Art punches people in the feels and makes them react. – Mx. Pucks A’Plenty
When Mx. Pucks A’Plenty was hired to coordinate Seattle’s #OldProProject in celebration the 104th anniversary of the first sex worker led protect in the United States, they looked around at what the other cities (Portland, San Francisco, New Orleans, and New York) had already come up with for inspiration.
And then they looked to their own community. In an interview, they tell me, “I know a lot of burlesque performers, I know a lot of drag performers that are sex workers or sex worker advocates and I really wanted to showcase them.”
At that point, what they would contribute to the project began to crystalize. They recall thinking, “Clearly we will have a music video.” They just had to figure out how to do that.
Along with the other cities, they chose an old pro from history, but one that is rooted in the history of their own city. In Seattle’s case, they chose Madam Lou Graham, a brothel owner who saved Seattle more than once from financial ruin. Pucks talks about this choice, describing Graham as “A badass birch doing badass shit.” They say,
Inspired by Graham, Pucks turned to Adra Boo to create the music for the video. They comment, “She has such an amazing voice. It’s strong; it’s beautiful and powerful.” Assigned with creating a sex worker anthem, Boo didn’t disappoint. “The first time I listened to the song, tears started pouring from my eyes. It was so good.” Pucks says.
Lace up my heels / Lips painted to the goddess above
“The music starts,” Pucks says, “and the opening lyrics waste no time.” And they are right. The song is visceral and the music video that they created around it is powerful.
“Art and storytelling is a crucial component to social justice,” Pucks says. “Being able to create art that tells these stories humanizes us.”
And what story does this video tell? It tells the story of sex workers and artists, and the value they have in our culture. In Pucks words,
Make sure to watch their incredible video!
Daniel Chang Director of Photography
Brooklyn Rose Lighting tech
Ms. Briq House Featured Performer
D’Monica Leone Choreographer
Mirena Wool Assistant Director
Saira Barbaric Casting Coordinator
Song:
Performed by Adra Boo
Lyrics by Adra Boo
Music by Blake Madden
Mastered by Martin Feveyear, Feveyear Master/Mix
Jessie Sage is a sex worker and writer based in Pittsburgh, PA. She’s also the co-founder of Peepshow Magazine and the co-host of the Peepshow Podcast. Her words can be found in the Washington Post, VICE’s Motherboard, Hustler Magazine, Men’s Health, BuzzFeed, and more. She’s currently writing a book on sex work, motherhood, and illness called An Unexpected Place (forthcoming on West Virginia University Press).
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