169: Neo Tantra & Sex Work (w/Esme Providence Brown)

Several months ago, we received an email from Esme Providence Brown (a pseudonym, and we’ll discuss why she’s using it off the top of the interview). Esme asked if we would like to discuss the strange and taboo overlaps between yoga, wellness, neo-tantra, and sex work. I wrote back immediately to say yes. Esme has worked as a professional dominatrix and kink provider for the past twenty years. In 2012, she began teaching yoga and investigating the intersection of sex work and spirituality through her practice and writing. She lives and works in NYC, and is now doing academic work in textiles. Matthew spoke to her while she was on a research trip to Indonesia. We think you’ll all learn a ton from this conversation about transparent vs. non-transparent labour practices, performative intimacy, the gendered inequalities of wellness work, and how Neo-Tantrics who use handguns in their foreplay made their presence known at the January 6th insurrection. In honor of Labor Day: Workers of the world unite. Sign up today at butcherbox.com/CONSPIRITUALITY and use code CONSPIRITUALITY to get two 100% grass-fed filet mignons and two wild-caught lobster tails for FREE in your first box plus $20 off your first order. Show Notes Former sex workers, now academics and published authors: Melissa Febos Chris Belcher Catlynn Ladd Sex Worker Decriminalization Resources: The Oldest Profession (Podcast & Organization) Amnesty International Statement on Sex Work ACLU Statement on Sex Work US Department of Health & Human Services Report on Human Trafficking Sex Workers Want Rights Not Rescue The White Slavery Panic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices