Ruby Rebelde reads passages from her book. She is a sex worker, author and activist for human rights, media reporting and discrimination. Her book ‘Why they hate us – hostility towards sex work’ was published in 2025 by Edition assemblage. She lives in Hamburg.
Talk & Hot Wheel - Why they hate us
What affects sex workers – and all of us
April 2 2026
NRW-Forum
Please note: This talk will be held in German.
Ruby Rebelde and Helena Hetaira discuss (anti-)sex work movements, social responsibility and the importance of sex education, knowledge and resistance.
They talk about the oldest profession in the world in all its facets:
What is sex work and why is there hostility towards it? How can feminism be inclusive of sex work and how can the living and working conditions of sex workers be improved? What is the reality of their lives and what demands are being made?
Ruby Rebelde Foto Bettina Theuerkauf
Helena
Helena Hetaira is a supportive sex worker and, in addition to sexual services, also offers education and counselling. She lives in Cologne.
Hot Wheel
Before and after the talk, you can spin the Hot Wheel!
HOT WHEEL is an interactive installation by Sexworkers of Cologne.
Spin the wheel and win juicy person-to-person content from Sexworkers of Cologne. From small political hot takes to an intimate one-on-one conversation, everything is included. What questions about sex work have always interested you? Would you like to learn more about everyday working life, the art of seduction, dealing with fetishes and unusual requests, the boundary between private life and work, and meeting clients of all genders, or get the best sex tips from a professional? What else is on your mind? Spin the wheel! And who knows, you might even win a personal striptease.
Let yourself be surprised! We also invite you to visit our stand to get input on the topic of sex work and perspectives on our profession. Browse through cute zines, information flyers and exciting literature recommendations.
6–7 pm Arrival and HOT WHEEL
7–8 pm Talk
8–9 pm Signing session and HOT WHEEL
The SEX NOW exhibition is open to visitors aged 18 and over only. It displays artistic works with explicit sexual content.
Duration: 1,5 hour
Price: free
Partners
