THE POETRY BROTHEL
The Poetry Brothel was immersive literary cabaret that fused poetry, activism, vaudeville, burlesque, live music, visual art, magic, mysticism, and private, one-on-one poetry experiences.
The Poetry Society of New York emerged from The Poetry Brothel in 2008. PSNY would not exist without it. But after producing the event series in 25 cities around the world for over 18 years, PSNY decided to retire the program in 2026 in order to give it to the artists, sex workers, and activists who most cherish. We do our best to keep an updated list of independently operating Poetry Brothel chapters below, and we will eternally stand up for sex worker rights and safety.
“The Poetry Brothel is a space that is very much necessary in a dangerous, harsh and judgmental world, especially for sex workers. It is a beautiful cocoon, a heavenly safe haven.”
— Neha Mulay, Honeysuckle Magazine