In this episode of YAS Podcast, host Nats Honey speaks with Akynos, founder and director of the Black Sex Worker Collective. They discuss the formation and purpose of the collective, the importance of preserving sex worker history, and the numerous challenges faced by Black sex workers, including financial struggles and systemic discrimination. Akynos highlights the significance of community support, engagement, and truthful representation of sex workers in media. The episode also touches on Akynos's environmental performance piece, 'I Didn't Mean To Turn You On,' and the newly opened BSWC community space in Berlin.

00:00 Introduction to YAS Podcast

00:48 Meet Your Hosts

01:08 Support and Donations

01:29 Today's Host: Nats Honey

02:24 Introducing Akynos and the Black Sex Worker Collective

03:54 Formation and Challenges of BSWC

07:29 Pronouns and Identity

08:39 Leadership Challenges and Wins

16:12 Villainous Conference and Community Engagement

24:21 Bees Knees Knee Pads

25:11 Upcoming Environmental Performance Piece

25:56 Facing Whorephobia and Cultural Misunderstandings

26:15 Eye-Opening Travels in West Africa

27:52 Reflections on Poverty in Jamaica and America

28:40 Creating a Show on Global South Issues

31:01 Berlin Show and New Community Space

34:24 Archiving Black Sex Worker History

38:12 Public vs. Private Conflict Resolution

41:18 Engaging with the UN and Future Plans

43:17 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Links:

Akynos.com

Villainous Conference Eventbrite

The BSWC Website

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Donate to our work: YASWork.Org/Donate