by Lacey Lane
And speaking of memories, the vast majority were positive. Granted, at times I was truly disgusted by the situations I found myself in, but never once did I stoop so low as to compromise my own values and beliefs. My decision to go for it not only helped me to overcome the debilitating effect of poor self-image—in all candor, an ongoing process—but it helped me in the financial arena, as well. I treated myself to new clothes, went on some great trips, bought a new car, and paid off all of my student loans. My degree in dental hygiene led to a rewarding career in the field and, as I’d already begun working during the time I was still dancing, I’m willing to bet I was one of the few stripping hygienists on the planet.
I will always hold in high esteem the women who take off their clothes for money, regardless of their reasons and personal issues. Topless dancing is hard work. Anyone who believes otherwise should try it for a night, let alone a week, a month, or a year. As a society, we tend to dismiss strippers as sluts and sleazes while we elevate celebrity actresses who take off their clothes in R-rated movies to near deity status. In my opinion, the only real difference is that strippers get paid a whole lot less.
Since I stopped dancing, I’ve only been to strip clubs a couple of times. I smiled watching the women running the show and laughed watching the men act like little kids in a candy store. My time in the business gave me a deep insight into men—what they want and, perhaps more important, what lengths they’re willing to go to get it. My own social transition took awhile, but I eventually stopped viewing the opposite sex as little more than dollar signs. I like the company of a good man as much as the next girl.
If there’s a moral to this story, it’s simply this: Especially if you go to strip clubs, but even if you don’t, be kind to strippers. After all, I’m quite sure you would like them to be kind to you.
About the Author
After seven years in the topless trade, Lacey Lane permanently retired her g-string. Now she divides her time between the serenity of Scottsdale and the insanity of Los Angeles.
About Huntington Press Huntington Press is a specialty publisher of Las Vegas-and gambling-related books and periodicals.
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