On the historic Election Night of 2020, Kaytlin Bailey and Dr. Charlene Fletcher of The Oldest Profession Podcast sat down for a candid discussion about Melania Trump. The conversation explored whether or not Melania can be considered an old pro, if she is part of our movement, and how Kaytlin had circus performers at her wedding. A panel discussion truly for the ages.

Shirley Cavanaugh, a down on her luck sex worker, blew the lid off a corrupt police department in Pittsburgh in the 1950s. By chance she was falsely accused of shooting a cop, but instead of backing down, she fought back. What happened to her triggered a major investigation that ended in the disbandment of the Pittsburgh Vice Squad. In this episode, Kaytlin Bailey explores Shirley's story, her entanglement with an Officer and the remarkable coalition that rallied around her. Featuring interviews with Shirley's grandson Jason Kirin and Pittsburgh columnist Jessie Sage, this is a forgotten story of bravery, abuse, and resistance.

You can buy Jason Kirin's book From the Furnace With Love; The Multigenerational Tapestry of Shirley Cavanaugh, documenting his grandmother's incredible story.

Read Jessie Sage's article about Shirley Cavanaugh.

We'd like to thank our Season sponsors M e g a P e r s o n a l s, Assembly Four, Tryst, A Great Idea, and the New Moon Network.

The Oldest Profession Podcast is produced by Old Pros, a non-profit media organization that uses storytelling to advocate for sex worker rights. If you value our mission, please consider making a tax deductible donation. To learn more visit us at oldprosonline.org, which is also where you can get Old Pros t-shirts, sweatshirts, totes, stickers, and more. Of course, proceeds from our shop support our work at Old Pros.

Trigger warning: this episode discusses suicidal thoughts.

Coming out as a sex worker can be an act of courage, a moment of rupture, or a slow, ongoing negotiation with the world. In this holiday special of The Oldest Profession Podcast, Kaytlin Bailey shares powerful listener-submitted stories about coming out, being outed, and finding—or losing—community.

Released in recognition of December 17, the International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers, this episode brings together voices from around the world. Sex workers speak candidly about family conversations that went better than expected, moments of devastating betrayal, workplace discrimination, union battles, stigma within and outside the community, and the relief that can come with telling the truth.

These stories are not simple or uniformly uplifting—but they are deeply human. They reflect the risks of being out in a criminalized and stigmatized industry, the strength it takes to stand in one's truth, and the importance of chosen family and solidarity, especially during the holidays.

To anyone listening who feels isolated, afraid of being outed, or cut off from family or community: you are not alone.

Thank you to all the listeners who trusted us with their stories and made this episode possible.

Thank you Amy @venusadventures1, Thot Scholar @thotscholar, Iris @magicalmilfiris, and Laine @latvianswalliance.

The Oldest Profession Podcast is produced by Old Pros, a non-profit media organization that uses storytelling to advocate for sex worker rights.

If you value our mission, please consider making a tax deductible donation. To learn more visit us at oldprosonline.org, which is also where you can get Old Pros t-shirts, sweatshirts, totes, stickers, and more. Of course, proceeds from our shop support our work at Old Pros.

This episode was made possible through recurring tax deductible contributions from listeners like you. We'd also like to thank our Season 6 sponsors M e g a P e r s o n a l s, Assembly Four, Tryst, A Great Idea, and the New Moon Network.