Chris M
A group of sex workers are putting on a 12-hour virtual peepshow to protest the controversial US EARN-IT act.
Veil Machine, an art collective of sex workers, is holding the event, titled E-Viction next month, explaining to Vice that “sex workers were pioneers of the digital realm, but are now being kicked off the same online spaces we built and inspired.”
The legislation, which has been slammed by the adult industry for its potential to censor and silence, was designed to prevent child exploitation, but its effects have become so far-reaching that it could seriously damage legitimate adult entertainment and sex work. Not everyone opposes it, with dating behemoth Match Group already offering its endorsement for the legislation.
E-Viction is described as an “arthouse whore gallery” running for 12 hours, before stopping dead on the stroke of midnight, as a representation of the worst fears of the industry.
After that, all evidence of the event will disappear from the internet. Though, not articles like this one. Obviously.
“Our inspiration for E-Viction was to defiantly reclaim virtual space for sex workers and other marginalized folks being evicted from online spaces… So, we decided to take agency over our imminent destruction and dramatize it,” explain the producers. “By doing so, we hope those who don’t live under this constant threat will be able to experience what censorship feels like.”
However, even as they protest, Veil Machine is suffering the marginalisation that has become an underlying problem.
Instagram has removed a promotional post and GoFundMe shut down its efforts to raise money for the event.
Indeed, one of the reasons the event is ‘self-destructing’ is that most platforms have refused to let them archive the content.
Undeterred, the event is set to go ahead from midday (EST) on August 21. It’s free of charge, but donations are welcomed via CashApp and Venmo. Tickets are available through Eventbrite.
Works of art by the collective will also be available for sale on the day.
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