I worked as a stripper from 19 to 21, ask me anything.
A friend got into stripping because of bad circumstances (severe financial problems, exacerbated by awful people in her life) and at the beginning, she felt really gross about it and struggled with a lot of internalised misogyny. However, eventually she found solidarity with her fellow strippers, and found herself with a far more robust support network than she’d ever had before. The confidence and support she gained actually helped her to kick the abusive assholes in her life to the curb
She said that at first, stripping made her feel extra unsafe to exist in the world as a woman, even when she was off the clock. Over time though, she became far more confident and empowered. Partly this was because she got real good at dealing with creepy guys — made easier by the fact that the owner of the club was really good with security, so she could trust that if things did escalate, there’d be people on hand if necessary. Apparently the club had a much higher amount of illegal stuff going on, such as (but not limited to) facilitating strippers doing other kinds of sex work, including full service. Despite this (or perhaps because of this), the owner was “one of the most based people [my friend] has ever met”.
This, plus the solidarity with other strippers made her often think about the job in an introspective, political manner, which was a big part of her “glow-up”. She reflected that it’s weird, because she got into the job feeling like a “stereotypical, exploited bimbo”, but she was fortunate enough to end up in a situation that was ultimately liberating. She even said that if she had a daughter the same age as she had been, she would actually encourage her to try stripping, if the circumstances would be similar to how it had been for her.
That’s a big if though — I know that there are a lot of places that range from having an “everyone for themselves” atmosphere amongst the strippers and/or other staff, to actively coercive situations that make a bad situation worse.
What was your experience like compared to this? I know it’s not uncommon for strippers to do other sex work, but clubs are often careful to ensure there isn’t any overlap so they can stay clear of the law. What was your club like with respect to that? Did it change your political or ideological views at all? What is the most valuable thing you took from the experience? What got you into the job, and do you regret it? Would you ever do it again in future?
Sounds like you didn’t strip naked. Where is that the norm?
I don’t know. Honestly, I don’t think there is any strippers who do it completely naked. It’s too basic and boring. You gonna wear some sexy underwear and some big boots. Body glitter is also a nice touch.
How many of the women you knew while working were also working as escorts?
I’ve known four women that worked as escorts; there seems to be a lot of crossover, like, once you can be comfortable taking your clothes off and doing a lap dance for a stranger, it’s not a very big stretch to go to escorting.
How many of the women you knew while working were also working as escorts?
Quite a few actually. There is quite a lot of overlap between stripping and other types of sex work. As you said “once you can be comfortable taking your clothes off and doing a lap dance for a stranger, it’s not a very big stretch to go to escorting.”
I also knew a lot of strippers who were also dancers and gymnasts.
Do AMAs now just not have answers?
My bad. Thread wasn’t doing that well at first so I thought I would leave it but I ended up leaving it for too long.
How good did you get at reading a customer’s vibe?
I once got off a really long shift at work and went to a party while dealing with a real bad attitude, and this nice lady handed me a ball python and vastly improved my mood, and I later found out she was a stripper, and I wondered if she had developed a professional sense for these things.
Not really. The customers vibe was always the same. Just dance in front of them 98% naked and laugh at they’re goofy pick up lines. That was about it
Were you ever concerned you’d run into someone you know that perhaps wasn’t aware of your profession like your priest or 3rd grade teacher?
Funny you say that because I actually did. I once ran into a bunch of other people I knew from uni. They just thought it was funny and ask for a dance.
I salute your professionalism 🫡
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Paint or electrical wires?
I’ve actually stripped paint before. At first it was an odd job but I ended up really enjoying it. I don’t know why but it was just so satisfying.
Whats the creepiest thing a customer ever said to you
A really drunk dude once said to me “if we fucked I could just make another of you”. So that was pretty messed up
Jesus fucking christ. Young guy?
Middle aged I think. I memory isn’t that good. Especially with all the drinking and drugs that I did when I worked there.
Hah, fair. I was also young once, I know the feeling friend.
Yeah, that’s just what it’s like. Dealing with creeps is just a part of the job. Heck, it’s the main demographic. I’ve had people give me lewd compliments, slap my behind, awkwardly flirt with me or just try to pay for sex, wolf whistle, randomly get boners and try to hide them/feeling one during a lap dance. It’s quite literally a hard job.
Yeah kudos to you for being able to handle that. I’m a straight man, and I loathe going to strip clubs and I always have. Not into the show, but even moreso I don’t want to be around the men who go to strip clubs. They’re more often than not creepy losers.
was your first day difficult?
Not really. Just took some getting used to the environment. That’s all. Wasn’t even that different from any other day there.
I’d think they make more money working at night.
What are your thoughts in the industry after being inside?
I think 90% of it is a front for something else and it’s only something you should do if you’re really desperate and in need of money.
What was your favorite outfit?
Lol, your funny. Depends on how money was on the table. Usually just a thong and a glittery bra but if I was making enough the bra would come off.
Is this a stripper in America, maybe take off Bra?
No, Australia
There is a really weird mix of regional rules across the US. It is even different from one city to the next.
For a country that claims to be so very free, they put a lot of restrictions on what people can do.
What did it feel like to have the attention of so many people?
In that job it’s great because that’s how you make money.
How many women did you hookup?
What do you mean? I didn’t hook anyone up. All I did was perform I wasn’t a madame.
