Thank you to the for letting us use some of the audio...
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Legalization in Nevada
The Oldest Profession Podcast
Nevada is the only U.S. state with legal brothels—but is it working for sex workers? In this episode, Kaytlin Bailey sits down with Jupiter Jetson, who works in a legal brothel, Dr. Barbara Brents, sociologist and expert on legal brothels, and Amy-Marie Merrell, executive director of The Cupcake Girls. From outdated STI testing laws to the dangers of arrest outside the brothel, we explore why Nevada's model is not the answer—and what could be instead. You can listen to our episode about the history of how Nevada brothels came to be regulated the way that they are in . For more...
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Candida Royalle
The Oldest Profession Podcast
Candida Royalle was a 1970’s porn star who went on to found Femme Productions, the first feminist production company that made porn for women. In this episode, Kaytlin Bailey tells Candida's extraordinary story covering her art, activism, and lasting legacy. Featuring commentary from historian Jane Kamensky, whose stunning biography and archival work helped preserve Royalle’s story, this episode dives into a complex, groundbreaking figure who redefined sexual expression on her own terms. For more information, including a complete list of sources You can buy . We’d like to thank our...
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End Demand in Sweden, Norway, & Iceland
The Oldest Profession Podcast
The End Demand model, also called the Nordic model, claims to protect sex workers by criminalizing clients. The evidence is in; this model doesn’t keep sex workers safe. In fact, it makes things worse. Kaytlin Bailey sits down with sex workers who have worked under this policy for decades in Sweden, Norway and Iceland and breaks down how this policy, first implemented in Sweden in 1999, was exported globally under a false banner of feminism. In this episode you will hear how End Demand laws perpetuate stigma, encourage police harassment, and make it harder for sex workers to screen clients,...
info_outlineIn this episode of The Oldest Profession Podcast, host Kaytlin Bailey pays tribute to Carol Leigh, a hero in the sex worker rights movement. Carol Leigh, also known as “The Scarlot Harlot," was a multi-talented artist, author, performer, filmmaker, advocate, and political provocateur. She is credited with coining the term "sex work," which became a cornerstone of the sex worker rights movement. Carol Leigh founded the San Francisco Sex Worker Film and Arts Festival and co-founded BAYSWAN, the Bay Area Sex Worker Advocacy Network.
Carol Leigh's impact on the sex worker rights movement was truly global. Her memorial film, featuring testimonials, photos, and archival footage, showcased her influence worldwide. Premiering at the San Francisco Sex Worker Arts and Film Festival that she founded, you can still watch the film at carolleighmemorial.com.
For more resources on this episode, please visit our website: https://oldprosonline.org/carol-leigh/
This episode was made possible through recurring tax deductible contributions from listeners like you. We’d also like to thank our Season 5 sponsors A Great Idea, New Moon Network, Mary Muse, and Tryst.link.
Original Music by Adra Boo
Music by Epidemic Sound
The Oldest Profession Podcast is produced by Old Pros, a non-profit media organization creating conditions to change the status of sex workers in society.
If you value our mission, please consider making a recurring contribution that you can commit to, and that we can count on. To learn more visit us at oldprosonline.org, which is also where you can get Old Pros t-shirts, sweatshirts, totes, stickers, and more. Of course, proceeds from our shop go to support Old Pros.