Virtual Flaneurism

When I was in my undergraduate fiction courses, one of my professors gave us a rundown of different publications that we, without extensive resumes, might be able to get our work published in. My favorite of these was Spread Magazine, a periodical dedicated to desensationalizing the lives of sex workers within the United States.

While at first glance Spread seems like it must be one of many magazines dedicated to the denigration women, upon reading one finds it has a much more feminist foundation. The zine was founded with the "aim to build community and destigmatize sex work by providing a forum for the diverse voices of individuals working in the sex industry." I know that many would find this mission does little to make the subject less offensive and denigrating, and in many ways I agree. However, I fully endorse any and every attempt to educate the public on an issue - especially one as taboo as this one - and support all individuals' rights to make their own person choices. Similarly, it is refreshing to see that the magazine is not fluff porn, instead making a heartfelt attempt to get its readers to seriously consider their opinions about the sex trade and the right of women (and men) to take part in it.

Spread still does pack a bit of the whimsy you might expect (though whimsy probably isn't the best word). The most recent issue has an interview I simply must read entitled The Queen Mother: Nina Hartley on Pregnancy and MILF Porn. I must admit that it is very unlikely that the article will be as entertaining as its name suggests. However, I am contractually obligated to read every and any piece of literature that involves the word MILF. Please, don't ask why. It's personal.