Esme Providence Brown is a writer and theorist focused on the intersections of labor, authoritarianism, and control. Her work examines how sex work functions as a test site for labor policies that later extend to all precarious workers. With two decades of experience in erotic labor, she explores how authoritarian structures re-emerge in intimate economies—from the dungeon to the wellness industry. She has been featured on Conspirituality and the podcast circuit, writing about power, surveillance, and the erosion of worker protections under neoliberal and authoritarian governance. Her forthcoming book, Bound & Free, explores how sex work has historically been used as a tool of labor suppression and what this means for the future of all workers.
I’m currently available for consulting engagements.
photo by Natasha Gornik
Esme Providence Brown
Writer | Cultural Critic | Theorist
Esme Providence Brown explores the intersections of labor, authoritarianism, and bodily autonomy, with a particular focus on how sex work serves as a test site for broader labor suppression under neoliberal governance. Their forthcoming book, Bound and Free: Sex Work, Spirituality, and Surviving Fascism, examines the historical and political frameworks surrounding sex work, revealing its role in shaping state control, surveillance, and labor precocity.
Esme has been featured on the Conspirituality podcast, where they discuss discipline, power, and the economic forces driving authoritarian labor control. Their work moves beyond traditional advocacy to position sex work as a labor issue, a historical precedent, and a warning for the future of worker rights.
Current Offerings & Projects:
Upcoming Book: Bound & Free: Sex Work, Spirituality, and Surviving Fascism (in progress)
Speaking & Panels: Available for conferences, roundtables, and media interviews on labor precarity, state surveillance, and authoritarian governance
Publications & Op-Eds: Essays and op-eds in The Guardian, Jacobin, The Nation (forthcoming)
Consulting & Advising: One on one coaching for writers, academics, and organizations exploring labor politics, sex work, and economic control in creative and research projects.
For media inquiries, collaborations, or speaking engagements, contact: esme75408@gmail.com
Collaborations
Conspirituality Ep 169
My initial interview with Matthew Remski of the Conspirituality podcast about the relationship between kink, neo-tantra and labor practices. Find the episode HERE
Conspirituality Ep 188
Invited back as a correspondent, this episode of Conspirituality podcast focuses on anti sex trafficking discourse and how it complicates topics of consent and survival in s*x work. Find the episode HERE
Conspirituality Bonus Episode
In two parts, we spill the tea on anti feminist influencer Kelly Brogan. Fine the episode HERE
