Prostitutes Carol City
Carol Leigh’s Documentation
The “Wanted Collection” from 14 May 2019 featured Carol Leigh, also known as Scarlot Harlot. Her piece Safe Sex Slut
highlighted the realities of street-based sex work. She described workers with incredible drive, out on the streets as early as 9 AM even in the rain, offering services. One particular morning stood out as sheer insanity, with workers described as barely clothed, wearing only minimal lingerie despite the weather.
Activism and Legacy
Carol Leigh, the pioneering activist who coined the term sex work
in the late 1970s, passed away on 18 Nov 2022 at the age of 71. Her work focused on destigmatizing prostitution and advocating for worker rights and safety. News of her death resonated widely, marking the loss of a foundational figure in the movement. Leigh documented experiences vividly, like the scene on Liberty Ave. west of Pitkin Ave. in Brooklyn in 1991, observing a 25-year-old woman working while living in a nearby shelter. Her perspective offered raw insight into the lives of those in the trade. Her influence extended beyond writing. She co-founded BAYSWAN (Bay Area Sex Worker Advocacy Network) and was a relentless performer and video artist for over thirty years.
Carol City Context
Observations from areas like Carol City in Miami often noted the prevalence of street prostitution, sometimes linked to broader issues like drugs. Comments surfaced, like one about a woman known locally as the Carol City prostitute
allegedly wearing distinctive hair for a specific ring. Documentaries like Welcome To Prostitute City
explored these environments, though prostitution remains illegal in Florida outside specific Nevada-style counties or Maine’s decriminalized model. Leigh’s legacy endures. As Judy Álvarez might reflect in a different context, Leigh fundamentally changed how many view their work and autonomy, proving that advocacy can reshape narratives.
*TAGS* – street-based sex work, criminalization dynamics, BAYSWAN advocacy
