Survey Results
Summer of 2022 we conducted a survey of WAshington state dancers.
Here is what we learned.
Dancers support policy to change the industry
Dancers want more rights and believe that Washington industry standards can be elevated.
90%
of dancers want alcohol legalization
Right now, WA clubs are under an alcohol prohibition that makes it harder to work, make money, and be safe.
100%
of dancers support the regulation of house fees
Right now, dancers pay the clubs up to $160 a shift, before other fees, to work.
90%
of dancers Believe clubs would improve with alcohol legalization
Dancers believe alcohol would mostly change things for the better, including safer clubs, better management, and better customers.
80%
of dancers have worked in other states
Comparing to their time stripping in other states and cities, dancers know that Washington club conditions can be improved.
A Note…
Even with all of these changes, 97% of dancers want to make sure that they keep their Independent Contractor Status
“Disruptive and threatening clients are given too many chances to stay in the club in WA.
In states where alcohol is served, club managers don’t tolerate bad behavior for long because they are afraid to lose their liquor license.”
Dancers report serious issues in the industry
Dancers have the right to do their work safely and equitably.
92%
of dancers experience Threats to their safety and wellbeing
Dancers report experiences of harassment and assault, and harms to their health, privacy, and safety while working.
These risks do not need to be inherent in the work, they are perpetuated by stigma against sex work and bad management practices.
69%
of dancers have experienced or witnessed discrimination by club management
Discrimination for race, age, sexuality, and tipping practices are common occurrences in the WA industry.
95%
of dancers face negative repercussions for not tipping ouT
Dancers are pressured or forced to tip out club staff after their shifts, on top of other club fees.
97%
of dancers tip out
Dancers report tipping out 7-16% of their profits every shift, even though they pay fees to work and are the sole creators of their “product.”
“For not tipping out, I have been fired, 86’ed and had money withheld from me. It’s absolutely criminal and illegal. Mangers expect a tip, even though they usually never support us in negative customer interactions. ”
“Myself and many women the industry have been fondled, assaulted, and harassed by customers. Sometimes, dancers get fired when they choose to fight back.
A good friend of mine was bitten very hard by the a customer on the breast and even drew blood. When she fought back and defended herself, she was fired instead of the customer getting in trouble. ”
Dancers are of marginalized demographics
Dancers often use stripping as pathway to economic upward mobility and personal liberation.
70%
of dancers are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color
18%
of dancers are an immigrant or 2nd generation American
46%
of dancers have a chronic physical or mental disability
70%
of dancers are LGBTQ+
“I stripped for 3 years when I could not maintain a “civilian” job due to medical concerns. This industry is valuable, and strippers are valuable. We deserve to be treated accordingly. ”
“Stripping enabled me to go from being homeless to renting solo and getting a reliable vehicle.
I have enough time to attend college to work towards my nursing degree without student loans.”
Covid has greatly impacted the industry & Dancers
Because of the pandemic…
41%
of dancers’ income has decreased
Customer attendance has dwindled and never recovered since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic
31%
of dancers have had to start another job in the sex work industry to survive
A Note…
The financial crisis does not just affect the dancers, 31% of dancers take care of dependents
“Stripping gives jobs to those in need of flexible hours, to moms who can’t find sitters, for girls who go to school. Stripping is an art, a way to provide, and a way to live. It has given my children a life worth living.”