We’re joined by special guests Caitlin McKenna and Jane Way to talk about how Star Trek has depicted sex workers, from exotic dancers to dabo girls to Risian resort staff and more. Warning: contains explicit language and discussion of mature themes.
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Hosts: Andi, Jarrah
Guests: Caitlin McKenna, Jane Way
Editor: Andi
Transcription: Rebecca – @carolinalady
Download Transcript: PDF or Word
Notes and References:
- HIPS (Washington, DC-based sex worker organization)
- Red Umbrella Project
- Global Network of Sex Work Projects
- PEERS Victoria Resource Society
- Captain’s Logs: The Unauthorized, Complete Star Trek Voyages by Mark A. Altman and Edward Gross
- The Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Companion by Paula M. Block and Terry J. Erdmann
By rejecting Feezal because she’s Phlox’s wife, Trip is following the 10th commandment. The one not to covet your neighbor’s wife (among other things). Having gone to Sunday school, I spent years not batting an eye at this, long after I stopped being religious. To think this is the moral foundation of Western society…….
Riker’s attitude to women is mentioned. I’d also include “Who Watches The Watchers?” in s03 of TNG, where he and Troi were walking along with him four paces behind her, and Troi tells him that it means that she negotiates for his services, including sexual services.
definately a good episode for this one.. the scene in question:
“Mintakan emotions are quite interesting. Like the Vulcans, they have highly ordered minds. A very sensible people. For example, Mintakan women precede their mates. It’s a signal to other women.”
“‘This man’s taken, get your own’?”
“Not precisely. More like ‘if you want his services, I’m the one you have to negotiate with.'”
“What kind of services?”
“All kinds.”
“They are a sensible race.”
– Troi and Riker, discussing Mintakan society