The sex trade is a multi-billion dollar industry in the United States, with many workers facing exploitation, violence, and stigma. In Nevada, prostitution is legal and regulated, with brothels like the Moonlite Bunny Ranch providing a safer environment for sex workers. However, in most of the country, prostitution is criminalized, leading to increased risks for sex workers.
The documentary features interviews with sex workers, including Tara, a 22-year-old who works at the Moonlite Bunny Ranch, and Lemon, a trans woman who engaged in survival sex work during a period of homelessness. Lemon shares her experiences of violence and exploitation, highlighting the need for decriminalization to improve safety and reduce stigma.
The documentary also explores the push for decriminalization in Washington D.C., where a council member has proposed legislation to remove criminal penalties for prostitution. The proposal aims to reduce violence and exploitation, while also addressing concerns about encouraging prostitution.
The documentary concludes that the sex trade is a complex issue, with a spectrum of experiences ranging from high-end escort services to trafficking and exploitation. Finding a solution that addresses the needs of all sex workers will require a nuanced approach that prioritizes safety, dignity, and human rights.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. Sex is a multi-billion dollar industry in the United States.
2. There are 21 legal brothels in the US, all located in Nevada.
3. The Moonlite Bunnyranch is one of the most recognizable brothels in Nevada.
4. To work at the Moonlite Bunnyranch, women must obtain a license from the local sheriff and pass a thorough background check.
5. The women at the Moonlite Bunnyranch are independent contractors and keep half of what they earn during a transaction.
6. Dennis Hof is the owner and proprietor of the Moonlite Bunnyranch and six other Nevada brothels.
7. Hof is a libertarian with political aspirations and advocates for the legalization of prostitution.
8. Over half of the women working at the Moonlite Bunnyranch have a college education, and 20% have master's degrees.
9. One of the women working at the Moonlite Bunnyranch is a PhD and a professor at UNLV.
10. Lemon, a local artist and activist, engaged in survival sex work during a period of homelessness.
11. Trans women engage in sex work at a higher rate than non-trans individuals.
12. In DC, 85% of trans sex workers are black and Latino.
13. At least 34 sex workers were murdered in the US in 2017.
14. A study found that up to 80% of street sex workers in New York had experienced violence while working.
15. Decriminalization of sex work is being considered in DC, which would remove laws criminalizing the sex trade.
16. Amnesty International, the World Health Organization, and the UN's program on AIDS support removing criminal penalties for prostitution.
17. Decriminalization of sex work could make it safer for sex workers by allowing them to report crimes without fear of prosecution.