Performers are dependent on their agents, who sometimes manipulate and cheat them. Often on the road, unable to predict their working schedule, they have trouble achieving a healthy leisure time or pursuing other interests. They are caught in a double bind: their career may be short-lived, as they are soon considered "too old"; but they find it hard to leave the trade. Discriminated against in renting a home, seeking a bank loan, and sometimes even medical attention, they develop a poor self-image. Far from being recognized for their skills (a stripper must be flexible, a well-organized business woman, a dancer, and an ever-smiling public relations specialist), their experience counts against them if they apply for other jobs. Strippers have never been successful in organizing, and have no collective voice to advocate their rights. Any talk of collectivism can lead to black-listing; the women are scattered and isolated; and women who begin to be politicized can easily be replaced by younger, more naive women.

In the face of these problems, planning activities was a real challenge.

One of my first tasks was to affirm the entertainers' value as people and to emphasize that they were not being judged or stigmatized by the Toronto YWCA project. I helped arrange an Evening of Sharing with other burlesque dancers in January 1985. About 100 entertainers came, with many of the women sharing talents and skills such as singing, dancing, drama, storytelling or art. This was an exciting opportunity for these women to share a common bond, and to be outside the competitive work place. It also reaffirmed their range of talents and skills outside of the sextrade, without stigmatizing their work.

In the summer, I helped mobilize some 20 women into collecting materials for a resource book to document the reality and history of burlesque entertainers. This project had a double purpose: to raise the women's consciousness; and to help dispel popular misconceptions about strippers. Unfortunately, without any guarantees of publication or agreement on who would control the publication, some women withdrew their support and the book fell apart. However, a wealth of material was gathered and some of the women talked about seeking funding for publication on their own at some future date.

I spoke to other YWCA groups of women, such as participants in the Teen Mothers group and Life Skills groups about the misconceptions and realities of stripping. Audiences found this information interesting and valuable.

EVALUATION

This program was in a state of development and adaptation throughout the year. We did not achieve all of our objectives. In retrospect our goals may have been too ambitious. However, we did gain a lot of knowledge which can be shared to dispel some of the stereotypes, and perhaps motivate social service providers to offer more to this group.

Because I used to work in the burlesque field, and have now moved on, I was able to show strippers that they have options. I was able to touch the lives of many strippers, in varying degrees. A few used me as a resource person, and made a career change, or sought upgrading. Others became mobilized to advocate for their rights in protesting demands of their fields. Others, who wanted to remain in stripping, developed more confidence in their skills and talents.

Perhaps we learned that, with this group of women, what is required most of all is flexibility. They can become alienated and distrustful very quickly without such a commitment.

I am very concerned about the discontinuation of the program, due to the difficulties of planning and of securing funding, at such a volatile time. These women need guidelines and support in making life decisions. If nothing follows the YWCA program, they may come to believe that no-one cares after all.

I am seeking funding, with the Toronto YWCA's support, to continue to do workshops to further educate the community and to help politicize the women themselves.

Amber Cooke was the facilitator of the Stippers' Life Skills Program at the Toronto YWCA, and is now coordinating a program for street hookers for the Elizabeth Fry Society.