Dark Mode Issue 001 | Page 7

Behind the Red Light Exotic Dancer "Electric Girl" discusses careers, COVID and customers. Written by Meriem Mahdhi and Jasmina Matulewicz The adult entertainment industry is full of stigma, stereotypes, and prejudice, and sex workers are still amongst the most fragile and unprotected communities in the labour market. Dark Mode speaks to Electric Girl on her career as a professional stripper, how her community forms an active part of the sex work industry, and the ups and downs of her job. Career choices Moving from Poland to London in 2016, Electric Girl reminisces the day a friend suggested the possibility of making a living by doing something she loves: dancing. Being a dancer since she was a kid, Electric Girl took the advice to heart, and, despite living in a conservative country, her family was supportive of her choices. ‘I wanted them to acclimatise gradually,’ she laughs, adding that, in the beginning, she had then convinced that she waited tables at a strip club. ‘At first, I felt shy about getting naked, even though I am a very self-confident person. After I saw other girls doing the topless stage show and had my first go, I relaxed and acknowledged it was just a job. That’s when my friend’s advice clicked. I love my body, and dancing, so why wouldn’t I make money by showing it?’ Electric Girl admits. 07