The Strap House, an electrifying event, emerges from a fascinating collaboration between Strapped.TO and Maggie's Toronto. Spearheaded by Marisa Rosa Grant from Strapped.TO and supported by Eli Ade Kur and Jenny Duffy from Maggie's Toronto, this revolutionary gathering had its humble beginnings as an ambitious venture.

 

Strapped.TO, founded by Marisa Rosa Grant, emerged in August 2019 as a powerful response to the glaring absence of spaces catering to Queer women in Toronto. Marisa's vision was clear: to create an environment that not only celebrated the community's diversity but also reflected it in its lineup. Strapped.TO's mission was centered around curating events that offered an unapologetic platform for Queer people of color to occupy space. The objective was simple yet profound: to provide an unforgettable party experience that left guests feeling desirable, empowered, and embraced.

Maggie's Toronto

Maggie's Toronto, one of Canada's oldest sex worker justice organizations, is dedicated to providing comprehensive support and services for the community, devised and administered by its own members throughout Toronto. The core belief is that sex workers should have control over their own destinies. Learn more and support Maggies here.

The powerful synergy between Maggie's Toronto and Strapped.TO led to the birth of "Stripped: House of Whore-Her" - a groundbreaking virtual event that celebrated the aesthetics and talents of Black sex workers. This maiden event in October 2020 was a shining example of their unified vision, creating an unapologetically Black space free from the anti-Black racism found in many clubs.

 

The Strap House emerged as an essential platform for sex workers, especially for those who were disproportionately affected by the pandemic's economic repercussions. The pandemic disrupted the livelihoods of many, raising concerns about accessibility and privilege in the online sex work industry. Platforms like OnlyFans require a substantial fan base and constant marketing on third-party platforms, posing challenges, particularly for full-service sex workers. While the online space provided some financial relief, it was often inadequate to meet essential needs.

As the pandemic unfolded, the online platform became a vital lifeline for sex workers. In a world thrust into virtual spaces, the need to create a space that was accessible to all was paramount. The Strap House swiftly adapted, creating an array of events online. Life Drawing with Str!ppers, Speed Dating, and A black queer porn festival. The goal was to ensure that it continued to provide a supportive stage for Black and queer performers.  This online presence allowed for the celebration of talent, diversity, and empowerment in a safe and inclusive environment.

The Strap House celebrated Strapped.TO's 4-year anniversary by hosting its first in-person event on August 13th, marking a significant milestone in the journey. This event was a monumental success, showcasing the growing influence and impact of The Strap House. As it charts its course forward, The Strap House remains a beacon of creativity, empowerment, and change. It's not just an event; it's a revolution in entertainment and support for a marginalized community. The future holds exciting possibilities for The Strap House as it continues to provide a lifeline for sex workers and a platform for celebration and empowerment.

 

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