New Minneapolis Stripper Guild is building solidarity among downtown dancers

The Stripper Guild, recently established in downtown Minneapolis, is empowering local strippers to advocate for better working conditions and explore health insurance options. With nearly 200 members, the guild was initiated by the Sex Workers Outreach Project (SWOP), backed by a $258,000 grant from the Bush Foundation to build a labor organization for dancers. The upcoming 2025 Stripper Awards Gala, scheduled for March 3, will showcase the city's top strippers in various performance categories while also serving as a membership drive for the guild. Dancer Kali Banks notes a shift from a competitive to a more collaborative environment among strippers, highlighting their shared experiences within the industry. As independent contractors, dancers face significant hurdles in obtaining health coverage, prompting the guild to explore collective purchasing strategies similar to those used by restaurant workers.

SWOP’s executive director Andi Snow emphasizes the necessity of advocating for dancers' rights under Minneapolis' Adult Entertainment Ordinance and the importance of maintaining accessible stripping as a safer form of sex work. This initiative not only addresses immediate health concerns but also seeks to foster a supportive community among dancers. Ultimately, the guild aims to create a dignified platform for all workers in a sector often marked by exploitation.