MERCEDES OLIVIA – INTERSECTIONAL FEMINIST

Our own Elle Stanger recently did a Q & A with pole dance instructor, and politically engaged stripper, Mercedes Olivia

ES – Who are you?

MO-  Stripper by night, Activist by day, Feminist all day, everyday! I also advocate for women’s rights, rape survivors, and social justice.

ES- What is your definition of feminist?

MO – My definition of Feminist is someone who is unapologetic, recognizes misogyny and stands against sexism, racism, oppression and all forms of bigotry and hate. A feminist is an ally and a voice for the silent. Feminism isn’t just for women it’s for anyone who believes in complete equality. Men do a lot of things that are totally acceptable but when a woman does the same thing, it’s wrong and shameful.

ES – Like what?

MO – For example, a friend of mine posted a nude silhouette of her body on Facebook because she believes the woman’s body is not profane. She got banned and many other women and one man did the same and even started a hash tag to support her. When the man did this he did not get banned and his nude silhouette photo did not violate Facebook’s community standards but hers did. That’s a perfect example of misogyny.

 ES – Can you explain how “white feminism” is problematic?

 MO –As an intersectional feminist, I acknowledge every type of person, as opposed to “mainstream feminism”, which mainly focuses on white women.  I try my very best to shine light on people who are often left out of the discussion, such as Transgender people, Black men and women and other indigenous people. My main focus is the socially oppressed but I love and respect everyone as long as they are not a bigot. I’ve been treated differently most of my life. I’ve always been told, “I talk white, want to be white, I act white, and I am white.”

ES – Do you prefer the term “Black” or “African American”? Why?

MO – I prefer the term black because I find it to be more powerful. Basically in my opinion people who use the term “African American” are afraid to use the term “Black” which is why I think Black holds more power. For example, the “Black Power movement” sounds better than the “African American movement”, which is not what it’s called.

ES – I’m a white and blonde chick. I’ve had other white people tell me that “Black” is racist. I’ve heard other white people tell me that “Black” is racist.

MO – If saying, “Black” is racist than so is White.

ES – What do you do to combat the issues that you witness?

MO – I try to educate people so they can understand why some of the things they say think or do is problematic and harmful and I hope that they won’t say or do hateful things towards others and come out more socially aware and conscious.

ES – When did you begin stripping?

MO – 2009. I’m a black stripper and it’s often used against me. I can’t go audition for a club usually without them passing on me or trying to put me on dayshift just because of my race and although I live and work down south; I’ve traveled all over! I’m talking North, South, East and West!  Now I have been accepted in a lot of clubs, don’t get me wrong but I work in predominantly “white “clubs so my race will always be a deciding factor; More so than my dance ability, skills, overall etiquette and body type. I find that most non-black dancers I know who travel and dance can get hired pretty much anywhere. Even in the predominantly black clubs they are accepted and sometimes even preferred by the clientele. Their race is never a factor and it’s certainly something they do not have to think about EVER.

ES – Are there any predominant Black clubs?

MO – Yes, there are many and I’ve worked in a few. Great stage money normally which is cool since I’m a pole dancer.   When I plan on going to a new club I have to worry about those kinds of things.  I constantly get told I talk “white “and it kills me! It kills me to have bigot ass dudes who are so impressed by little ol’ me, call me white! They try to undermine my Blackness and ultimately who I am because it really makes them uncomfortable! It’s sickening.

ES –  What would you like to change about the industry?

MO – I want all sex workers to be treated fairly and work in a safe environment! I want respect and safety always! Those two things are problematic in many, many clubs.

ES – Do you see race as being a factor in your romantic relationships?

MO – Some of the other black kids called me racist throughout high school just because the majority of my friends were white and I dated outside of my race.

ES – Wait, what?

MO – I was bullied and had people telling me that I wasn’t really Black all because I didn’t fit their personal mold of what they think being Black entails. I still deal with it as an adult just not as often. I still run into those people who say things like “You’re not like most Black girls” “You’re pretty for a black girl” “You’re really smart and articulate” “You’re not ghetto like most black people” And a whole bunch of other extremely racist, fucked up shit.

ES – Ughhh, what do you say?

MO – It hurt me pretty bad when I was a kid. I wouldn’t say anything, but now I fight back and tell them to quit being racist and ignorant, and to not lift me up, while putting other black women down! That shit is not cool! People put me on a pedestal because I don’t fit their stereotypes of a black person. It goes as far as white people asking my opinion on things in hopes I will “back them up” and agree with them; Just so they can feel better and content with their racism. I don’t think race is a factor in my romantic relationships. I think when I date outside of my race; from my experience it’s been more about a connection and personality. I’ve been a lot of guys’ first interracial relationship and even now I don’t think race has anything to do with it.

 ES – I had seen you post on Facebook before, that dating white men had been problematic for you, simply because outsiders commented on that.

MO – Me and my boyfriend get rude looks and my boyfriend has even been asked “how much I cost” So being a black woman dating a white man comes with its share of problems especially when you live in Alabama like me.

ES – Where have you traveled/lived? Have you experienced greater conflict in specific geographic locations?

MO – I have lived in California, South Carolina and I live now in Alabama. I’ve traveled to New York, Florida, Texas, Nevada, and Utah, just to name a few. I’ll say that I’ve definitely had more conflict in the south, New Orleans especially.  I’ve had some bad times in New Orleans, but I’ve had some good times too.

ES – Is it getting better?

MO – The optimist in me says yes, but the pessimist in disagrees, society is not even close! Either way, we’ve got a long way to go.

ES – The word ‘Slut’ has traditionally had a negative connotation. We take it to mean a sex positive person.    Do you consider yourself a citizen slut, and if so, what does that mean to you?  

MO – Oh, Absolutely! To be a slut means to be sexually liberated, unapologetic and truthful. That’s my positive spin on the  “negative ” connotation.