SWCEO Interviews Elle Stanger
Blog Post Written By: MelRose Michaels
In a recent live Twitter Space, Melrose Michaels had the privilege of sitting down with Elle Stanger, a certified sex educator, podcast host, and adult media producer. Elle's diverse career journey, from managing a porn shop to becoming an influential voice in sex education and advocacy, has been nothing short of inspiring. In this conversation, Elle opens up about her experiences in the adult industry, the challenges of navigating whorephobia, and the importance of objective sexual education. Here's a glimpse into their insightful exchange. Trigger Warning: this interview contains discussions about sensitive topics, including suicide, mental health struggles, and grief. Please take care while reading, and feel free to skip sections if needed.
Elle Stanger is an AASECT Certified Sex Educator, podcast host, and adult media producer. Elle has worked in many different realms of sexuality: first as a porn shop manager and product buyer, currently as a pole-dancing stripper, consultant in harm reduction, a professional cuddler, printmaker, writer, podcast host, and nonprofit Board Member.
Elle was first published nude online in 2005 and has worked in adult entertainment and touch-work since 2009. They’ve been featured in Inked Magazine, Playboy, Hustler, and Rolling Stone and have written for Men’s Health, Romper, Thrillist, Huffington Post, and more! You may have seen Elle on Pornhub or heard Elle in Savage Lovecast, VICE, or on a stage in Portland.
Melrose Michaels: Elle, thank you so much for joining us today! Your career is incredibly diverse, from working in adult entertainment to becoming a certified sex educator. Can you start by telling us how you got started in this industry?
Elle Stanger: Of course! I've always been interested in sexuality, even from a young age. I remember finding my parents' pornography when I was about seven or eight and being curious about adult behaviors. My journey into the adult industry began more formally when I applied for a retail job on a whim and ended up working in an adult shop. From there, I just fell in love with learning about all the products we sold, from books to toys, and found myself wanting to help customers find what they needed. That experience eventually led me to try stripping during the 2008-2009 recession when finding other work was tough. What I thought would be a temporary gig turned into a 15-year career, opening doors to other aspects of the industry like webcam work, making porn, and even escorting.
Melrose Michaels: That’s an incredible journey. You mentioned becoming a certified sex educator. Could you explain what it means to be AASECT certified and how you incorporate that into your work?
Elle Stanger: Being AASECT certified means I've undergone rigorous training in sexuality education, recognized internationally by the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists. It took me four years—two studying at the Institute for Sexuality and two more under supervision—before I earned my certification in 2021. This credential allows me to offer information and resources, though I always clarify that I'm not a therapist. My focus is on education and consulting, where I help people understand their sexual health and relationships without prescribing specific therapeutic practices. My work is about being objective, offering data-driven insights, and helping others see beyond the stories they've told themselves about their sexuality.
Melrose Michaels: You’ve spoken openly about the stigma and Whorephobia you've encountered, even while pursuing your certification. How do you navigate these challenges, especially in professional environments?
Elle Stanger: Whorephobia is definitely something I've encountered, even in educational settings. When I first entered the certification program, I was very upfront with the director about my background in sex work. She told me I was the first openly out sex worker to go through the program, which was surprising given the overlap between sex education and sex work. I think navigating these spaces requires a balance of openness and resilience. I’ve also had to confront biases head-on, whether it's in the strip club or in consulting with other professionals. For example, even among colleagues, I've overheard comments that belittle the experiences of sex workers, which can be really disheartening. But I also see these moments as opportunities to educate and challenge those biases.
Melrose Michaels: Your writing and advocacy work cover a lot of ground, from personal experiences to broader social issues. How do you decide what to focus on in your work?
Elle Stanger: Honestly, a lot of it is driven by my ADHD—I tend to focus on whatever is bothering me at the moment or something that keeps popping up in my interactions. For example, if I get multiple messages in a day about a particular issue, I'll take that as a sign that it's something worth addressing. My work spans many areas, from sex education to grief advocacy, and I see a lot of connections between different social issues. Whether it's talking about consent, addressing stigma, or advocating for better mental health resources, I try to create content that resonates with what I see happening around me.
Melrose Michaels: You’ve also been very open about your personal experiences, including the tragic loss of your partner. How has that influenced your advocacy work?
Elle Stanger: Losing my partner to suicide was a life-altering event that deepened my understanding of mental health and grief. It made me more aware of the systemic issues, like poverty and lack of access to mental health care, that contribute to these tragedies. Sharing my story has been both healing and challenging, especially when dealing with the public's misconceptions about suicide. But it also connected me with others who have gone through similar experiences, which has been incredibly rewarding. This experience has definitely shaped my advocacy, pushing me to address the broader societal factors that impact mental health and to fight against the stigma that surrounds both suicide and sex work.
Melrose Michaels: Your podcast, "They Talk Sex," has gained significant recognition. What do you think sets it apart and helps it resonate with listeners?
Elle Stanger: I think it's the combination of being candid and relatable while also providing valuable information. My background in sex work and education gives me a unique perspective, and I try to bring that into the conversations we have on the podcast. We tackle a wide range of topics, from consent to the impact of legislation like FOSTA-SESTA on sex workers. I also think the community aspect—engaging with listeners and addressing their concerns—has helped build a loyal following. The podcast isn't just about me sharing my thoughts; it's about creating a space for dialogue and learning.
Conclusion:
Elle Stanger's work is a testament to the power of combining personal experience with professional expertise. Through their writing, advocacy, and educational efforts, they continue to challenge stigma and advocate for a more informed and compassionate approach to sexuality. Their journey, as shared in this interview, is a powerful reminder of the importance of resilience, openness, and the continuous pursuit of knowledge.
Some parts of the above interview have been condensed or edited for clarity. Listen to the entire Twitter space for the full interview.
For more insights from Elle Stanger, follow them on Instagram and Twitter, visit their website at stripperwriter.com, and listen to their podcast, They Talk Sex.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the interview are those of the guest speaker and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of SexWorkCEO or MelRose Michaels. Anything said or written is of their opinion and is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone else.
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