He Said: 'Fellali' On the Sex Workers' Art Show
By Connect Mason Sports Director Damien Sordelett
Talk about a shock to the good-ole conservative boy. Not knowing what I was getting myself into was part of the night's intrigue, but the actual experience was eye-opening.
When a member of the Sex Workers Art Show asked if I could assist a worker in demonstrating their side job I couldn't say no. How often does a person get to be a part of something so controversial?
Turns out that the worker that I supposed to assist was a dominatrix. Red flags didn't start going off in my head because it was a performance and stuff probably wouldn't be as vulgar as if, say, I were ordering the performance for personal pleasure.
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Keva I. Lee, Performer, Dominatrix, Asian Fetish |
I was asked to meet with the worker prior to the show, just to go over what was going to happen and to make sure that I felt comfortable enough to go through with it. Keva I. Lee, the lady with whom I would be assisting, greeted me with a smile.
One of the first things Keva told me was that she was a dominatrix viewed by her clients as an Asian fetish. She explained her work, which would then incorporate into the show. I would be strapped with a collar with a leash on it, so that she would be in control of where I go and what I do (also: she would call me "Fellali," what she claimed was Asian for "Ferrari."
It was a shock for someone who'd never been in that kind of situation. I've heard about how some men like to be dominated by a woman, but I was getting a full run down of what was actually going to happen. Never in my wildest dreams could I see myself bark like a dog or neigh like a pony while being on all fours... with a woman riding atop my back.
While the imagination of the audience was running with thoughts of what was going to happen next, I didn't feel like I was being forced to do anything. Keva told me what was going to happen and I just had to go out there and do what she said. I felt comfortable with her and she never deviated from what she stated.
I found that being on stage with a performer allowed a glimpse into the women behind the sex industry and that one cannot judge someone based on their profession.
Keva was accepted to begin her graduate school work at Cal-Berkley, according to the Sex Workers' Art Show director, Annie Oakley. Just like Keva, many of the women who participated in the show have completed work in college. All of these women, and the two men of the show, are by far more than just sex objects. While being in the dressing room with some of them and seeing some backstage, each one was open and warm. They never looked at me in the wrong light and never thought that my participation was out of line.
These workers shine a new light on sex and shed the stereotypes of sex workers. Each performance brought a different story to the table and was unique in its expression. For me, the Sex Workers' Art Show was an experience that will never be forgotten.