Andrea Heinz - Sex Trade Survivor Turned Advocate

The Masculine Wilderness Podcast

Survivor Turned Advocate: Andrea Heinz's Healing, Hope and Advocacy for Abolition of Sex Trade

Have you ever wondered how sexual exploitation and sex work impact the individuals involved, particularly women? The ripple effects of commercial sex and sexual exploitation extend beyond the immediate exchange, influencing emotional, psychological, and relational well-being. Many women in this space find themselves trapped in a challenging paradox—they may not necessarily enjoy the work. Yet, they feel compelled to maintain a façade to cater to the egos of the men they serve to secure their income. The collateral damage of these transactions is substantial, leading to a compromised trajectory in life and a devaluation of personal worth due to the inherently transactional and inauthentic nature of the interactions involved.

In this episode, Andrea Heinz shares her story, how she entered and exited the commercial sex industry, and how her journey took her from actively participating in commercial sex, then brothel ownership, to eventually becoming a vocal advocate for the abolition of the entire industry. We also discuss philosophy, culture, feminism, and how to distinguish between commercial sex, prostitution, sex trafficking, and exploitation.

Andrea Heinz is a partner in our work at Epik Project, a Canadian educator and activist who has spent 7 years in the licensed sex trade, existing from the industry in December 2012. Andrea is one of the most compelling voices advocating for the abolition of the sex trade in North America. She holds a diploma in correctional services and is completing a bachelor's of professional arts in governance, law, and management. Andrea is a peer-reviewed scholar on the topic of commercial sexual exploitation and was honored with a Woman of Courage award by the Center to End All Sexual Exploitation in Edmonton. Recently, Andrea and co-author Kathy Kings published a book, When Men Buy Sex; Who Really Pays?: Canadian Stories of Exploitation, Survival, and Advocacy.

Note: This conversation includes some sensitive content that might not be suitable for all audiences and ages. However, it serves as a powerful testament to the impact of sexual exploitation and sex work.

Tune in!

Resources Mentioned in the Episode

Epik Project: https://www.epikproject.org/

When Men Buy Sex: Who Really Pays?: https://www.amazon.in/When-Men-Buy-Sex-Exploitation/dp/1039168507

A Mule for the P A Mule for the Patriarchy: https://digitalcommons.uri.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1234&context=dignity

Insights from Sex Trade Experienced Persons (InSTEP) Model: https://digitalcommons.uri.edu/dignity/vol5/iss1/8/

Ride My Road: https://www.ridemyroad.org/

A Tribute to All Who Are Lost Among Us: https://www.missingcara.ca/

'Labeled' an 8-episode docuseries: https://www.justinkueber.com/work/labeleddocuseries

Key Highlights From The Show:

● [00:01] Intro and a quick bio of the guest, Andrea Heinz

● [05:40] A bit about Andrea’s story and journey in the commercial sex space

● [09:39] What triggered Andrea's transition into activism and advocacy

● [12:30] Andrea’s awakening and how the voices of survivors piqued her interest

● [14:57] The zest behind Andrea’s writing: A Mule for the Patriarchy

● [21:59] Prostitution vs. sex work vs. sex trafficking and sexual exploitation

● [26:52] Andrea’s perspective on the notion “Sex work is empowering.”

● [31:30] The role of technology in shaping culture

● [35:58] How sex work differentiates and how we can respond to it

● [41:17] How indigenous and vulnerable women are threatened by the sex market

● [44:21] The connection between trafficking and missing and murdered indigenous women

● [46:35] Three leaders Andrea gives a shout to in the indigenous movements

● [52:20] Where Andrea sees hope in the young generation

● [55:07] Radical feminism and what it means

● [01:02:47] The influence of the older generation on the young generation

● [01:07:35] Life-giving things that keep Andrea going

● [01:10:45] Bearing beauty: Something beautiful Andrea witnessed recently

● [01:12:28] Letting go of trauma and changing how you look at it

● [01:14:12] The work Andrea is doing and two things she is focusing on the most

● [01:20:52] Andrea’s final words of encouragement to the listeners

● [01:23:00] Ending the show

Standout Quotes:

● “Whether you are a buyer or a seller, the commercial sex industry is not conducive to where you want to genuinely end up in life and what you value because a lot of men go in looking for love and affection, but they are purchased and therefore not authentic.” - [25:17]

● “Empathy is foundational to justice because if we can’t put ourselves in their place, it’s never going to change.”- [30:14]

● “So many women in sex work don’t like the job, but they have to lie to the women who are so swallowed up by the work and the men they are selling sex to, to appease their egos and get their money.”- [39:02]

● “There is nobody who is completely rigid; we can all be open to change and awakening.”- [63:08]

● “It’s just as important for us to work with the older generation as it’s with the younger ones because the older ones are still going to have the influence and set the examples for the younger one.”- [63:23]

● “You can never rid yourself fully of trauma, but you can change how you look at it.”- [72:41]

Let’s Connect

Epik Project

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epik_project/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/epikproject

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Epik_Project

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EpikProject

Website: https://www.epikproject.org/

Andrea Heinz

Twitter: https://twitter.com/heinzsight2020