Sex Work and Capitalism: Ethical Porn and Empowerment

Messy Liberation: Feminist Conversations about Politics and Pop Culture

In this thought-provoking episode, Becky Mollenkamp and Taina Brown dive deep into the nuances of ethical porn and sex work, exploring how intersecting issues of capitalism, shame, and the male gaze impact these industries. With a feminist perspective, they question whether ethical consumption of porn is possible within our current capitalist systems and discuss how platforms like OnlyFans have introduced new avenues for female empowerment and agency. Together, Becky and Taina examine the limitations of traditional porn, its portrayal of women, and how the female gaze could reshape the landscape for consumers and creators alike. Tune in for an open, no-holds-barred conversation on reclaiming pleasure, challenging shame, and finding ethical paths forward in sex work and porn.

Discussed in this Episode

• Ethical porn: What it is and why it matters
• The role of the female gaze in reshaping porn and sex work
• Feminist perspectives on sex work, empowerment, and agency
• How platforms like OnlyFans challenge traditional power dynamics
• Navigating shame and sexuality, especially around consumption of porn
• Ethical consumption under capitalism and its implications for sex work
• Audre Lorde’s Uses of the Erotic and Adrienne Maree Brown’s Pleasure Activism
• Intersectional feminism in sex work and why representation matters

Resources Mentioned

• “Sister Outsider” by Audre Lorde
• “Pleasure Activism” by adrienne maree brown
• Dipsea audio stories

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