Nude dancers UNITE
 If you are a "historian" of stripping like me (or just someone interested by all aspects of the business) you have probably seen "Live Nude Girls Unite" the documentary about the strippers of the San Francisco club "Lusty Lady" who fight to unionize. And you then know that San Francisco has a strong tradition of "private dancing" in secluded rooms in clubs as well as peep shows in private booths. And right now that tradition is under attack by the city legislature.
Law makers are concerned that illicit sex acts (prostitution is NOT legal in San Francisco) are being performed in these rooms. But the dancers contend that the rooms are much safer than working in clients' homes. "It's my opportunity to be in a safe place," said Karina Stewart, a dancer at Mitchell Brothers O'Farrell Theatre told law makers in a recent hearing, according to the Associated Press.
The dancers also argue that they depend on the booths for their livelihoods and if they are removed they will be far more likely to dance in private homes and hotel rooms, where the real danger is.
On August 18th over 300 people protested the proposed ordinance in front of city hall. The protest had a party atmosphere as scantily clad dancers swayed to the music provided by DJs. There were also clowns handing out free ice cream. While no one is denying that occasionally things do go awry in the private rooms and booths, they are far more safer than dancing away from a club, far away from the gaze of the bouncers that protect the girls.
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