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WorkplacePerspectivesonEroticDancingABriefReportonCommunity-BasedResearchwithEntertainersinMinneapolisStripClubsMarch27,2017ReportproducedbyateamfromTheUniversityofMinnesota’sRobertJ.JonesUrbanResearchandOutreach-EngagementCenter(UROC)Fundingprovidedby:TheMinneapolisHealthDepartmentTheWomen’sFoundationofMinnesota

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TheUROCTeamLaurenMartin,PhD,ResearchTeamPrincipalInvestigatorChristinaMelander,MSW,ProjectLeadResearcherNatalieTaber,MA,MSWCandidate,ResearchAssistantCheyenneSyvertson,MSWCandidate,ResearchAssistantProjectCommunityAdvisoryGroup(CAG)Tawnya“Sweetpea”KonobeckArtikaRollerAngelaCallaisKatieFritzFogelCeMarrPetersonSpecialthankstoMichaelOakes,PhD,forassistanceininitialprojectdesign.AcknowledgementsFirstandforemostwearegratefultoallthosewhoparticipatedinthisprojectandsharedtheirexperiences,storiesandideasforhowtoimproveworkenvironmentsforentertainersinstripclubs.Wearegratefulforyourcontributionsandwisdom.Weareespeciallythankfulforthewisdomandguidanceprovidedbyourexpertcommunityadvisorygroup(CAG).Therearemanypotentialpitfallsandproblemsindoingresearchwithpeoplewhoworkinthelegalsexindustry.Theyguidedprojectdesign,fine-tunedourresearchquestions,shapedourrecruitmentstrategies,andsomuchmore.Theyalsohelpeduslearnanduseindustrystandardlanguagethatisrespectfulofentertainers.Wecouldnothavedonethisprojectwithouttheirinvolvement.ThankstoMeganManionandEamonnGallagherforprovidingcriticalandrelevantbackgroundinformation.TheMinneapolisHealthDepartment,particularlyDanHuff,CoralGardner,andMageenCainesprovidedusaccesstohealthregulationrelatedinformationandactedasasoundingboard.TheWomen’sFoundationofMinnesotaprovidedearlyinput,requestingthatpartoftheinquiryaskwhetherstripclubsarerelatedtosextrafficking.ThankstothefullstaffatUROCwho,asalways,providedsupportforourteamincarryingoutthisresearch.Thefundersoftheprojectdidnotparticipatedirectlyinprojectdesign,datacollectionoranalysis.TheresultsprovidedherearetheresultofindependentworkconductedbyourteamatUROC.

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Table of Contents Introduction...........................................................................................................................5

BackgroundContext.........................................................................................................................5

Methods.................................................................................................................................7CommunityAdvisoryGroup.............................................................................................................8ConfidentialInterviews....................................................................................................................8

Fig.1:KeyStakeholderInterviewParticipants.....................................................................................8AnonymousOnlineSurvey...............................................................................................................9

Fig.2:OnlineSurveyParticipants......................................................................................................10SupplementalInformation.............................................................................................................11Limitations.....................................................................................................................................11

OverviewofKeyFindings.....................................................................................................12ReasonsEntertainersChoosetoWorkinStripClubs.......................................................................13TrainingandWorkplaceExpectations.............................................................................................14

SuggestedSolutions...........................................................................................................................16SUMMARY:TrainingandWorkplaceExpectations............................................................................17

HouseFees,Tipping,andFines.......................................................................................................18SuggestedSolutions...........................................................................................................................20SUMMARY:HouseFees,Tipping,andFines......................................................................................20

VIPSpaces......................................................................................................................................21SuggestedSolutions...........................................................................................................................23SUMMARY:VIPSpaces......................................................................................................................24

HarassmentandAssault.................................................................................................................25SuggestedSolutions...........................................................................................................................26SUMMARY:HarassmentandAssault.................................................................................................26

CommercialSexualTradinginStripClubs.......................................................................................27SuggestedSolutions...........................................................................................................................28SUMMARY:CommercialSexTrading

HumanTrafficking..........................................................................................................................29SuggestedSolutions...........................................................................................................................30SUMMARY:HumanTrafficking..........................................................................................................30

ConclusionofFindings..........................................................................................................31

Bios......................................................................................................................................32TeamBios......................................................................................................................................32CommunityAdvisoryGroupBios....................................................................................................32

GlossaryofTerminology.......................................................................................................34

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Introduction Thereisasignificantdearthofcurrentandbasicinformationaboutthegeneralworkingconditions–safety,occupationalhealth,jobexpectations,andpay–amongpeopleworkingasentertainersinstripclubsinMinneapolis.Unlikemanyotherindustries,stripclubshavenohumanresourcesdepartmentsthatsendoutannualemployeesatisfactionsurveysorfieldgrievances.Entertainersworkinginstripclubsfacesignificantsocialstigma.Inaddition,advocatesintheTwinCitiesandMinnesotahaveaskedmanyquestionsabouttheconnectionsbetweenstripclubsandsextrafficking,includingconcernsaboutminorsworkinginstripclubsandcommercialsex.Muchofthisinformationcamefrompeoplewhohadbeenvictimsofsextraffickingwhoalsoworkedinstripclubs.LittleisknownaboutthetypicalworkplaceexperiencesofthoseworkingasentertainersinthestripclubindustryinMinneapolis.ThepurposeofthisstudyistodocumenttheworkplaceexperiencesofentertainerswithinstripclubsinMinneapolisfromalensofworkplacehealthandsafety.Stripclubsprovidenudeorsemi-nudeperformance(hereaftertoreferredtoas“eroticdancing”),whichislegalandregulated.ThisstudyhopestosurfaceinformationthatcanguidepolicyandregulationofadultentertainmentestablishmentsinMinneapolisinwaysthataddresstheworkplaceconcernsofentertainersandavoidsinadvertentharmtothem.Webelievethebestwaytodothisistodirectlyengageentertainersinaresearchprocessthatissupportiveandrespectful,whilecontinuingtoengageentertainers’voicesandideasasspecificpolicysolutionsaregenerated.Thisstudyispremisedonthenotionthatentertainersareexpertsabouttheirworkplaceandtheirownexperiencesandareinthebestpositiontounderstandwhattheyneedtostaysafeandhealthy.

Background Context Thereisnolegalorregulatorycategoryspecifictostripclubs.Theyareregulatedaspartofacategoryofbusinessescalledadultentertainmentestablishments.Thereare17businessesinMinneapolisthatarelicensedasadultentertainmentestablishments,includingvenuesthatprovidelivenudeandsemi-nudedancing,peepshows,andadultvideostores.1Thisstudyfocusesonlyonthe14adultentertainmentestablishmentsthatprovideeroticdancing.Ourprimaryfocusisonestablishedstripclubs(10),butweincludesomeinformationaboutestablishmentsthatprovidego-godancingorothereroticperformancesonasemi-regularschedule.Aglossaryoftermsisprovidedattheendofthisreport.Commercializederoticdancingcanoccurinmanysettingsoutsideoftheselicensedestablishments,includingprivateparties,hotelrooms,partybuses,bachelorpartiesandmore.ThisstudyislimitedtoonlytheworkingexperiencesofentertainersinlegallylicensedadultentertainmentestablishmentsinMinneapolis.Afterdiscussionwithstakeholders,wedeterminedthattheworkenvironmentsandregulatoryframeworksforlicensedestablishmentsaredistinctfrom“unlicensed”eroticdancingininformalsettingsandwarrantsseparateinquiry.Someentertainerswhoworkinlicensedestablishmentsalsoperforminunlicensedsettings.Whilenotourprimaryresearchquestion,ourdataindicatesignificantconcernsassociatedwithsomeaspectsofmarketsforunlicensederoticdancingwhichwillbefullydescribedinafuturereport.

1CityofMinneapolis.“EnvironmentalHealthAssessmentinCity-LicensedAdultEntertainmentEstablishments.”PublicpresentationtotheCityCouncilofMinneapolis,March13,2017.Alsosee:MinneapolisCodeChapter549SectionIV.

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Individualswhoperforminadultentertainmentestablishmentsareoftenreferredtocolloquiallyas“strippers”ordancers.Herewerefertothemas“entertainers”sincethisisthepreferredindustrystandardlanguageaccordingtoourstakeholders.InMinneapolis,asisthecasenationallyandinsomeplacesinternationally,entertainersarenottechnicallyemployeesofadultentertainmentestablishments.2Rathertheyareindependentcontractors,whichmeansthattheydonotreceiveastandardwage,benefits,sicktime(oranypaidtimeoff),orguaranteeofwork.Independentcontractorstatusalsoaffordsentertainersflexibilityinworkschedule(frequencyofwork,shiftdates,andtimes).EntertainersinMinneapolisarepredominatelywomen,whichisconsistentwiththeindustryglobally.Basedonourcommunitystakeholderconversations,weknowthatnotallentertainersinMinneapolisstripclubsidentifyaswomen,buttheymayhaveafemme(orfeminine)performancepresentationwhileonstage.Furthermore,therearevenueswithliveeroticdancingthatcatertotheadultLGBTQcommunity,whoseentertainersarego-godancersandmixed-gender.Ourresearchfocusesonthetenstripclubs,wherethemajorityofentertainersarewomenorfemme-presentingindividuals.Entertainersmakemoneyinstripclubsbyreceivingpaymentfromindividualcustomersforstageperformances,individualizedperformances(i.e.lapdances,beddances,etc.),andindividualizedattention.Theseexchangescaneitherbefacilitatedthroughmanagementintheformofcreditcardpayments,“clubbucks/dancedollars,”ordirectlyfromindividualcustomersincashpayments.Werefertoindividualswhogotostripclubsandpayforperformancesas“customers.”ThemajorityofstripclubsinMinneapolishavethreemainperformancespaces:

1. Astage(withorwithoutpoles)surroundedbyatiprailforcustomers2. Openseatingareaswithtablesandchairsforlapdances3. Semi-privatespacesforwhatistermed“VIP”experiences,includingexclusiveloungesoffset

fromthestageandsmallenclosedspaceswithcouchesorbeds

MostclubsinMinneapoliscontainalloftheseperformancespaces;howeveratleastonedoesnothaveVIPprivateareas.Entertainersearnmoneydirectlyfromcustomersinallofthesespaces,includingtipsduringdancesetsonthestage,andmoneyfromperforminglapdanceswithcustomerssittingintheopenbararea.ThehighestearningscomefromprovidingVIPexperiencesforcustomers.

Accordingtoourinterviews,lapdancesrangeinpricefrom$10to$40perdanceandVIPexperiencesrangefrom$75forahalfhourto$400foranhour,dependingonthestripclub.Eachclubsetsastandardpricefortheseserviceswhichminimizespricecompetitionamongentertainersinthesameclub,butthereissomeroomforcustomer-entertainernegotiationforlowerprices.Weidentifiedalargerangeintake-homepayforentertainers,anywherefrom$700foroneweekofdaytimeworkto$1,000foronenighttimeshift.

Stripclubsearnmoneyinavarietyofways.Theychargeentrancefeestocustomers,sellalcoholand/orfood,theyreceivepaymentsfromentertainersintheformofhousefees,commissionsora“cut”fromspecificservices,creditcardfees,andchargeentertainers“fines”forvariousreasons(beinglate,dresscodeviolations,andmore).Insomestripclubs,so-called“shot-girls”areemployeeswhoalsoearna

2SandersandHardy(2012).Devalued,deskilledanddiversified:ExplainingtheproliferationofthestripindustryintheUK.BritishJournalofSociologyVol.63(3);Colosi,R.,(2010).DirtyDancing?AnEthnographyofLap-dancing.WillanPublishing:Cullompton,2010;194pp.:9781843922171(hbk);UROC(2017).“LaborClassificationsforEntertainers.”Availablefromuroc.umn.edu/stripclubs.

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significantportionoftheirincomedirectlyfromcustomersbysellingshotsofalcoholwithanoptionalbrief“sexy”dance.Theseemployeesaredistinctfromentertainers,althoughsomestaffmovefrom“shot-girl”toentertainer.Non-entertainmentstaffatstripclubs(managers,bouncers,DJs,bartenders,andwaitstaff)aretypicallyemployeeswhoreceiveregularwagesaswellastipsdirectlyfromentertainers.Thisisdiscussedmoreindepthbelow.

Ourdatadescribearangeofclienteleatvariousclubs.Atallstripclubs,customersarepredominatelymen.Overall,mostclubscatertoawealthy,whitedemographic,suchasbusinessmen,executives,andotherprofessionals.Somewealthiercustomersandregularcustomersgetspecialtreatmentwithintheclub.Entertainersalsodescribedclubsandcustomersthatcatertoworkingclassandbluecollarmen,andotherclubsthatcatertotheAfrican-Americancommunity.Womenwerediscussedasaminorityofthecustomerbase,althoughcertainlynotrare.Femalecustomerstypicallygotostripclubswithanoppositegenderpartner(e.g.husbandsandwives),asame-genderpartner(e.g.lesbiancouple),orlargegroupsofwomen(e.g.Bacheloretteparties).Mentypicallyattendalone,withafriend,orinalargegroup(e.g.Bachelorparties).

ItisnotclearexactlyhowmanyentertainersworkasindependentcontractorsinMinneapolisadultentertainmentestablishments.However,ourdatasuggestthatonanygivennightthedifferentclubsrangefrombetween3-50entertainers,dependingonthevenueandwhetheritisaweekend,holidayorspecialevent.Basedonthisanecdotalinformationprovidedbyinterviewparticipants,weestimatethatthereareupwardsof200entertainersworkingonatypicalFridaynightinMinneapolis.ItisimportanttonoteafewaspectsofclubownershipstructuresinMinneapolis.Mostclubsarepartofnationalormulti-nationalcorporations,orfranchises.IndependentlyownedandoperatedclubsareonthedeclineinMinneapolisascompetitionbetweenthesevenuesincreases.3

Methods Thiswasamixed-method,community-basedandqualitativeexploratorystudy.ThereisnoofficialorpublicallyavailablelistofentertainerswhoworkinMinneapolismakingitvirtuallyimpossibletodeveloparepresentativesample.Additionally,therearemanybarriersforindividualswhomaychoosetovolunteerforresearch.Eroticdancingisgenerallystigmatizedandsociallydenigrated.Priorworkasanentertainercanharmfuturejobprospectsandbeasourceofshameandembarrassment.Many(butnotall)entertainershidetheirinvolvementintheindustryfromfamily,friendsandothers.Ifentertainershavenegativethingstosayaboutstripclubsthiscouldhurttheiremploymentstatusandfavorabilityonthejobiftheirparticipationinresearchwereknown.Asanindustry,workersmaynottrustthataresearchprocesswouldrespectthem.Giventheseconstraintsweusedanactionresearch(AR)approachthatfocusedoncollaborationandco-constructionoftheresearchprocesswithcommunitystakeholders.Thisapproachisappropriateandpreferablebecauseourgoalwastoengageentertainersinarespectfulresearchprocessthatprioritizedconfidentialityandsafetytosurfacequalitativeinformationabouttheirexperiencesintheworkplace.Thisisanexploratorystudythatsoughtbreadthanddepthof“insider”knowledgetosurfacekeythemesandtodevelopinitialinsightstoguidepolicydirection.

3Jackson,S.(2017).“Minneapolisstripclubsadapttochangingtimes.”StarTribune.RetrievedJanuary2,2017,fromhttp://www.startribune.com/minneapolis-strip-clubs-adapt-to-changing-times/364578011/

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Inaccordancewithconductingethicalresearchwithmarginalizedpopulations,ourteamalsodevelopedalistofresourcesthatwasavailableuponrequestattheendofaninterview,downloadablefromthesurvey,andontheUROCwebsite.Thisresourceguidecontainedinformationaboutservicesandsupportsontopicssuchashousing,employment,healthcare,sexualexploitation,trafficking,sexworkers’rights,legalservices,andfilingcomplaintstotheCity.ItwasalsotranslatedintoSpanish,Hmong,Karen,andSomali.

Community Advisory Group OurfirststepwastodevelopaCommunityAdvisoryGroup(CAG)thatbroughttogetherindustryprofessionalsandadvocates.OurCAGincludesexpertisefromentertainers,entertainerandsexworkeradvocates,socialserviceadvocatesspecializinginsexualexploitation,andactionresearchexperts.Theresearchteamalsohadmanyinformalconversationsabouttheresearchapproachandterminologywithindustryinsidersthatwereknowntousthroughourpersonalandprofessionalnetworks.Basedonthisexpertandinsideradvicewedevelopedthefollowingdatacollectionandrecruitmentmethods.

Confidential Interviews Weconductedsemi-structured,confidentialqualitativeinterviewswithstakeholderstogainanin-depthunderstandingofthe“layoftheland.”Wesoughttouncoverthemajorthemesweshouldexplorevis-à-visworkplaceexperiences.Wealsoaskedaboutpersonalexperiencesandthoseoftheirfriendsandcolleagues,theroleofspecificstripclubcontextsinshapingworkplaceexperiences,andideasofwhoelse(individualsand/ortypesofindividuals)weshouldcontact.Aspartoftheinterviewweprovidedstatutedefinitionsofhumantraffickingandinquiredintoanypotentialfirst-handknowledgeofthiscrimeasconnectedtoclubs.Ourinclusioncriteriaforthestakeholderinterviewswasindividualswhohavefirst-handknowledgeaboutentertainers’workplaceexperiencesinstripclubsinMinneapolis.OurgoalwastohearfromindividualswithexperiencesinallMinneapolisstripclubs,andfrompeoplefromdiversedemographicbackgrounds(gender,race,sexualorientation,age).Wedidnotfocusspecificallyongo-godancingatgaynightclubs,peepshows,oradultvideostores.Weoffereda$20Targetgiftcardtoallinterviewparticipantstothankthemfortheirtime.

Fig. 1: Key Stakeholder Interview Participants

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Oursamplingtechniqueisknownaspurposefulsampling.Thismeansthatwesoughttotalkwithindividualswithspecificexperiencesandbackgrounds.BetweenSeptember2016andFebruary2017weinterviewed24individuals.Thissamplesizeisinlinewithothersimilarstudies.4Ittakestimetobuildtrustanddevelopreferrals.Webelievemoretimewouldbeneededforalargersample.

Anonymous Online Survey Basedonthethemessurfacedintheinterviewswedevelopedananonymousonlinesurveytoprovideanavenueforentertainerswithcurrentandrecent(withinthelast2years)experienceswithinstripclubstoshareinformationabouttheirworkplaceexperienceinacompletelyanonymousformat.Webelievedtherewereindividualswhowouldpreferthisanonymousformattotalkingwithamemberofourresearchteam.Weidentifiedpotentialparticipantsthroughnetworkreferralsandflyerspostedincoffeeshops,entertainersupplyshops,poledancingandaerialperformancestudios,websites,blogs,Facebookandlocalnewspapers.TheflyerscontainedthesurveyURLandaQRcodethatlinkedaninterestedparticipantdirectlytotheonlinesurvey.Theanonymousonlinesurveycontainedacombinationofmultiplechoiceandopen-endedquestionsaboutworkplaceexperiences,includingamodifiedOSHAchecklist.Thequestionswerevoluntaryandparticipantscouldskipanythingtheydidnotfeelcomfortableanswering.Wealsoprovideda$20Amazon.comgiftcardascompensationforsurveyparticipants.Inordertomaintainanonymity,aseparatelinktoenterone’semailaddresswasavailableattheendofthesurvey.

Thesurveywasorientedtowardsindividualswithcurrentandrecent(withinthelast2years)experiencesworkingasanentertainerinMinneapolis.However,basedonrecommendationsfromourCAG,questionsforotherindustrystakeholderswereprovidedasanoption.Theseotherindustrystakeholderswerereroutedtothesequestionsthroughtheinclusion/exclusioncriteria.Afterdatacleaningweidentified29validandcompletedonlinesurveysoverthecourseoftwoandahalfmonths.5Thisdataisagoodsupplementtotheconfidentialinterviewsbecause,asthesurveydatashowed,wewereabletoreachamorediversegroupofparticipantsthroughtheanonymoussurveyformat.

Wecollecteddemographicinformationonlyfromthe23current/recententertainers:19identifiedasfemale,1asmale,3choosenottoanswer.Nooneself-identifiedastransgenderoranothergender.Of23current/recententertainers,9identifiedasheterosexual(straight),4asbisexual,1aslesbianorgay,2asqueer,and1aspansexual.Sixrespondentschosenottodisclosetheirsexualorientation.The

4Qualitativeresearchwithentertainersinthepasttwodecadeshashadinterviewsamplesizesbetweenn=10andn=40.Forexample:Sherman,S.G.;Lilleston,P.,&Reuben,J.(2011).Morethanadance:TheproductionofsexualhealthriskintheexoticdanceclubsinBaltimore,USA.SocialScience&Medicine(73),475-481.Maticka-Tyndale,etal(2000).ExoticDancingandHealth.Women&Health,Vol31.Maticka-Tyndale,etal.(1999).Socialandculturalvulnerabilitytosexuallytransmittedinfection:theworkofexoticdancers.CanadianJournalofPublicHealth,90(1),pp.19–22. Barton,B.(2002).DancingontheMobiusStrip:ChallengingtheSexWarParadigm.GenderandSociety16(5):585-602.Sanders,T.,&Hardy,K.(2012).Devalued,deskilledanddiversified:ExplainingtheproliferationofthestripindustryintheUK.TheBritishJournalofSociology,63(3),513-532.5Unfortunatelywehadtoclosethesurveyearlyduetosignificantfraudulentactivityinwhichseveraluserscompleted“fake”surveysinanattempttoprocureagiftcard.Thishappeneddespiteseveraltechnologicalbarrierswebuiltintothesurveytomakefrauddifficult.Wewereabletoidentifysurveysassociatedwiththisfraudulentuser.Wewereconcernedthatthefraudulentuser(s)wouldfigureouthowtoeludeourmeasuresinordertosecureadditionalgiftcards.Thus,wethoughtitbesttoclosedownthesurveyratherthanriskfalseinformation.

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majorityofparticipantswereundertheageof30,withmostbetween21and24yearsold.Twentysurveyparticipantsoptedtoself-identifytheirrace/ethnicity,whichwasofferedasaselect-allquestion.Justunderhalfofparticipantswerewhite(9);theotherparticipantswerepeopleofcolor.

Fig. 2: Online Survey Participants Withthesurveyandinterviewdatacombined,wewereabletohearfrompeoplewithawidevarietyofexperiences.WelearnedaboutworkplaceconditionsinallMinneapolisstripclubsbyhearingfromindividualswhohaveworkedasentertainersin9out10stripclubs,and5additionalvenuesthatoffernudeorsemi-nudeperformance.Participantshadawiderangeofracialrepresentations,ages,andsexualorientation.

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Supplemental Information Tosupplementourfirst-handempiricaldatawedidareviewofliteratureandcontractedwithtwoindividualstoresearchandwritesupplementalreports.Weconductedathoroughliteraturereviewofnationalandinternationalstudiesofstripclubs,reviewingover60articles.Thereisrobustliteratureonthistopic,withmuchofitusingfeministcritiquesofpowerrelationshipsinclubs.6Wefoundthatcomparedtootheraspectsofthecommercialsexindustrytherearefewerstudiesofstripclubsinparticular,andfewerthatapproachthistopicfromapublichealthandworkersafetyperspective.

Limitations Aswithallresearchtherearelimitationstoourfindings.Thiswasanexploratorystudymeanttosurfacethemesandprovideaframeworkforfurtherresearchofgreaterdepth.Moredeep-diveresearchisneededtofollow-uponthemeswesurfacehere.Thetimeframeofourstudywasshort.Wewereabletobuildenoughtrustwithasignificantnumberofindividualswhoparticipatedinourstudy.Thoughitisnotcertain,wecanreasonablyspeculatethatitislikelythatwedidnotbuildenoughtrusttoreachouttoindividualsengaginginmorestigmatizedandillegalbehaviorswithinstripclubs.Ourparticipantstalkedaboutpeoplewithwhomtheywork(ed)whoengageincommercialsex,butwewerenotabletointerviewthoseworkers.However,wedidsucceedinsurfacingworkerexperiencesfromtheperspectiveofindividualswhoarenotinvolvedinsextraffickingorcommercialsexualtransactionswithinoroutsideoftheclub.

6Wahab,etal.(2011).Exoticdanceresearch:Areviewoftheliteraturefrom1970to2008.Sexuality&Culture,15(1),56-79.Frank,K.(2007).ThinkingCriticallyaboutStripClubResearch.Sexualities,Vol10(4):501-517.

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Overview of Key Findings Relativetoitsshorttimeframe,thiswasalargestudy.Wecollectedagreatdealofrichandinformativedataaboutentertainers’experiencesinstripclubs.Theindividualsweinterviewed,surveyrespondents,andmembersoftheproject’sCAGassertedthattheychoosetoworkinstripclubsforavarietyofreasons,includinghigherpayandquickmoney(i.e.onecanearnalotofmoneyinasmallamountoftime),flexibleworkschedule,and/ortheyenjoybeing“sexy”andinteractingwithcustomersthroughperformance.Wewanttobeveryclear:manyindividualschoosetoworkinstripclubsandenjoythejoboferoticdancing.Interviewandsurveydatasurfacedavarietyofjobdutiesforentertainers.Entertainersareexpectedtoperformstagedancesandlapdances,provideVIPexperiences,offerindividualizedattentiontocustomers,andsellalcoholtoearnthemselvesandtheclubsmoney.Moststagedancesconsistofathree-songsetwhereinanentertainerbeginsintheir“sexy”outfit,andproceedstoundressthroughouttheset.Atfull-nudevenues,entertainersundresscompletely;whileattoplessvenues,entertainersundresstheirtophalf.Stagedancesmaycontainpoleperformancesaswell,iftheclubhasapole/s.StageperformancesareoftenforanentertainertoadvertiseormarketthemselvesforpersonalizedlapdancesorVIPexperiences.Lapdancesarepersonalizedsexualdancesbetweenanentertainerandacustomer,andsomebodyrubbingorcontactcanoccur(e.g.grinding).EntertainersalsoprovideVIPexperiencesforcustomers,whichconsistoflapdances,beddances,andindividualattentiongiventothecustomer.Beddancesaresexualizedperformanceswhereinacustomerliesonabedandanentertainerdancesontopofthecustomer.Additionalworkexpectationsofentertainersincludeencouragingbeveragesales,especiallychampagneforVIPexperiences,encouragingcustomerstotipthemanagement,andcleaningthestripperpoles.Asitpertainstotheirworkplaceenvironments,entertainersreportednumerouschallengesandconcerns.Entertainersreportedalackoftrainingorclearjobexpectationswhentheywereinitiallyhired.Thisincludesworkplaceexpectations,safetyprotocols,injuryprevention(duetofalls,poleinjuries,musclestrainfromdancing,etc.),financialliteracyrelatedtoindependentcontractorstatus,andworkplacerightsasanindependentcontractor.Entertainersovertheageof21areallowedandinsomecasespressuredtoconsumealcoholduringtheirshift.Studyparticipantssawintoxicationwhileworkingasacauseforconcernrelatedtoworkplacesafety.Everyonewhoparticipatedinourstudysharedaspectsaboutstripclubenvironmentsthattheyfindexploitativeandharmful,includingperceivedeconomicexploitationbytheclubitself,pervasiveverbalharassmentandderogatorylanguage,pressurestoperformcommercialsexacts,unwantedtouchingorgroping,andsexualharassmentandassault.Manyoftheseharmfulexperienceswereduetopatronbehaviorintertwinedtoclubmanagement.Thefrequency,degreeandintensityoftheseexperiencesvarywidelyamongstripclubs,differentmanagers,anddifferentperformancespaceswithinclubs.Thevariationacrossclubs,withsomeclubshavingmuchsaferenvironments,suggeststhatitispossibletoincreaseentertainerworkplacesafetythroughworkplacemanagementandregulation.Participantsalsobelievedthatindustrystigmacontributestopoorandineffectiveregulationoftheirindustry.

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“Asasociety,too,Ifeellikestrippersarelike,there’sthebigjudgmentandsolike,why—whytakecareofthat[entertainers’workingconcerns]becausetheydeservetobeinashittyworkenvironmentbecauseyouwouldn’tbethereifyouwereagoodperson.Whichisbullshit.”–Industryretailer

“It’sthestereotypesthathavegottenusinthisdeepdarkpitofshame,andit’snotshameful.Itshouldn’tbeshameful.It’sahardjob[…]Ifeellikealotofthelawmakersaretheoneswhogotheresecretlybecausethey’resexuallyfrustrated[…]Sothey’renot—Ifeellikethey’renottheoneswhocanmaketheselaws,Ifeellikeithastobethepeoplewhoexperiencethesethingsandknowthesethings.”–Formerentertainer

Noneofthecurrententertainerswhoparticipatedinourstudysaidtheywereinvolvedincommercialsextradingortrafficking,buttwoformerentertainershadoverlappingexperiencesofbeingtraffickedforsexandworkinginastripclub.Entertainerswhoarenotalsovictimsofsextraffickingmakeadistinctionbetweeneroticdancingandcommercialsextrading.Theydonotseeitasthesamething.However,entertainerswhoaretraffickedmaynotmakethesamedistinction,seeingitallaspartoftheirtraffickingexperience.Further,welearnedthatsomeentertainersengageincommercialsexualtransactionsbothinsideand/oroutsideofthestripclubbychoice.Inthenextsectionwediscusstheseconcernsinmoredepth.Then,wedescribeentertainers’ideasforhowtoreducetheseharmfulexperiencestomaketheirworkplacesafer.Moreengagementdirectlywithentertainersisneededtocraftspecificpolicy,regulation,legaltoolsandsolutions.

Reasons Entertainers Choose to Work in Strip Clubs Participationineroticdancingislargelyanoccupationofchoice.Theparticipantsinourstudytellusthattheychoosetoworkinstripclubsforavarietyofreasons;chiefamongthemisschedulingflexibility.Thisisparticularlyimportantforentertainerswhoareunabletoworkregularworkhours,areinschool,whoworkmultipleotherjobs,havechildcareresponsibilities,orforthosewhosementalhealthmaypreventthemfromholdingotherjobs.Stripclubsdonotrequirethatentertainershavepriorexperienceorknowhowtodance,althoughitcanbeaplusforgettinghired.Entertainersarealsonotrequiredtopassabackgroundcheck.Workingasanentertaineroffersquickmoneyandtypicallymoremoneythanotherjobsthatcouldbeattainedwithcomparableskilllevel/expectations.Thiswasespeciallyimportantforinterviewparticipantsexperiencingpoverty.Someentertainerssuggestedthatworkingasanentertainerincreasedtheirself-confidenceandhelpedthemdevelopapositivebodyimage.Somedescribedstripclubsasfunandexcitingplacestoworkandemphasizedthattheyenjoybeing“sexy.”

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Training and Workplace Expectations Mostpeopleweinterviewedsaidthattheyreceivedverylittletrainingaboutthejob.Thisincludeshowtoperformstagesets,lapdancesandVIPdances,howtopreventcommoninjuries,howtostaysafefromunwantedpatronbehavior,therulesandregulationsabouttouchingandphysicalcontact,andtheirrightsasindependentcontractors.Entertainersoftenbegineroticdancingwithoutworkplacetrainingandwithvagueexpectations.Forexample,atmanyclubs,managerswilltellnewhiresthattheycannotengageinsexualacts,butthentheymayencouragesexualtouchinginVIPspaces.Rulesthatareclearlyenforcedinoneareaoftheclubcanbebentinanotherarea.Vaguenessinlanguageaboutexpectationsleavesinterpretationuptotheentertainerandtheyarelefttocreateandenforceunclearboundaries.Thisvaguenesspredictablyleavesentertainersunsupportedwithliabilityfallingonthem.

Entertainersperceivethatthelackofworkertrainingimpactstheirabilitytobegoodattheirjobs.Manyentertainersturntowardseachotherincollaborationandmentorshiptolearntips,strategiesforstayingsafe,andmanagingworkplaceexpectations.

“Sotheygiveyouatouroftheclub[…]Butthere'sdefinitelynojobdescriptionoranything.NotsurewhattheydonowwiththenewhiresbutIsupposeyeah,theytellyoutherulesandtheytellyouhowmucheverythingcostandthedifferentroomsandwhatyou--theytellyoudon'thavetodoanythingyouknow--sotheydokindof,yeah,Isupposetheygiveyoualittleinthatway---butnothingwrittendown,that'sforsure.”–Entertainer

“Like,there'snotraining.Like,asfaraslike,howtodanceonstage.Therewasnotrainingonhowtodomyjobwell.Ihadtokindoffigurethatout.Therewastrainingonlike,therules.WhatIcouldnotdo,butnotonlike,howtodoitwellnecessarily.”–Entertainer

“Theyleaveyoutofigureitout,andthenyougetintroubleifyoudosomethingthat'snotwhattheywantyoutodo.Sothey'reveryvagueaboutwhattheywantyoutodo.”–Entertainer

Entertainersdescribedfrequentworkplaceinjuries,suchastwistedankles,brokenorbruisedribs,tornnails,andfallingonone’shead.Someoftheseinjuriesoccurredthroughpoledanceperformances,andentertainersbelievedtheywerepreventableiftheyhadthepropertraining.Becauseentertainersareindependentcontractors,theydonotreceivepaidworker’scompensation.Anumberofentertainerswereuninsuredandmanyareonpublicallysubsidizedhealthcare.Oneentertainerdescribedachronicribinjuryacquiredfromherpoleperformances.Inordertokeepworkingwiththisinjury,shehadtotiptheDJtocreateaworkplaceaccommodationsoshecouldskipherstagesetrotation.

“IonetimehadthisribinjuryforthreemonthsuntilIstartedseeingthisawesomemassagetherapist,andIfoundoutitwasfromthesethreeorfourdifferentmovesthatIwasdoinginmystageset.[…]IwouldpaytheDJtonotputmeonstage.SoI'dbelike,‘Here's20bucks.Don'tputmeonstage.’”–Entertainer

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Entertainersalsohavelittletonotrainingaroundthepotentialforthepresenceandclean-upofbodilyfluids.Becausesextrading(prostitution)isillegalwithintheclubs–andcangetentertainersfired–thereisacodeofsilenceatmanyclubsaroundothersituationsthatcanprecipitatebodilyfluids(e.g.semen).Inmostinstancesdescribedbyentertainers,theseincludelapdancesinVIPspaceswherethereismoresexualcontactandtouching,suchasgrinding.Entertainersdescribedmaleejaculationduringtheseperformancestobeunwanted,undesirable,andoftenunexpected.

“Twoorthreetimesat[myclub]customershavecame[ejaculated]intheirpantsduringlapdances.Andthat’sfrickin’gross.Likenocourtesy,nowarning.”–Entertainer

Whentheseinstancesoccur,thedisclosureofthisoccurrencecouldputtheentertainerinabadlightwiththeircoworkers,andpotentiallycouldgetthemfiredifitwasperceivedthattheyengagedinprostitution.Thisleavesentertainerstodealwiththepresenceandclean-upofsemenalone.

“Nopeopledon’twanttotalkaboutit.[…]Soithappenswhetherornotit’snecessarilyinstigatedby,youknow,byphysicaltouch,right,bythewoman.[…]It’skindofataboosubjectbecauseyoudon’twanttobeknownasthatgirleither,soyou’renotgonnadiscussit,andthey’renotdiscussingitbecausethat’snotsupposedtobehappening.[…]Soyeah,it’snotsomethingthat’sreallytalkedabout.Thegirlswilltalkaboutitinthebackamongsttheirclosercohorts.”–Formerentertainer

Entertainersalsoexpressedconcernsaroundinconsistenttrainingandenforcementofothercleaningpractices.Vomit,urine,andotherbodilyfluidsonpoleswereothercitedpotentiallyinfectiousbodilyfluids.Someclubsregularlycleanpoles,whileforotherclubs,thismaybeanafter-thought.Entertainersbelievedthatoverallmanyclubspracticedgeneralcleanlinessprocedures,yettheycouldusesomeimprovement.Theregulationofdresscodespresentedsomeadditionalconcernsforentertainersaroundworkplaceexpectations.Whilesomeentertainersexperiencedbroadlatitudeindresscoderegulation,othershadstrictstandardstoadhereto.Furthermore,thesestandardswerenotapplieduniformly.Entertainersexpressedadesireforamiddle-groundbetweenreasonableexpectationsandregulation.Moreinformationaboutthistopicwillbepresentedinfuturereports.

“Sometimesitisvery,very,verycoldintheclubandI'mnotallowedtowearanykindofsweaterorpracticalcover-up.Ihavegottensickthisway.ThisgoesforALLclubs.”–Surveyrespondent

“Thedresscodeisrarelyenforcedevenly.Thebigones(noseethroughpanties)areprettyfirm,buteverygirlgetstreateddifferently.Oneofourblackperformersisnotallowedtohavehernipplesvisiblethroughheroutfits,althoughlighterskinnedandwhiteperformersneverhaveproblems.[…]”–Surveyrespondent

Finally,theintensityofalcoholconsumptionatalcohol-servingestablishmentswascitedasacauseforconcern.Entertainerswhoareovertheageof21areallowedtoconsumealcoholwhileworking,andmostclubsmaintainstrictproceduresfornotservingtheirunder-21-year-oldstaff.Atclubsthatdoservealcohol,consumingalcoholwithcustomerswasembeddedintoworkplacecultureandcustomerexpectations.Intoxicationwhileonthejobwasraisedasasafetyconcernasitmadeitharderforentertainerstomaintainprofessionalboundariesandtokeeptrackoftheirearnings.Refusingtodrink

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withcustomerscouldalsoloseanentertainertheircustomer(andthus,theirearningpotential),asthisispartofthepaid-forfantasy.ThisespeciallyincludeschampagnebottleservicesinVIPspacesandpurchasingshotsofalcohol.

“Iwouldsaythepoliciesofthepushingthechampagne,thatkindofstuff,thatdefinitelyleadstooverdrinking.Nobodyeversaidtome‘Youhavetodrinkthis.’Absolutelynot.Butwoulditaffectmymoney?Yes,absolutely.”–Entertainer

Intoxicationofcustomerswasalsoseenasaconcernforentertainers’safety,regardlessofwhetherornottheestablishmentservedalcohol.Innon-alcoholservingestablishments,itisverycommonforcustomerstoarrivealreadyintoxicated.Entertainersperceivedthatheavilyintoxicatedcustomersweremoredemanding,lesspredictable,andmoredisrespectful.

“They'reintoxicatedcomingin.Andthoseguysreallysuck.Andthat'sanotherthingthatsucksaboutthejobisdealingwiththoseguys.Dealingwiththegrabbyguysandtheguyswhoareonsomething.”–Entertainer

Suggested Solutions Entertainersrecommendedthatstripclubsshouldprovidemoreguidanceonworkplaceexpectationswiththingssuchaspaidorientationsandongoingtrainings.Itwasalsosuggestedtocreateworkerhandbooks.Topicscouldincludeworkerrights,safety,humantrafficking,Right-to-Knowtraining,andindustryspecificfinancialliteracyforindependentcontractors.Anotherrelatedentertainer-solutionistoestablishclearerexpectationsforcustomers.

“Theyletmewalkinandauditiononthespot.Andtheauditionwasfirstistopless,secondsongisnude,andthenIwasnakedandgotathirdsong.AndIwaslike,‘OhwhatdoIdo?’Justlikerunaroundanddance.Ihadnoideawhattodo.SoIguessifIhadanyadviceforstripclubs,somekindofemployeehandbookwouldbeabsolutelywonderful.”–Entertainer

“[Inmydream],it'slikeaclubenvironmentwhereyouhavetoapplytobeacustomerandthenyougothroughanorientation--whetheritwouldbephysicallyatthecluboronlinebasicallysayingthese,thisisyourbehaviorattheclub.Like,youcan'tdothis.Youcandothis.Thisisencouraged.Don'tlike--thesegirlsarenotprostitutes.Donotaskthemforsex.Like,they'renotheretodateyou.Don'taskthemforda-da-da-da.Youknow,just[…]commonsensestuff.Like,youknow,tipwhoeverisonstage.Like,ifagirlissittingandtalkingwithyou,payherforhertimeifshe'sspendingalotoftimewithyou.Orletherknowrightaway.Youknow,basicallylike,etiquette.”–Entertainer

Theyalsosuggestedthatclubscouldsetalcoholconsumptionlimitsforentertainerswhileworking.Somealcoholconsumptionisduetopressurefromcustomers,sotheclubscouldprovideopportunitiesforentertainerstosafelyrefusealcohol.Theclubscouldalsonotallowheavilyintoxicatedentertainerstowork,andcouldrefuseserviceforheavilyintoxicatedcustomers.Finally,somesuggestedthatclubsshouldpromoteentertainerleadershipwithinclubs.Theycouldchampionworker-ledsolutionsandpromoteentertainerswhohaveinterestinmanagerialpositions.

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“Itwouldalsobecooltobemanagedbypeoplewho'vedonethejobtoo.Solike,Ithinkthatwouldbereallyneattohaveamanagerwhousedtobeadancer.Soobviouslythey'dhavetobefemale.Well,theydon'thavetobefemaleifthey–Iknowthere'ssuchthingasmaledancersbutwhounderstandtheindustryfromthatperspectiveandsocanmanagetheemployeesinthatway.”–Entertainer

SUMMARY: Training and Workplace Expectations

KEYFINDINGS:• Lackofworkplacetraining• Frequentworkplaceinjurieswithnomonetarycompensation• Lackofprotocolforbodilyfluidcleanup• Poorandinconsistentindustryregulationofdresscode• Intensityofalcoholconsumptioncreatessafetyhazardsforall

SUGGESTEDSOLUTIONS:•Moreguidanceonworkplaceexpectations• Paidorientationandongoingtrainings•Workerhandbookswithtopicsincludingworkerrights,safety,humantrafficking,Right-to-Knowtraining,andfinancialliteracyforindependentcontractors

• Clearandenforcedexpectationsforcustomers• Limitationsofalcoholconsumptionforentertainersandcustomers• Promoteleadershipofentertainers

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House Fees, Tipping, and Fines Tippingobligations,housefees,andfinesweresomeofthegreatestconcernsandburdensthatentertainersdescribedintheirworkplace.Ourstudydidnotcollectindepthinformationonearningsandfinancialarrangementsinstripclubs.However,studyparticipantssuggestedthatclubsearnmoneyfromentertainersinavarietyofways.First,a“housefee”isthemoneyanentertainerpaystheclubinordertowork,similartoahairdresserrentingachairinasalon.Housefeesrangedfrom$10to$100pershiftdependingonclubandstarttime.Thehousefeeissometimeswaivedatmanagement’sdiscretion.

Second,clubsalsocollectnumerousfees.Themostcommonfee(sometimesreferredtoas“commissions”)forentertainersiscollectedperlapdanceandVIPtime.Commissionfeesrangefrom10-25%ofthecostoftheservice.Someclubsdoaflatratecommissiononallearningstheentertainerreceives,rangingfrom25-30%.SomemanagerstrackVIPcommissionsandcollectitatendoftheshift.Someclubsalsochargeafeetotheentertainerifacustomerusesacreditcard.Thesefeesaremaybewaivediftheentertainersellsexpensivealcoholtoacustomer.

Ontopofthehousefeesandcommissions,entertainersareobligatedtotipmanagers,bouncers,hosts,DJs,servers,bartenders,andvalets.Entertainersgeneratesignificantmoneyfortheclub,andthenpayouttonearlyallstaff.Inotherindustries,suchastherestaurantindustry,sharingtipsortippingotherco-workersiscommon.However,itisnotcommonforworkerstotipmanagementstaffastheydoinstripclubs.Tippingpracticesvarygreatlybyclubs.Wefoundthatentertainerstipanywherefrom10-30%oftheirearningstomanagers,bouncers,DJsandotherstaffontopofthecommissionfees.Aftercommissionsandtipping,entertainerstakehomesomewherearoundhalfoftheirearnings,moreorlessdependingontheclubandtheentertainer.

Inadditiontothesesomewhatregularizedpaymentsthatentertainersmaketoclubs,theyarealsosubjectedtoseeminglyarbitraryfines.Finesarechargedforthingssuchasarrivinglatetoashift,dresscodeviolations,talkingbacktoamanager,beingrudetoacustomer,andotherinfractions.

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Insomeinstances,entertainersleaveworkowingmoneytotheclub.

“[…]BecauseI'mactuallythinkingaboutthosescenarios[ofleavingworkowingtheclub]andjusthowheartbreakingthatis,especiallywhenyou'reactuallyreallybroke,andyouonlyhad$60andyou'rehopingtomake$600andyouactuallyleftwith,not$0butlikenegative$60.Yeah,Icriedinthebathroom,forsure.It'slike‘Fuckmylife;I’mgoingtogohomeandhangmyself.’[Laughs]Notliterally.”–Formerentertainer

Entertainersfeelpressuretotipmanagers,andtipwell,becausemanagershavesignificantcontroloverentertainersandtheirworkplace.Forexample,managersarrangecustomersforVIPexperiences,whichcanbesomeofthemostlucrativeworkplaceservicesforentertainers.Theyalsocontrolhiringandfiring.Manyentertainersechoedthefollowingquotes:

“Andifthey[management]gettipped,they'remakingsureI'mtakencareof,well,notmakingsureI'mtakencareof,butmakingsure,like,thingsgoalittleeasier.And,they'llupsellforyou.”–Entertainer

“Agirlgotintrouble.Shewantstokeepherjob.Shewantstokeepworkinghershifts,andshefeelslikeshehastopayhimextramoneyinordertokeephimonherside,soshecankeepherjob.”–Entertainer

Entertainersdescribedusingtipstoobtainbettersecurityservicesprovidedbytheclub,arolesharedbymanagersandbouncers.

“Who’sgonnawatchoutforyou?Who’sgonna,youknow,dothis?Who’sgonnasendsomebodyoveryourway?It’sallbasedoffofwhatyou’regonnatip.”–Formerentertainer

Thesetippingobligationswereviewedasunfair,arbitraryandexploitative.

“Iamconsistentlyappalledtobechargedmoneysimplytoshowupatwork.ItfeelslikeI'mbeingpimpedbythecorporationorowneroftheclub.Also,IfeelconsistentlyextortedbyaheavypressuretotipoutaLARGEquantityofmyearningstothestaffthatallmakewagesfromthecompanyandhavebenefitsandprotectionsasemployees.Idonotgetanybenefitsorprivilegesastheiremployer,yetIampayingtheirwagesoutofmyownpocket.”–Surveyrespondent

Takenalltogether,manyentertainersbelievethatthearbitraryandlargeamountsofmoneyrequiredforhousefees,tipping,andfinesareaformofeconomicexploitationofentertainers.Inordertomakemoremoneyforthemselvesandthestripclub,thisstructurepushesentertainerstoengageinmorehigh-payingprivateservicesthat,aswedescribebelow,resultinlesssafeworkenvironmentsastheyarecurrentlyconfigured.AnauthoritativestudyofstripclubsconductedintheUnitedKingdomputitthisway,“theindustryhasmaintaineditsmarketpresenceduetoitsabilitytoestablishhighlyfinanciallyexploitativeemploymentrelationshipswithdancersatatimeofeconomicfragility.”7

7SandersandHardy(2012)p.513.

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Suggested Solutions Entertainersrecommendedarequirementtomaintainuniformandnon-exploitativestandardsfortippingandhousefees.Theserecommendationscallforeliminatingthepossibilityofanentertainerfinishingashiftowingmoneytotheclubbywaivinghousefeesonslownights.Theycoulddoawaywiththepracticeoffavoritismandrule-bendingontippingobligations.Finally,manysuggestedthatclubsshouldeliminatedirecttippingofmanagerssincethispracticecreatessignificantunequalpowerstructureswhichcreateconditionsforextortionandvictimizationofworkers.

Entertainershavedifferingviewsforimprovementsrelatedtotheiremploymentstatus,yetagreeonneedingsolutionsthatcouldalleviatesomeburdensandprovidemorerightsandbenefits.Someentertainersbelievetheirworkenvironmentwouldbebetteriftheywereemployeeswhoearnedwagesandtips,suchasservers.Inthisscenario,entertainerswouldhavemoreworkplaceprotectionssuchasworkers’compensation,healthinsurance,andotherbenefits.Otherparticipantsprefertheindependentcontractorstatus.Theybelievethatindependentcontractorstatusallowsthemtomakemoremoney,securestheirflexibleworkarrangements,andbecausetheindustryisheavilystigmatized,theypreferthattheirworkasanentertainerdoesnotshowupintheiremploymentrecord.Entertainersoverallbelievethatattractiveoptionstobecomeemployeeswouldbenefitbothsetsofworkerdesires.

SUMMARY: House Fees, Tipping and Fines

KEYFINDINGS:• Arbitraryandexorbitanthousefees,commissions,andfineschargedtoentertainers• Entertainersobligatedtotipmanagers,bouncers,hosts,DJs,servers,bartenders,andvalets• Pressuretotiptoensurejobsecurity,manageworkplacerelationshipsandreceiveworkplacebenefitsorprotections

SUGGESTEDSOLUTIONS:•Maintainuniformandnon-exploitativestandardsfortippingandhousefees• Eliminatethedirecttippingofmanagers• Offermoreattractiveoptionstobecomeemployees

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VIP Spaces ParticipantsdescribedVIPspacesasdimlylitsemi-privatespacesseparatedfromthemainfloororopenseatingarea.Customerspayasetfeeregulatedbytheclubforarangeoftimefrom30minutesto1hour.Specificamountsrangebyclubfrom$75forahalfhourto$400forafullhour.VIPspacesarecharacterizedbyprivacythroughcurtainsorbooths,andfurnitureinwhichacustomercanreclineorliedown,suchasacouchorbed.SomeclubshavemultiplelevelsandareasofVIPwitharangeofentrancefees,whichisdividedbetweentheentertainerandtheclub.VIPspaceissetupforaprivatedanceortimespentwithanentertainer,althoughsomeaccommodatesmallgroupsofuptofivepeople.ThereistypicallyminimalcluboversightoftheVIPspaceswithfewermanagersorbouncersthanonthemainfloor.SomeentertainersperceivedthatlessfoottrafficinVIPcreatedaperceptionofprivacy,whilesupervisionofthesespacesoccurredthroughsecuritycameras.NotallclubshavesecuritycamerasinVIPspaces.

TheVIPspacemakesthemostmoneyfortheclub,otherstaff,andtheentertainer.ManyentertainerslikethisaspectofVIP.Itisalsolessphysicallydemandingthanworkingthefloor.

“IwouldsaythebulkofthemoneyisgonnacomefromVIPhoursandhalfhours.[…]Becauseifyoutrytodo$600worthofstraightlapdancesdownstairs,you’regonnabedancingforhours.You’regonnabesoexhausted.Becauseifyougoupstairs,theydon’tmakeyoudanceallthetime.Theywillbuyyourtimeratherthantheactualdance.”–Entertainer

ServicesintheVIPspacesareprivate“sexy”interactionsthatmayincludeeroticdancing,rubbingbodytobodyoverclothes,grinding,andsensualorsexualtouching.SometimesVIPexperienceswerelessabouttheperformance,andmoreabouttimeconversingwithacustomerorsnuggling.However,entertainersidentifiedVIPspacesasthemostunsafe,wheretheyexperiencehigherratesofunwantedphysicalcontact,sexualassault,andpressuretoengageincommercialsextradingfromcustomers.CustomersinVIPexpectmoreservicesthanwhatareavailableinnon-VIPspaces,includingmorephysicaltouchinginexchangeforhighercostofservices.Entertainersestimatedanywherebetween50%to99%ofVIPcustomersexpect“somethingmore.”Forexample,whenaskedhowoftenVIPcustomersassumethattheywillgettogrope,touch,orengageinsexualcontactwiththeentertainer,oneentertainersaid:

“Like99%ofthetime.Like,Ifeellikethere'sonepercentofcustomerswhoknowexactlywhattheyaregoingtoget,whounderstandwhytheyarethere,what'shappening,andarecoolwiththat.”–Entertainer

“The[VIP]guysthinkthey’regoingtogetmore.”–Formerentertainer

TheyalsosuggestedthatsomecustomersexpectthattheservicesofferedinaVIPspacewillleadtoejaculation.

“[Customers]wantit[orgasm]tohappenandofcoursetheydo.[…]Mygoalisthatyoudon’tcumbecauseifyoudocum,you’redone.You’reoutofhere.Mymoneytrainisgone.[…]Do[customers]expectit?Sometimesyes.Dotheywantittohappen?Absolutely.Imeanthat’sthe…youknow?”–Formerentertainer

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“They’llcumintheirpants.Sometimesthey’llbewearingshorts,itwillcomeouttheside.Sometimesthey’llhaveitpressedupagainsthere,andthenit’scomingouthere[gesturingtostomachareaofbody].[…]Sometimes,youknow,itleaksthroughwhateverthey’rewearing,thinstuff.Thenit’sonyou.”–Formerentertainer

ManyparticipantssuggestedthatVIPcustomersexpectadditionalsexualcontactfromentertainersinVIPspaces.Mostcommonlyexpressedrequestsforsextradingincludedmanualstimulation(e.g.handjobandfingering)andoralsex.

“Like,whywouldyouthinkthatyoucouldgiveme$20andI’mgoingtotouchyourpenis?”–Formerentertainer

“JustlikesomethingIthinkthatpeopledon’tthinkthatwecareaboutthatkindofstuff.[…]Somepeopledon’treallyrecognizethatstrippersarepeople.Likeatall.Likeatthefuckall.Like,‘WhatcanIbuyoffyou?’YouknowwhatImean?‘Whatdoyoudo?’It’slikeohmyGod,I’mafuckinghuman.YouknowwhatImean?”–Entertainer

“They[customer]wanttogetawaywithwhatevertheycanandthentheyjustwanttogohome.Youknow,they’renot–iftheywantedmore,they’dseeaprostitute,iftheyreallywantedtopushthoseboundaries.”–Formerentertainer

Somecustomersuseforceiftheydonotfeeltheyaregettingwhattheypaidfor.

“Mencangetupsetthat[ejaculation]hasnothappenedbecausethey’repayingthismoney,theyexpectthatsomething’sgoingtooccurandwhenitdoesn’tandtheirtimeisup,theycangetverymadaboutthat,youknow?”–Formerentertainer

“[…]butI’vehadpeople[customers]decidethattheyweregonnagetwhattheyfeltliketheypaidfor,andhadtophysicallystrugglemanytimeswithmyguests,andnothadabouncerbelike,‘Don'ttouchthegirls.’Soitcanbedrainingmentallybutalsoactuallyphysically!”-Entertainer

“[…]shegotaVIPandthenheimmediatelystuckhishanddownherpanties,andshesaidshewalkedoutoftheroomandwenttothemanagerandsaid,‘Thatguyjusttriedtotouchmyvagina.’Andtheguysaid,‘Wellyeah,you’reinVIP.’Sojustabsolutelynoback-uptherewhatsoever.”–Entertainer

SeveraldescribedquiteharrowingsituationsofphysicalandsexualviolenceoccurringinVIPareas,includingchokingandrestraining.

“Theguywasjustalittletoodrunk,andhewasverystrong,likehewas6feet[tall]andverypowerful,andhestartedchokingher[theotherentertainerworkingwithher],becausehethoughtshelikedit,andwastoodrunktocomprehend.Andshewasterrified.SoIpulledhimoff.[Wewereworriedabout]gettingknockedoutorgettinghurtseverely.[…]Shewasterrifiedandwehadtofinishthathourbeingverycareful,butlikethankGodIwastherebecauseifshewouldhavedonethatbyherselfshecouldhavedied.She’sapixie;she’snotasdurableasIam.”–Entertainer

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“[…]sometimesyou'regoingtowindupinadangeroussituationwheresomeoneishopingtogetmorethanwhat’sonthemenu.SuchasIwaspartofathree-girlprivatedancewithapersonwhowasaBachelor.[…]ButIwasgettingmyassslapped,andIwasn'tokaywiththat.Andthegeneralpolicyattheclubwas,theydon'tgettodothat.[…]Weverbalized,‘Look,stopit’morethanonce,andthatkepthappening.Um,so,IkindofhadakneejerkthingwhereIturnedaroundandslappedhimintheface.Andthisparticularindividualdecidedhewasgoingtogetextremelyangry,hewasveryaffronted,andhegrabbedmyarm,myforearm,andhewasalarge,theywereallreallylargeguys,notnecessarilyoverweightlarge,buttheyweretall,theywerejustalotbiggerthanIwas.Andhishandtookuplikealmostmyentire-hishandtookupmyentireforearm.Hehadlongstrongfingers.Icouldn'tgethimtoletmegoandatthatpointIstartedtopanicbecauseIdidn'tknowwhatwasgoingtohappennext.AllI,Iwassittingthereexposed,notabletomove,IwasrestrainedphysicallyandIhadallthesepeoplethatIdidn’tknow.Ididn'tknowiftheyweregoingtobehelpingmeorhelpinghim.AndIgotcompletelyscaredandIquitdancingforamonth.Icried.Iranhome.Ileftwork.”–Entertainer

OneentertainerdescribedhowsheforgoesearningmoretoavoidthenegativeaspectsofVIPspaces.

“IamOKwithbeingmoreofapeacock,likeworkingthefloorandhavingmoresocialtimewitheverybodyintheroomandmakingmymoneythatway,thangoingupstairsandhavingtodealwiththatpressure.BecauseI’mveryawareofwhatthatrate[forcommercialsex]is,andI’mnotOKwiththoseblurredlines.[…]ButIjustwanttobeabletodoitwithoutthatpressure.”–Entertainer

InterviewparticipantsnotedthatthereisagreatdealofvariationinVIPspaceexperiencesbasedonhowmanagementandbouncersholdcustomersandentertainersaccountable,andwhethertheyprovideclearandsupportivesecurity.Somestripclubsandmanagersareveryclearandmaintainstrongrulesagainstsexualcontactandanytypeofcommercialsextrading.Someclubsmayfireentertainerswhoengageinthisbehaviorandremoveorbancustomerswhodemandit.TheVIPspaceisinherentlyagreyzonewherethelinesaredeliberatelyblurredandexpectationsarevagueinordertoconvincecustomerstospendmoremoney.

Participantsnotedalarge-scaleshiftintheindustrywiththeriseofVIPspacechangingthenatureoftheindustryandexpectationsofcustomers.TheybelievethatcustomerexperiencesinVIPspacesshapeoverallcustomerexpectationswithinstripclubs.ParticularlyifacustomerhasaVIPexperiencethatinvolvesasignificantamountof“extras,”theythenexpectthosesameservicesfromotherentertainers.Entertainerscitedcompetitionamongstripclubsasonepotentialdriverofthistrend.

Suggested Solutions EntertainersstronglyrecommendedreconfiguringVIPspacesandhowtheyaremanagedtoincreaseworkersafety.Somesuggestedeliminatingprivatebedsandboothspaceswherecustomersarefullyreclinedandinprivateareas.OtherrecommendationsincludedaredesignofVIPspacestomakethemmoreopen,e.g.betterlighting,sheercurtains,morecameras.EntertainerssawagreatneedtoincreasesurveillanceofVIPspaces,includingadditionalstafftomonitorVIPspaces,sothatentertainerscaneasilygetsupportorhelpifneeded.SomesuggestedeliminatingVIPspacesaltogether.

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Finally,entertainersexpressedalinebetweenhelpfulandharmfulpolicingofboundaries.Forexample,ifacustomerejaculatesduringaperformance,entertainerswouldliketoreceivesupportincleaningupandprotectionfromthiswithoutfearofbeingfired.Atthesametime,manyentertainersperceivedthatuniversallyenforcedboundariesbetweencustomersandentertainers(suchasavariantofNo-Touchmodelordinances,orconsent-forwardordinances)relievedthemofthepressureto“domore.”BouncersinterveningalsocanrelievesomeofthepressurefromentertainerstomaintainthefantasyoftheVIPexperience,withoutlosingcustomer’smoney.Entertainersfeltstronglythatpracticesofseekingconsentneedtoworktheirwayintothestripclubenvironmentforallsexualandsexyactivity.

SUMMARY: VIP Spaces

KEYFINDINGS:• VIPspacesareidentifiedasthemostunsafeforentertainers• Entertainersexperiencehigherratesofunwantedphysicalcontact,sexualharassmentandassault,andpressuretoengageincommercialsextradingfromcustomers

SUGGESTEDSOLUTIONS:• ReconfigurationofmanagementofVIPspaces• RedesignofVIPspaces• IncreasesurveillanceofVIP,andsupportentertainerswithtroublesomecustomers• Instilluniversallyenforcedboundariesbetweencustomersandentertainers• Supportpracticesofseekingconsent

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Harassment and Assault ThetypesofexperiencesofharassmentandassaultsthatoccurinVIPspacesarenormalizedaspartofmanystripclubs.Entertainersdescribedharassmentinsidethestripclubfromcustomers,management,andotherclubstaffincludingderogatorylanguage,verbalharassment,physicalassaults,andsexualharassment.Theyalsodescribedtacitsupportforandcomplicityinassaultsbysomestripclubstaffandcustomers.

“Butitbecomesnormalinthatenvironment.IfIwaswalkingdownthestreetitwouldn'tbenormal.IfI'mworkingthere,it'snormal.Thosekindofthingshappenedallthetime.Andyoujustkindofbecomenumbandimmunetothem.”–Formerentertainer

“Imean,itiskindoflikeafantasylandwhere[…]itisvery,veryegoboostingformostwomenwhodoitbecausealotofthesemenreallyworshipyou,butthenyouspendthenightgoingbackandforthwithmensayingawfulthingstoyou.”–Formerentertainer

Participantsdescribedthatmanyentertainersfeelaloneandisolatedindealingwiththesecircumstances.Supportsystemsdonotalwaysexistinclubs.Stigmaaround“strippers,”combinedwithanormalizationofmen’sentitlementtowomen’sbodies,leadtoanunhealthyworkplaceenvironmentformanyentertainers.

“Myfirsttimeeverdancing[…]thisdudeIdidn'tknowgrabbedmeoffthestageandgaveme$60forthreedances,andIwaslike,‘Okay.’Hephysicallygrabbedmeandpinnedmedown.Hedidn'tspeakanyEnglish;hephysicallypinnedmedownandstartedmasturbatinginhispocket.Ididnotgetthemanager’sattention.Ididn'twanttomakeafuss.Hecame[ejaculated]inhispantsandleftwithinthreesongs.AndIwasjust,like,superscared,violated,andItoldamanagerwhathappened,and[he]waslike,‘Youshouldhavestartedscreaming.’AndIwaslike,‘Youtellustoputourarmsupifsomethinggoeswrong,andhehadpinnedmyarmsupsoIcouldn'tmove.’”–Entertainer

Mostpeopleweinterviewedfeltthatitwasprimarilytheirresponsibilitytopolicetheboundariesandbehaviorofcustomers.

“But,Ihavetoadmitasadancerinthatsituation,Iwillputupwithagreatdeal.Knockitoff,walktheirhandsup,whatever.I’llbeincontrol.ButIgetgrabbedoradudewillflashme,I’llbelike‘Zipitup.Putitaway.’AndthenI’llfinishthedamndance.AndI’llseehimthenexttimehecomesin,andI’mnotgoingtofliporcry.Iwanthismoney.”–Entertainer

Pressuretoearnsufficientmoneycontributestoacultureofacceptanceofunwantedbehaviorandharassment.

“Where[inthisindustry],inappropriatebehaviorgetsglossedoverbecausethereissomemoneyflowing.”–Entertainer

“Therewasthisonedancer[…]and[shewas]cryingtomeandallofthisanddidn’twanttogointotheprivateroomwiththisoneguy.[…]butsheendeduptalkinghimuplike,three

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timestherateandthenwenttherewithhim.Soeventhoughshewasuncomfortable,oncethemoneygottoacertainpoint…”–Server/ShotGirl

Thesesameeconomicpressuresareevidentinclubmanagementaswell,aswealthycustomersareoftengivenspecialtreatment,andprioritizingcustomermoneyisagiven.Inonecase,acustomerwhoengagedinunwantedbehaviorwithanentertainerwasreprimanded,butthenimmediatelyrewardedbymanagement.

“I'vealwayshadtofendformyself,andalwayshave.TheonetimeIaskedforhelp,Igotflackforit.Theguywaskickedout,andhewasgivenacardtocome-afreeget-incard.Ilostit.Iwasfurious.”–Entertainer

Suggested Solutions Theentertainersweinterviewedhadmanyideasabouthowtocreatestrongermechanismswithinstripclubstoprotectentertainersfromunwantedsexualcontact,harassment,andassaultfromcustomers.Thestartingpointisforstripclubmanagersandsecuritytobelieveandvalidateentertainerswhentheydiscloseunwantedsexualcontact,harassment,orassault.Clubscouldprioritizeworkersafetyovercustomer’smoney,iftheychoose.Entertainersnotedthatseveralclubshaveclearboundariesandthatmanagersenforcethoseboundarieswithcustomers.Entertainersbelievethatclubscouldactuallymakemoremoneyifthemanagementtookmoreresponsibilityforenforcingboundariesratherthanleavingittotheentertainer.Managementcouldpartnerwithentertainersratherthansidingwithcustomers.

Clubscouldremoveandrefuseentryforcustomerswhoengageinviolentorunwantedsexualcontact,includingcustomerswhorequestsexactsorpressureentertainersforsexacts,andcustomerswhorecruitentertainerstoengageincommercialsexoutsideoftheclub.Theycouldalsomakeexpectationsmoreclearwithpostednotificationsofappropriatebehaviorforcustomersthatareenforced.

SUMMARY: Harassment and Assault

KEYFINDINGS:• Harassmentandassaultarenormalizedinclubs• Pressuretoearnmoneycontributestoacceptanceofunwantedbehaviorandharassment•Wealthycustomersaregivenspecialtreatment

SUGGESTEDSOLUTIONS:•Managersandsecurityneedtobelieveandvalidateentertainerswhentheydiscloseunwantedsexualcontact,harassment,orassault

•Managerscouldpartnerwithentertainersratherthansidingwithcustomers• Clubscouldremoveorrefuseentryforcustomerswhoengageinviolentunwantedsexualcontact

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Commercial Sexual Trading in Strip Clubs Ourdatasuggestthatcommercialsextradingdoeshappeninstripclubs,butthatitisbynomeansuniversalamongallclubsorallentertainers.Entertainersdistinguishbetween“cleanclubs”thathaveareputationamongentertainersfornotallowingcommercialsextrading,and“uncleanclubs,”thathaveareputationfortolerating,condoningorevenfacilitatingcommercialsextrading.WithasmallnumberofclubownersinMinneapolis,itisinterestingtonotethatsomeownersoperatebothcleananduncleanclubs.Theimplicationofthisisthatthisisaregulatoryandmanagerialfunctionoftheclub,andcouldbechanged.

Entertainersatbothso-calledcleananduncleanclubsdescribedincreasingpressurestodomorethingsthatmaycomemuchclosertothelineofsextradingorevencrossthelineintosextrading.Severalentertainersweinterviewedtalkedaboutwhattheyreferredtoas“extrasgirls,”orfellowentertainerswhoareknowntocrossthelinesfromtheexpectedbehaviortoincludeallowingthemselvestobegroped,performingoralsex,orprovidingmanualstimulation.Wefoundasignificantrangeinhowclubsandmanagersreacttocommercialsex.Someclubsareknownforturningablindeyeorevenfacilitatingcommercialsextrading,especiallyiftheyreceiveextratipsfromcustomersorentertainers.Somemanagerswillspecificallymaneuveracustomertoan“extrasgirl”foranadditionaltipforthemselves.Oneentertainerdescribedanincidentwhereamanagertoldacustomertoexpectacommercialsexactwithouttellingtheentertainer,thussettingupasituationforassault.Thissituationcouldbeconsideredsextrafficking,accordingtoMinnesotaStatute,asdescribedinthenextsection.Whileexertingpressureorfacilitatingcommercialsex,clubsoftenshiftliabilityforsextradingandsexualcontactontotheentertainer.

“Supposedly[themanager]oncesoldagirlwithouttellingherhewassellingher,and[he]tookthemoney.[…]Butforwhatitsoundedlikehetookextramoneyfromtheguytomakesuretherewasextraprivacy.Andthatwouldbeokay,butthethingisthegirlhadn’tconsented,didn’tknowwhatwasgoingon,sheknowsthatsecurityiswatchingher[…].”–Entertainer

Otherclubssetandmaintainclearerboundariesagainstphysicaltouchingandcommercialsex.Itisevidentthatwhilethepressureisfrequentlythere,manyentertainersdonotengageincommercialsex.Severalpeopleweinterviewedbelievethatwhensomeentertainersengageincommercialsextradingonsitethiscreatescustomerexpectationsforsimilarservicesfromotherworkers,whichfosterscoerciveeconomicpressuresandanunsafeworkingenvironment.

“[…]Ifagirlisdoingextrasonthefloor,thatfucksupourmoneybecauseaguylooksoverandgoes,‘Wellwhyaren'tyou,likefacefirstinmycrotchwithyourhaireverywhere?’Andyou'relike....[Silentpause].”–Entertainer

Accordingtoourdata,someentertainersengageincommercialsextradingoutsideoftheclubs.However,therearesomestripclubsthatwillnothireentertainerswhoareinvolvedincommercialsextradingoutsideoftheclub.Thus,thereisadifferentiationofservicesandexperiencesintheindustrybetweenclubsthatprovideavarietyofenvironmentstocustomers.

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Suggested Solutions Manystudyparticipantsrecommendedthattheindustryasawholecouldredefinestandardsforentertainerandcustomerinteractionthatmoveawayfromtheblurredlinesandsomeofthecustomers’expectationsforsextrading.Regulationcouldestablishclearanduniversallyappliedworkboundariesforentertainersandcustomersofnotouchingofbikinizonesorbreasts,includingcontactoverclothes(i.e.nogrinding).

Participantsalsoexpressedthatclearerboundariesandaccountabilitytothembenefittedallentertainers,creatingasaferenvironmentwithlesspressuretocompetealongsideanetworkofentertainersfortitillationorsexualserviceforlowerprices.

SUMMARY: Commercial Sex Trading

KEYFINDINGS:• Commercialsextradingisnotuniversalamongallclubsorallentertainers• Entertainersfeelpressuretoengageincommercialsextrading• Thereisasignificantrangeinhowclubsreacttocommercialsex

SUGGESTEDSOLUTIONS:• Redefinestandardsforentertainerandcustomerinteraction• Establishclearanduniversallyappliedworkboundaries

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Human Trafficking Humantraffickingwithinastripclubisaformoflabortrafficking,asnudeorsemi-nudeperformancesarelegal.Someactivitieswithinastripclubscouldmeetthedefinitionofsextraffickingifcommercialsexispresent.8Theentertainerswhoparticipatedinourstudysawwhattheydescribeasminimalevidenceoftraffickingwithintheclubs.Theysaiditwasraretoseewhattheyperceivedassignsofforce,fraud,orcoercionamongtheircoworkers.Whentheydidseethisittypicallyinvolvedaboyfriendorspousewhotheydescribedasabusiveandcontrolling.

“SowhatI’veseen[forentertainerswhodidhavepimps]istherewasacircuit.SoontheweekendstheymightgotoIowaorNorthDakota.Sotheymaybetraffickedorexploitedduringtheweek.TheywouldsetupdatesandstuffthroughBackpages,andthenontheweekendstheywouldworktheclubs.”–Advocate

“There’salwaysthegirlwho’sgettingbeatup,who’sgonnagiveallhermoneytoherguy,andthey’rebothaddictedtowhatever,orheis.Andyouknow,thedynamicishemakesherfeelverysmallandtakesherpoweraway,soshecan’tgetaway.Shefeelsshehasnoabilityandnostrength.Youseethateverywhere.”–Entertainer

Manyentertainerssaidtheywereinterestedinlearningmoreabouthumantrafficking,includingwarningsignsandprevention.Participantsthatweinterviewedtendedtounderstandtraffickingasinvolvingforcedmovement,withvictimscomingfromanothercountry,andalsobelievethatvictimsofsextraffickingwouldappeartobeenslaved.Thesehowever,arecommonlymisunderstoodperceptionsandmythsaboutvictim/survivorsoftrafficking.

“Butit’sreally,thosegirlsaretaken.Thosegirlsaretakentoanothercountry.”–Entertainer

“[…]BecausewhenIthinkofsextrafficking,Ithinkoflikeslaves.They’reslaves.They’rebeingbrought,anditdoesn’tmatterhowthey’rebeingused,they’rebeingusedagainsttheirwill.”–Entertainer

Entertainersdiddescribestripclubsasplaceswherepimpsseektoconnectwithpotentialvictims.Theysaiditwascommonforknownpimpstocomeintoclubsascustomersandseekrelationshipswithentertainers.Inthisway,stripclubsareawell-knownsiteforrecruitingforsextrafficking.Previousresearchhasidentifiedmanysuchrecruitmentplaces,sostripclubsarenotuniqueinthis.

“PimpswouldcomeintotheclubsandIhadnoideathattheywerepimps.Iwasjusttooyounganddumbtoknow.[…]Hadsomeoftheothergirlstheretalkingtomeaboutwhatwasgoingonandwhotheyareandwhatthey’redoingandthatkindofstuff,Iprobablywouldnothaveknown.IwasveryyoungandIwasbarely18workingthere.Andtheywereverysmooth.They’reverynice[…].”–Formerentertainer

However,ourparticipantsdescribedsomeinstanceswherestripclubstaffseemcomplicitinallowingandfacilitatingpimpsandtraffickerstorecruit.Theyalsodescribedotherinstancesofclub-facilitated

8https://humantraffickinghotline.org/labor-trafficking-venuesindustries/barsclubs

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commercialsextradingthatwouldfittheMinnesotastatedefinitionofsextraffickinginthatitinvolvesathird-partyfacilitator.

Entertainerswhoparticipatedinourstudythoughtitwasveryunlikelythatminorsworkinstripclubsnow.Theysaidtheydonotseeitandthatitwouldbedifficultforminorstoworkinstripclubsbecausehiringatmostclubsrequirestwoformsofidentification.SeveralpeopleweinterviewedbelievethatthereusedtobemoreminorsworkinginMinneapolisstripclubs,butthatitdoesnothappenanymore.Thereareyoungpeopleintheclubsbecausetheindustryisdominatedbywomenaged18-24.However,participantsnotedthattherewerealsonolegalregulationsaroundthis.

“Underagedancers?Ohno,no,no,no,no,no.They’revery,likethey’resuperstrictaboutthat,becauseinordertoworkyouhavetogivethemyoursocialsecuritycardandallyouridentification.”–Entertainer

Suggested Solutions Rightnowtheprimarysuggestedsolutionrelatedtohumantraffickingwasarequestformoreindustry-widetrainingwithentertainersandotherstripclubstaffonwhathumantrafficking(laborandsex)is,howtorecognizethesigns,andwhattools/protocolsareavailabletoentertainerstodealwiththisissue.

Anadditionalsuggestionincludedrefusingservicetoacustomerifthecustomerwasknowntorecruitorsolicitentertainersintoprostitution(e.g.pimpsandjohns).

SUMMARY: Human Trafficking

KEYFINDINGS:• Domestic-violenceinvolvedtraffickingisthemostcommonwaythatthiscrimeisconnectedtostripclubs

•Minorsarenotapresent-dayconcernforstripclubs• Clubscanbesitesofrecruitmentforpimps/traffickers• Instancesofclub-assistedcommercialsexcouldqualifyassextrafficking• EntertainersdesiremoretrainingandresourcestodealwiththisissueSUGGESTEDSOLUTIONS:•Moreindustry-widetrainingwithentertainersandstaffonhumantrafficking• Refusingservicetoacustomerwhowasknowntorecruitentertainersintoprostitution

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Conclusion of Findings Ourfindingssuggestthattherearesignificantconcernsabouttheworkplaceexperiencesofentertainersinstripclubs.Most,butnotall,oftheentertainerswhoparticipatedinourstudychosetoworkinstripclubsandenjoyedaspectsofthework.However,thehighratesofunwantedtouching,groping,sexualassault,andpressuretoengageincommercialsextradingwerefrequentlycitedasproblemsforentertainers.Further,participantsinourstudyalsoreportedsignificantamountsofverbalharassmentandderogatorylanguage.

Manyofthesafetyconcernsstemfromseveralintertwinedworkplacepractices.First,entertainerspayasignificantportionoftheirearningsbacktotheclubintheformofhousefees,tips,andfines.ThispushesmoreentertainerstoworkinVIPspaceswheretheycanmakemoremoney.TheclubmanagementalsopushesmoreworkinVIPspacesbecauseitmakesmoremoneyfortheclub.However,thesespacesseemtopresentamuchhigherriskforsexualviolenceandcoercion.Theyaresecluded,privateandoftenlackappropriatesecurity.Customersexpectmorephysicalcontact,rubbing,andgrinding,sometimestothepointofejaculation,becausetheyarepayingmoremoney.Someclubsencourageablurredlineaboutenforcementofrulesandwhatcustomerscanexpectduetopricesettingandgeneralimplications.

SomeofourresearchparticipantshaveworkedintheindustryformanyyearsandtheyreportthattheindustryhasshiftedtoanincreasedmarketshareofVIPexperiencesoverthelastdecade,withstageperformancebeingmoreaboutadvertisingormarketingforVIP.Academicresearchaboutthestripclubindustryinternationallyhasidentifiedasimilarmarkettrend.9

Managers,bouncersandsecurityhaveaclearroleinshapingtheVIPexperience.Theysetthetone,expectations,andpoliciesforcustomersaboutwhattypesofbehaviorisacceptableinVIPspaces,andtheclubasawhole.Managersandbouncersdecidewhetheracustomerwillorwillnotberemovedfromthecluborreprimandedforspecificbehaviors.Someclubshaveclearerbehaviorstandardsthanothers.ThiscreatesexpectationsamongsomecustomersinspecificclubswheretheystarttorequestandevendemandmoresexualcontactaspartofaVIPexperience.Thus,thebusinessoperationalstructuresoftheclubrelatedtopricing,entertainers’pay-outs,andVIPspacesinterplayasapowerfulpushfactortodomoresexualservicesforlessmoney.

Thisstudyispremisedonthenotionthatentertainersareexpertsabouttheirworkplaceandunderstandwhattheyneedtostaysafeandhealthy.Hereweexploredworkplacesafetyconcernsasexpressedbyentertainersandindustrystakeholdersandtheirideasforhowtoimprovesafety.Theideaspresentedinthisreportarenotspecificpolicyproposals.However,theycanhelpshapepolicydirections.Westronglyencouragethatanyproposedpolicychanges–whetherthroughcityordinance,licensing,orMinnesotaStatute–shouldengageentertainersincraftingandvetting.Therearemanypotentialpitfallsandproblemswithregulationandlicensingofadultentertainmentestablishmentsthatcouldinadvertentlyharmentertainersandotherworkers.Entertainersdescribetheirworkinstripclubsasavitalsourceoflegalincome.Thus,careshouldbetakentonotcauseentertainerstoloseworkandincome.

9SandersandHardy(2012).

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Bios

Team Bios LaurenMartinPhDistheDirectorofResearchattheUniversityofMinnesota’sUrbanResearchOutreach-EngagementCenter(UROC),aswellasaffiliatedfacultyattheHumphreySchoolofPublicAffairs.LaurenholdsaPhDinAnthropologyfromtheNewSchoolforSocialResearchinNewYorkCity.ShewastherecipientoftheUniversityofMinnesota,President’sEngagedScholarawardin2016.

ChristinaMelander,MSW,isaResearchFellowattheUniversityofMinnesota’sUrbanResearchOutreach-EngagementCenter(UROC).ChristinaholdsaMasters’ofSocialWorkfromtheUniversityofMinnesota,andaBachelor’sinSociologyfromTheUniversityofChicago.

NatalieTaber,MA,isanMSWstudentinClinicalMentalHealthattheUniversityofMinnesotaandarecipientoftheKenteCircleClinicalFellowship.NatalieholdsaMaster’sinPhilosophyfromtheUniversityofWisconsin,Milwaukee.

CheyenneSyvertsonisaMSWcandidateattheUniversityofMinnesotaSchoolofSocialWork.SheisarecipientoftheSharonL.DohertyLeadershipAwardforhervolunteerismonwomen’sissues.Uponcompletinghergraduateprogram,Cheyennewillpursueanadvancedclinicallicensepracticingpsychotherapy.

Community Advisory Group Bios Tawnya"Sweetpea"Konobeckisalocally-based,internationally-renownedentertainerwithherBachelor’sinUrbanEducation,andcertificationsinpersonaltrainingandtherapeuticlifestylecoaching.She'samulti-awardwinningburlesqueperformer,eventproducer,andcommunityorganizer.Whennotputtingonshowsortakingoffherclothes,Sweetpeateachesdanceandfitnessclasses.

ArtikaRollerhasservedasaProgramDirectorattheWomen’sAdvocatesandthePRIDE(PromotingRecovery,Independence,Dignity,andEquality)Program.SheisagraduateoftheExecutiveLeadershipInstituteattheUniversityofMichigan-AnnArborSchoolofBusinessandSchoolofSocialWork.Ms.Rollerhasoverfifteenyearsofnon-profitexperienceandparticipatedinlegislativeadvocacyfortheMinnesotaSafeHarborlegislation.SheisacurrentMSWcandidateattheUniversityofMinnesota.

AngelaCallaisistheco-ownerofMamaLunaCareofferingholisticbirthandpostpartumservices,andawidely-soughtoutpublicspeakerandeducatoronpleasure-basedsexuality.Angelahasbeenalong-timeadvocatewithpeopleinvolvedinsextrading.AngelaalsohasaBachelor’sdegreeinHumanSexualityandiscurrentlycompletingherMSWdegreeandcertificationstobecomeaSexTherapist.

KatieFritzFogel,MPH,isaResearchAssociatewithRainbowResearch,wheresheworksongender-basedviolence,participatoryevaluations,andactionresearchprojectsforcommunitychangeand

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equity.Katiehasmorethanfiveyears’experienceprovidingdirectserviceandprogramoversightinyouthprogramming,aswellasconductedappliedresearcharoundsexualexploitation.

CeMarrPetersonistheProjectLiveOutLoudProgramManageratTheLink,whereshemanagesaLGBTQhomelessyouthhousingprogram.CeMarrhasoverfiveyearsofexperienceworkingwithvictim/survivorsofsexualexploitation.CeMarr’sexpertiseworkingwithat-riskpopulations,especiallyLGBTQyouth,enablehertodevelopstrategiesforreachingthispopulation,aswellasforprovidingadvocacythatisspecialized,relevant,andculturally-specific.SheisworkingonherBachelor’sdegreeinComputerForensicsatMetroStateUniversity.

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Glossary of Terminology Languagecanbecontentiousandloaded.Forthisreport,thesedefinitionsexplainsomeofthecommonterminologythatweuse:

Entertainer:Anypersonwhoprovidesentertainmentthrougheroticdancing,exoticdancing,stripping,striptease,orgo-godancing.

SexWorker:Abroadumbrellatermforanyonewhoprovidessexualservicesformonetarygain.Sexworkerscanincludeescortservices,phonesex,sensualmassage,pornography,andstripping.Inthisresearch,manyentertainersself-definedassexworkers,eventhoughtheydidnottradesex.Asoneentertainerputit,“Iprovidesexyforsaleversussexforsale.”

Customer:Anypersonwhopatronizesastripclub,suchaspayinganentrancefee,payingforlapdances,VIPexperiences,orwatchingsexualperformancesonthestage.Inthecontextofstripclubs,thevastmajorityofcustomersaremen-identifiedpersons.

CommercialSexualExploitation:Theunfairorunequaltreatmentorabuseofthoseinvolvedincommercialsexforthegainorbenefitofanother.

HumanTrafficking:ThemostwidelyunderstooddefinitionofhumantraffickingisfromtheTraffickingVictimsProtectionAct(2000).ThisFederaldefinitioncreatesanumbrellaframeworkforsextraffickingandlabortrafficking.Thisdefinitionis:therecruitment,transportation,harboring,obtaining,ormaintainingofapersonthroughtheuseofforce,fraud,orcoercionforthepurposesofcommercialsex,forcelabor,debtbondage,ortheremovaloforgans.10

SexTrafficking:Inlayterms,sextraffickingisthefacilitationofprostitutionbyathirdpartyusingforce,fraud,coercion,oranyothermeans;orprofitingfromthefacilitationofprostitutionbyathirdparty.11

LaborTrafficking:Inlayterms,labortraffickingisthefacilitationofforcedlabor,debtbondage,theremovaloforgans,orslavery-likepracticesbyathirdpartyusingforce,fraud,coercion,oranyothermeans;orprofitingfromthefacilitationoftheseactions.12

Lapdance:Previousresearchhasdefinedlapdances,yetweknowthattheseperformanceschangeandshiftacrosstime,space,andculture.Accordingtoourinterviewparticipants,alapdanceconsistsofasexualizedperformancetypicallyofoneentertainerforonecustomer.Thesedanceslastforapproximatelytenminutes,orthedurationofathree-songset.Lapdancesoccuracrossaspectrumof

10TraffickingVictimsProtectionAct(2000,reauthorizedin2013).AccessedMarch12,2017fromhttps://www.state.gov/j/tip/laws/61124.htm11MinnesotaStatute609.321,Subdivision7a.Sextrafficking."Sextrafficking"means:(1)receiving,recruiting,enticing,harboring,providing,orobtainingbyanymeansanindividualtoaidintheprostitutionoftheindividual;or(2)receivingprofitoranythingofvalue,knowingorhavingreasontoknowitisderivedfromanactdescribedinclause(1).12MinnesotaStatute609.282,Subdivision5.Labortrafficking."Labortrafficking"means:(1)therecruitment,transportation,transfer,harboring,enticement,provision,obtaining,orreceiptofapersonbyanymeans,forthepurposeof:(i)debtbondageorforcedlabororservices;(ii)slaveryorpracticessimilartoslavery;or(iii)theremovaloforgansthroughtheuseofcoercionorintimidation;or(2)receivingprofitoranythingofvalue,knowingorhavingreasontoknowitisderivedfromanactdescribedinclause(1).

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bodycontact,sometimeswithnobodytouching,togentlebrushingofonebodyontheother,todeeprubbingofone’sgenitalsovertheclothedgenitalsofthecustomer.Lapdanceshavemultiplevariations,suchascouchdances,tabledances,andbeddances,allreferringtothelocationinaclubwherethedancetakesplace.

Adultentertainmentestablishment:Asweuseitinthisreport,anadultentertainmentestablishmentisabusinessthatisopentoadultsandhostslive,nudeorsemi-nudeperformancesbyentertainers(e.g.strippers,dancers).TheCityofMinneapolishasamorenuanceddefinitionfor“adultentertainmentcenter,”asisestablishedthroughtheMinneapolisCityOrdinance.13

Go-godancing:Asourparticipantsdescribedit,go-godancinginMinneapolisisatypeoflivesemi-nudedanceperformancethatcanmimicorcopycomponentsofstripping,suchaslapdancesandothersexualizeddancemoves.Typicallygo-godancinginvolvescolorfulandplayfulcostumes.Thisformofperformancemayormaynotbetipped-based,andismostassociatedwithnightclubs,especiallyLGBTQperformancespaces.

13MinneapolisCodeChapter549SectionIV