Meet the women behind a new book imprint that celebrates the living history of a divine calling.
When HUSTLER spoke with Petit Mort magazine Editor in Chief Penelope Dario for the April 2023 issue, we learned about an indie upstart that empowered sex workers through storytelling, journalism and literature, all packaged in a bespoke quarterly publication crafted with care. Now a member of Dario’s esteemed team is upping the ante with a publishing unit that promises to take the literary world by storm.
Similar to Petit Mort, Working Girls Press is on a mission to “promote the works of sex worker writers and artists,” all under the care of co-editors Molly B. Simmons and Emily Marie Passos Duffy. Eroticism, decriminalization, identity, community—no filter, no filler.
Slated for an April release, Working Girls Press’ maiden offering The Holy Hour: An Anthology on Sex Work, Magic & the Divine features contributions from 46 sex workers who “fearlessly explore the space where sex work, religion, shame and resilience meet.” A perfect gift for your spring equinox sweetheart!
Not that we need any more convincing, but it still behooves us to meet the minds behind such an auspicious endeavor and learn more about this vital venture in representation. Can I get an “amen”?
HUSTLERMagazine.com: Tell me about your experience with sex work and how it brought you to Penelope and Petit Mort magazine.
Molly B. Simmons: I’ve been a sex worker my whole adult life, actually; I work as a companion here in New York in addition to my writing and editing work. I’ve engaged with various aspects of the industry for years, but it wasn’t until I moved to New York and started meeting other sex workers that I began to call myself one as well. In 2019, a few friends and I founded the Brooklyn chapter of SWOP (Sex Workers Outreach Project). And while this work was incredibly rewarding, it was also very exhausting. Eventually I had to take a step back from my leadership role and began looking for other ways to get involved in community projects that could also feed me creatively. That’s when I was introduced to Penelope Dario, who was looking for editorial help with Petit Mort. I was thrilled at the opportunity to start writing again—I have a seasonal column on sex and relationships with the magazine—and to work behind the scenes on a project that platforms sex workers and their stories.
