Honeydew Me 246. Why Sex Worker Rights Should Matter To Everyone
Sex worker rights aren’t a niche issue. They’re a human rights issue. In this episode, we’re joined by Kaytlin Bailey, stand-up comic, sex worker rights advocate, and expert on sex worker policy and history, to unpack why moral panics around sex work harm far more than just sex workers. We talk about power, policy, women’s autonomy, and why everyone, especially women who care about freedom, bodily autonomy, and choice, should be paying attention.
We cover:
- Why sex worker rights affect everyone. How laws and stigma aimed at sex workers quietly erode rights for all women.
- What moral panics actually do. Why fear-based narratives around sex are so effective and so dangerous.
- The historical roots of sex work criminalization. How policy has long been used to control women’s bodies, labor, and sexuality.
- Why “good girl vs bad girl” thinking still shapes policy. And how that mindset limits freedom far beyond sex work.
- The difference between protection and control. Why many laws framed as “safety” measures actually increase harm.
- How storytelling changes public opinion. Why human stories are one of the most powerful tools for policy change.
- What sex worker rights teach us about bodily autonomy. Consent, agency, and who gets to decide what women do with their bodies.
- Why this conversation matters now. How current cultural and political shifts are putting foundational freedoms at risk.
- How to learn more and get involved. Ways to support sex worker rights through education, advocacy, and listening.
Kaytlin Bailey is the Founder & Executive Director at Old Pros, a nonprofit that uses storytelling to advocate for sex worker rights. She hosts The Oldest Profession Podcast and is touring the live show The Oldest Profession. Follow @oldprosonline — Email Newsletter | Instagram | X
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