In the summer months, it is good to have a bit of a break between two shows. And some have put their time to good use. The result: a country anthem to the glory of sex workers, like the group Copyslut. We can say thank you to them!
The 2nd of June is International Whore Day, a worldwide day of support for prostitutes, strippers, camgirls and porn actresses. The Californian group Copyslut has released this music video for the occasion… And I love it! This is my song of the summer.
Who are Copyslut?
Founded by Chatz as the vocalist and Ray on the guitar, the group was soon joined by Eli Maliwan (bass). Copyslut was born on a cold summer day in 2017. It was during pride weekend in San Francisco… In a blaze of glitter, filled with all the sass of Freddie Mercury. What started as a passion project between three close friends (Chatz, Ray and Kendal) launched a music project. The concept? Bringing healing through pleasure.
A group committed to sex workers’ cause
Copyslut, a queer rock group based in Oakland, use their new music video to celebrate sex workers. And to highlight the negative impact COVID-19 has had on them. They note that a good number of them are out of work. Or are now having to work in more risky environments. The song, “Hooker Homecoming”, is described as a “profitable protection spell” to ensure the safety of sex workers around the world.
The group is not new to conversations about sex work or the ongoing struggle to expand their rights and protections. They have previously published the zine Don’t Hate My Heels: A Confrontation With Whorephobia In which The Whores Win. The zine, by Copyslut’s lead singer Chatz and other named and anonymous sex workers, is “a weapon and an educational tool for sex workers to connect, defend themselves against and educate their loved ones”. It was selected for the Broken Pencil Zine Awards 2018.
“We wanted the ‘Hooker Homecoming’ music video to serve as a symbol of strength and resilience for those who work within the sex trades and industries. We hope that it can help us all feel a little less lonely during this time of isolation”, explained Reiko Que Fuego, Copyslut’s Art Director and Fashionista.
To watch:
With Ray Zamora on guitar and Eli Maliwan on bass, Chatz’s clear and effortless voice shines through. In addition, you will find Alexis Blair on drums, Erika Oba on keys, Mya Byrne on mandolin and Reiko Rasch.
Finally, the video also features Amanda Joy Loth, Bytch Nastee, Felix Theroux, Janet Huey, Keyko Torres, Krystina Burton, Marley Marquee, Devorah, Mx. Galaxia, Patti DeMatteo, Reesa Baby G, Rose CW, Sasha Rain, Sybele, Tiff Rose, Vanessa Carlisle, Vivienne Ito and Zia Afsonna.
So, what do you think? Do you like it? Now that you’re relaxed, it’s time to put on your latex outfit for the next show!