Hello there.

I’m not sure how to introduce myself, so I’ll start with this: My area of expertise is the history of art and culture. Academically and professionally, that's generally my lane.

But I'm also a sex-positive feminist with a substantial background in sex work, and while this information isn't typically relevant, there's a chance I'll write from that perspective.

(Whenever I encounter anti-sex-worker rhetoric, I start hissing like an angry opossum.)

When I wrote this, I broke a few of my personal rules: (1) never let those two worlds collide and (2) never talk about myself. But I think by breaking the seal on my self-imposed silence on a number of issues, it triggered a desire to reflect on things I’d never considered writing about before.

I don't know what that means just yet.

I hope that whatever it is, it’s interesting.

In an age where publications everywhere are struggling—as well as the publishing industry as a whole—I appreciate that this platform exists. If you join Medium using this link, you’ll support my writing and have my eternal gratitude.

You can also subscribe to my stories if you like.

Contact: ellisbellbrooks@gmail.com



Image: European Roller (Caracius garrulis) from the Svenska Fåglar (Swedish birds) illustrations by Magnus and Wilhelm von Wright (1828).

Top: Water pipi (Anthus spinoletta rupestris)