To say that her life was defined by hardship would be an understatement. She started exchanging sex for resources at 11, and was kicked out of her family house at 15. At 35, after killing a number of johns — one of whom a convicted rapist Wuornos shot in self-defense — she was betrayed by her lover who collaborated with the cops in exchange for immunity from prosecution.
Her trial was heavily covered by the media, who feasted on her case because of what they perceived as Wuornos’ titillating identity as both a queer sex worker and a survivor of sexual assault. Her last words one camera were: “Thanks a lot, society, for railroading my ass.”
After spending years on death row, she was executed at the age of 56.
Share this Old Pro story with your community on social media
Check out more episodes of The Oldest Profession Podcast
Victoria Woodhull
Victoria Woodhull iTunes | Stitcher | SpotifyDr. Charlene J. Fletcher is a historian, womanist, activist, and lover of most things Kentucky, Charlene holds a Ph.D. in History from Indiana University, specializing in 19th century United States and African American...
Lou Graham
Lou GrahamiTunes | Stitcher | Spotify At a time where full service sex workers in Seattle euphemistically called themselves seamstresses, Madam Lou Graham was so rich that she served as an alternative to banks, giving loans to business propositions deemed too risky by...
Cardi B
Cardi BiTunes | Stitcher | SpotifyThe most famous sex worker of today's music industry, Cardi B unabashedly flaunts and celebrates her past as a stripper in her songs, music videos, and social media. Share this Old Pro story with your community on social mediaCheck...