In Loving Memory of Carol Leigh, 1951-2022
On Saturday, May 20the, 2023, the world of sex workers joined together to celebrate the life and legacy of Carol Leigh, The Scarlot Harlot. Her memorial video was a sex worker rights star studded event and a powerful representation of the impact that she had during her lifetime.
Although Carol Leigh is best known to most of us for coining the term “Sex Worker”, her lifetime was so much more. The term is used throughout the world to acknowledge the labor of sex work and to destigmatize the work of individuals engaged in the industry. Carol Leigh was an artist at heart who, in the infancy of the sex worker rights movement, was routinely denied access to feminist spaces as well as art spaces because of her work within the sex industry. She embraced her sexuality and encouraged so many others to do the same.
Carol was diverse long before it became an acronym. Her work was international but it was always close to home for the people who interacted with her. She won numerous awards - too many to count - for her activism, her advocacy on the many intersecting issues and her art but she was never competitive and although she often experienced dismissiveness and exclusion but she never participated in it.
Carol was the embodiment of love, dignity and respect for others. She was passionate and protective and she gave without expecting anything in return.
The memorial video had an amazing lineup of people who Carol Leigh had interacted with over her decades in the movement but Hunter Leight recited an Ode to Our St Carol Leigh that we believe should be our mantra as we move forward into the future.
Ode to Our Saint Carol Leigh
In your honor may we respect the youth and revere the elders in all our movements.
May we create new language when the old words don't fit.
May we never forget glitter and glamor in all our protests.
May we uplift the tender creative works in our communities.
May we collaborate across the globe.
May we see the connection in our struggles.
May we document our stories well.
May we make the effort to mentor and support new leaders.
May we courageously challenge the oppressive systems of power.
May we stay gentle and kind through it all.
May we live long full lives full of great stories.
May we always be unrepentant.
Hunter Leight is a former sex worker and organizer. They currently co-facilitate the monthly online Sex Worker Sangha via East Bay Meditation Center and provide independent community chaplaincy support
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