Decriminalization in Rhode Island

Decriminalization in Rhode Island

Author: Old Pros December 2, 2025 Duration: 53:03

For decades, Rhode Island effectively decriminalized indoor, consensual sex work—and the sky didn't fall. It got safer. Kaytlin traces the legal fight, the raids, and the politics, then digs into new evidence: a ~40% drop in gonorrhea among women and ~30% fewer reported rapes during the decrim window. With voices from attorney Michael Kiselica, ACLU's Steven Brown, COYOTE RI's Bella Robinson, and economist Manisha Shah, this episode shows what happens when you stop arresting adults for consensual sex.

Guests:

  • Michael Kiselica (attorney) on litigating "public" vs. private and the 2003 decision.

  • Steven Brown (ACLU RI) on the 1976 COYOTE suit and 1980 revisions.

  • Bella Robinson (COYOTE RI) on lived experience, raids, and organizing.

  • Prof. Manisha Shah (UCLA Luskin) on the natural experiment and causal impacts.

  • Prof. Aya Gruber (USC Gould) on panic, racism, and "neo-abolitionist" coalitions.

Key findings discussed: ~40% decrease in gonorrhea; ~30% decrease in reported rapes during RI's decrim period.

Policy context: 2009 recriminalization + punitive add-ons (HIV testing mandates, special fines); recent partial rollbacks and limited immunity reforms.

Big idea: Decriminalization increases negotiating power, enables cooperation with police, and reduces harm. "End-demand" shifts risk onto workers.


History is often told through the lens of the powerful, but what about those who operated in the shadows? The Oldest Profession Podcast turns the spotlight on the figures who shaped culture from the margins. Hosted by Kaytlin Bailey-a stand-up comic, advocate, and self-described notorious old pro-this series digs into the lives of specific sex workers from the past, placing them firmly within the context of their era. You’ll hear about courtesans who influenced politics, brothel owners who built empires, and street-based workers who fought back against oppression, all while drawing clear lines to the modern movement for rights and dignity. It’s a blend of rigorous historical research and the kind of candid, often humorous perspective that only someone with Bailey’s unique background can provide. Created in partnership with the team at Old Pros, this podcast doesn't just recount anecdotes; it argues that understanding these "old pros" is essential to understanding our collective story. The tone is engaging and accessible, merging the depth of a history lesson with the relatable punch of comedy. For anyone curious about the untold chapters of social history, this show offers a compelling, humanizing, and surprisingly funny journey.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Oldest Profession Podcast
Podcast Episodes
The Mann Act a.k.a. The White Slave Law [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:35
In this episode of The Oldest Profession Podcast, hosted by Kaytlin Bailey, we go on a journey to uncover the history and lasting legacy of the Mann Act, also known as the White Slave Law. Enacted in 1910, the Mann Act m…
Carol Leigh a.k.a. The Scarlot Harlot [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:41
In this episode of The Oldest Profession Podcast, host Kaytlin Bailey pays tribute to Carol Leigh, a hero in the sex worker rights movement. Carol Leigh, also known as "The Scarlot Harlot," was a multi-talented artist, a…
The Comstock Act, Contraception & Sex Worker Rights [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:44
In this episode of The Oldest Profession Podcast, host Kaytlin Bailey dives into the life of Anthony Comstock who dedicated his life to eradicating "obscenity" and restricting women's reproductive rights. This episode un…
Season 5 - Trailer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:27
Exciting news!⁠ Get ready for the triumphant return of The Oldest Profession Podcast — Season 5 is coming your way!⁠ Hosted by Kaytlin Bailey, this season will feature 10 compelling episodes focused on historical old pro…
Why January 25th Still Matters Today [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:48
On January 25, 1917, over 300 sex workers in San Francisco marched to protest the imminent closure of their brothels. This was the first sex worker led protest in the United States. But why does January 25th still matter…
Lizzie Lape: The Most Prolific Madam in Ohio [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:01
Lizzie Lape (1853-1917) was a prolific businesswoman and Madam in the Midwest during the 19th century. She owned numerous brothels and saloons throughout Ohio and even maintained a future President of the United States a…
The Maimie Papers with Ruth Rosen [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:51
This week we are delving into the story of Maimie Pinzer, a Jewish SWer born in Philadelphia, PA in 1885. Her life was brilliantly preserved in a remarkable correspondence she had with a wealthy philanthropist, Fanny Qui…
Mae West: Unapologetic Sex Symbol [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:11
Mae West was an actress, writer, and unapologetic sex symbol. She enchanted the American stage with unabashed humor and demand for social change. Mae West dominated every facet of performing arts for eight decades, from…
Madison Phillips: Old Pros of Raleigh, NC (Part Two) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:39
Madison Phillips is back again for the second episode of our two part series on the Old Pros of Raleigh, NC.⁠ Madison is a recent graduate of NC State University with a masters in Public History, centered on museum studi…
Madison Phillips: Old Pros of Raleigh, NC (Part One) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:25
Madison Phillips is a recent graduate of NC State University with a masters in Public History, centered on museum studies and local history. Madison wrote her thesis about the Old Pros of Raleigh, North Carolina, focused…