SOS Sheffield
Where the licenses of SEVs are denied or revoked, as well as exposing women to poverty through unemployment, those who wish to continue to work as dancers, but are unable to find work in SEVs, may have no alternative but to seek work in unregulated spaces of erotic dance, increasing their risk of experiencing further exploitation. There is evidence to suggest that those working in unregulated spaces of erotic dance are exposed to more risks, including non-payment of labour, and increased incidents of sexual and physical violence. Dr Rachela Colosi, Programme Leader for Sociology, School of Social and Political Sciences, University of Lincoln
In spring this year, feminist groups paid two men to film multiple dancer's naked bodies in a licensed Sheffield strip club, without their consent or knowledge.
They funded this as part of an ongoing moralistic campaign to shut down strip clubs and end the stripping industry, and as other tactics had failed, sought to expose alleged breaches of licensing conditions in order to have the club's SEV (Sexual Entertainment Venue) license revoked and for the club to be closed.
This closure would take away the jobs of a predominantly female workforce, as well as take away the many waged positions of bar, management, DJ, security and cleaning staff; many of whom are parents or carers. This 'feminist' campaign, if successful, will not only take away the incomes of many women, dismantle a tight knit community, and negatively impact the mental health and financial security of dancers and waged staff alike, but it will disrupt children and families across Sheffield and further afield too.
The feminist groups involved largely refuse to work with or listen to dancers currently in the industry, and use objectifying and degrading language towards us, despite the fact that current workers have the most up to date knowledge of their workplaces, the issues in the industry and have the most interest in adressing any harms currently found in the industry, for example by unionising.
As feminists, and as strippers, we want our voices to be heard.
#respectmyhustle #rightsnotrescue #mybodymychoice #mybodymybusiness #sossheffield
This website has been compiled by a dancer in the Sheffield club that has been targeted, with input, opinions and experiences of other performers at the club as well as local supporters. The views expressed herein do not represent the club.
