I know Gina Marie had posted about the premiere of the documentary American Courtesan here in Phoenix at a film festival. I did not get to attend but did get to see the documentary when I was travelling to the NW. Very good in my eyes but I always feel uncomfortable with the ladies showing their face in mainstream press as it always ends up bringing the heat down on them. It happened in NY with Natalia with NY Confidential and even locally with Priestess Tracy Elise. I wasn't too shocked to see that one of the stars of the documentary (who was actually scheduled to tour PHX this week) was arrested in a sting.

Even with the ever growing divide with conservatives and liberals, the one thing that doesn't change is the attitude towards courtesans and the services they provide. Even though the attitude towards courtesans haven't changed, why do those ladies feel that they are able to come out and speak freely about the profession without repurcussions?

I can't speak for all of them, however I would say they are proud ladies and do not feel the need to hide. There are real crimes going on in this world, its unfortunate that some have issues with much fun some consenting adults may have.

If people don't stand up and speak out for what they believe is right?

I applaud the ladies in American Courtesans. They may catch some heat, but they are trying to change the system. All the ladies in the film stated that they found this to be an EMPOWERING profession, especially after the advent of the internet. The clients who spoke out, said they found a certain level of fulfillment as well.
The purpose of the film is to show the public that this isn't a shady lifestyle. The women aren't victims and the men aren't predators. We're consenting adults on both sides. Hence, prostitution should be decriminalized.

A straight prostitution charge is a misdemeanor. In other states, when arrested, you are given a ticket, much like a speeding ticket. You may have the option of a diversion class and the charge will not go on your record. You pay your fines and you are done. Really, its no big deal.
On the other hand, here in AZ, as a first offense, ladies get to spend a mandatory 15 consecutive days in jail. How does 15 days in jail benefit women and children? And how does a woman raise a child on our minimum wage of 7.80/hr? That's $312 a week for 40 hours of work. Wow, don't get me started...

If enough people speak out together, maybe things will change?
The first step is educating the public and removing the social stigma. I think the film does an excellent job of that!

Personally, I'd like to see the film distributed to universities to be shown in human sexuality classes and  the department of women's studies.

In the case of our touring companion, a slap on the wrist is a small price to pay in the movement towards decriminalization.

Just my two cents...

Here are a few more thoughts -

So these women stand up (don't disagree that change is needed). Somewhere a debate begins on how to change.

1. What if Clients had to be tracked like a business? The sources of "income". (think Divas)
2. What if the ladies had to pay State and Federal tax? (and the other standards)
3. What if testing for STD's became a mandatory monthly requirement (to keep your license)?
4. What if you actually registered your business publically (families would all be able to find out)?
5. What if you were subject to inspections? (OSHA, CPS, Cleanliness of place of business - like other businesses)

I know some folks do some of the above, but I am talking 100% compliance.

I get the notion of wanting this to change. I agree with the misconception of the social stigma. The impacts of this being a "business" are great though (did not touch the surface of things above).

Follow the dollar - If the porn industry actually opened its books, and showed how much tax the government would get on a quarterly basis, yea - I'd bet there would be some discussion. I don't think anyone is about to do that though.

Second part to that - do all of the women out there who have influence over the decision, REALLLY want men to have the non-stigma option of getting their physical needs met (if it opened up, the business would get more competitive, trust that)? Golden p0&&$ would no longer exist (would divorce sky rocket and more people remain single because we all know lots of folks are not sure why they are in relationships). Would men want their women to be able to go out and get serviced (yes, male escorts COULD become more popular for some women)? On the flip side, would it make relationships even more stable because it would be based on how much you get along in a partnership way with your mate (less divorce, better decisions - longer courtships). Take the thrust of chemistry out of a relationship and we might actually have better relationships long term.

I mean, if I could go to a strip club and know I was taking one of them on a "date"... I'll sign the petition...

The film was made for financial reasons - follow how money flows. I know the business would not be classified as a non-profit....

Peace,

GM - as usual!! - had brought up another great thought provoking point.  Let's give credit to those brave enough to stand up to be heard!

I am part of an 'industry' that is on the verge of seeing the end of prohibition.  Whilst coming of age in the 70 - hell, even just a few short years ago - I never imagined that we would be so close to ending this adsurd attitude, but very happy to see the change. It's been a long road and still have so far to go, but at least it's being talked about and a lot more accepted.  I finally escaped the corporate world and the confines of middle-class suburbia to move to the middle of nowhere and dive headfirst into the morass of legal confusion and social acceptance.  But it has so been worht it! Recently my 76 yr old mom told me that almost half of the blue-haired ladies in her card club are very happliy useing this age-old medication in one form or another and feeling better than they have in years!

Will attitudes ever change about the world's oldest profession?  Let's hope so, keep our fingers crossed and don't forget to vote!

Looking at the media reports from her home town, her family has ad to deal with quite a bit of media blitz. While shes here enjoying the sun and warmth

in some states to commit adultery?