Paper Dolls: A Midnight Ballet in the Hudson Valley at ASSEMBLY
Paper Dolls is an immersive night of performance art and collective action to pass a law ending sexual abuse at the hands of law enforcement in the state of New York. For one night, on September 18th, we come together to write letters to our New York representatives while enjoying a stacked lineup of entertainment. Feast your eyes and ears as Gentle Mothh performs her debut album Paper Thin, dancers move across the stage and room in acts ranging from burlesque to drag to pole, performed by members of the sex worker community and their allies. Illuminate your mind as attorney Rebecca Cleary, JD, of A.S.H. Coalition, one of the original authors of the bill, briefs us on the law we are fighting for. Then let yourself relax and unwind at the midnight ballet, sensual performances by a cast composed entirely of current and former adult industry workers. There will be prizes, bisexual beverages, and treats galore. The theme is “Paper Dolls” and the dress code is high femme and hardware – it’s giving – chomping at the My-Little-Pony-bit – whatever that means to you.
The issue: current policy in New York allows law enforcement to have sexual contact with people under investigation. This loophole has led to state funded, systemic exploitation of workers in the adult industry, as police carry out undercover sting operations: posing as clients, extracting services, then arresting the very people they are sworn to protect and serve. This is not a rare situation caused by a few bad actors. After excessive use of force, police sexual misconduct is the second most reported form of police misconduct across the country. Join us in making New York a safer and sexier place.
