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On Dismantling Systems through Performance
April Fiasco is a powerhouse of intersectional activism, wielding her talents as a burlesque performer, comedian, writer, host, and stripper to challenge societal norms and amplify marginalized voices. More than an entertainer, she is a dedicated activist committed to decriminalizing sex work and revolutionizing sex education. Through her multifaceted artistic practice, April creates spaces of radical education, challenging audiences to reconsider deeply ingrained misconceptions about sexuality, labor, and bodily autonomy.
In a raw, unfiltered conversation with Bethany on The Sassy Show podcast, April Fiasco pulls back the curtain on the complex world of sex work, challenging societal misconceptions and celebrating the artistry, skill, and resilience of sex workers. As well as introducing us to Cybertease - an online socialist stripper collective founded by a group of sex workers seeking to create an alternative to traditional strip club models. Tune in or watch via YouTube.
April's artistic journey weaves through stripping, burlesque, comedy, and hosting, each platform a strategic tool for social commentary. Her transition into hosting came through Sexquisite run by Maedb Joy, a cabaret platform dedicated to elevating sex work artists. "Maedb wanted to platform sex work artists," April explains, highlighting the intentional community-building at the heart of her work.
I make art that is funny and sexy and political
As her artistic practices intertwined, she discovered her true calling in cabaret. "I kind of started to mix my burlesque and comedy together," she notes, "I feel like I'm more the cabaret artist now because the comedy world's a bit lame, to be honest, and a bit male-centric." Through each performance platform, April weaponizes her art as a tool for social commentary. "I make art that is funny and sexy and political," she declares, embodying an approach that challenges societal norms and amplifies marginalized narratives.
One space which April showcases her work is with Cybertease - an socialist stripper collective born during the COVID-19 lockdown, founded by a group of sex workers seeking to create an alternative to traditional strip club models. The collective quickly became a radical reimagining of performance and economic collaboration which now runs in person shows every two months as well as an annual online event.
Cybertease represents a radical approach to dismantling exploitative labor practices. "When you work in a mainstream strip club, you have to pay a house fee to work there. You get fined if you're late or you miss a shift," she reveals. In contrast, their collective model ensures fair compensation, with performers sharing profits equally. "We share the money equally and that doesn't happen in a mainstream strip club," April emphasizes, highlighting how sex workers are systematically undervalued and economically marginalized.
I would like for people who work in the sex industry to not be discriminated against
Their innovative model includes both online shows and underground pop-up events, where performers split earnings democratically. "Usually strip clubs are not run by sex workers," April points out, "but by male venue owners who have never been strippers." Cybertease directly challenges this power dynamic, creating a space where performers control their own economic destiny.
April's activism extends far beyond performance, focusing on comprehensive sex education and destigmatizing sex work. "People really need to understand that porn is acting and that it's not how you have sex with people," she argues passionately. Her vision extends to legal recognition, with her ultimate dream being to end discrimination against sex workers. "I would like for people who work in the sex industry to not be discriminated against," she states, advocating for sex work to become a protected characteristic in law.
People need to be taught that sex is a mutual, mutually enjoyable experience between however many people are involved in that session - not something that is done to you
As our conversation concludes, April's message is clear: art is a powerful tool for social transformation, and sexuality should be approached with respect, consent, and understanding. May April Fiasco continue to illuminate the shadows of societal stigma, transform stages into classrooms of radical empathy, and prove that true revolution begins with the courage to be unapologetically, brilliantly yourself.
The complete interview with April Fiasco is available on YouTube, sponsored by JoyClub.com. Follow her work on Instagram @aprilfiasco and catch Cybertease's upcoming shows - their Underground event is on December 5th in London, with an online show on December 12th. Plus April will be performing with Seven Deadly Sins as well Sexquisite at BGWMC later in the month.
Connect with April:
Instagram: @aprilfiasco
Twitter: @aprilfiasco_
CyberTease: @cybertease_ on Instagram and Twitter
Interview and portraits by Bethany Burgoyne
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