Belle Knox Discusses Labor Politics in 1st HuffPo Column

LOS ANGELES — “Outed” Duke University porn star Belle Knox published her first column for the Huffington Post today, entitled “I Don’t Want Your Pity: Sex Work and Labor Politics.”

Knox’s column discusses the relevance of the economic concept of “desperate exchange,” i.e., bartering labor out of financial necessity, to her decision to pursue porn to avoid debt incurred from student loans.

The 18-year-old explains that although her work in porn is financially motivated, and that she wouldn’t do porn if she didn’t need the money, she maintains that she had other options, and therefore wasn’t driven to a desperate exchange in the classical sense.

“Porn wasn't my only option, but it was the most prudent, the most shrewd — trading the smallest amount of my time for the maximum profit, on my schedule,” Knox wrote. “I could quite easily have taken out loans to cover my tuition bill, but I chose not to. Why be $50,000 or more in debt when it simply wasn't necessary? I was not making what economists call a desperate exchange.”

She then parallels other professions, specifically a fast food worker and a doctor, with that of a sex worker to show that the motivations of workers in each field are similar, namely financial gain, but happen to be free of the social stigma muddled with sex work. In an assumingly ironic twist, she refers to every job as a desperate exchange.  

“So please, before you pity a sex worker, or talk to me about my ‘desperation,’ consider the privilege that you are have when you look down on me, and realize that you, too, engage in a ‘desperate exchange’ every day you drive to work — if you're blessed enough to have a job,” Knox bitingly concludes.    

To read the column in full, click here.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Jade Greene Fronts Latest From TeamSkeet

Jade Greene stars with Nicky Rebel in the latest release from TeamSkeet.

Bree Mills Wraps Production on Pure Taboo Thriller 'Let Me In Too'

Adult Time has announced that production has wrapped on the Bree Mills thriller sequel "Let Me In Too."

Emma Rosie, Rebel Rhyder Topline Latest Volume of 'Hookup Hotshot: E-Girls'

Emma Rosie and Rebel Rhyder headline Brian Gozzling’s “Hookup Hotshot: E-Girls 28” from Evil Angel.

Agatha Vega Fronts Latest From Ricky's Room

Reigning XMA Europas Female Performer of the Year Agatha Vega stars in the latest release from Ricky's Room, titled "Agatha Habla Sucio."

Taylor Vixxen Makes Her MILFY Debut

Taylor Vixxen has made her debut for Vixen Media Group (VMG) studio imprint MILFY, alongside Dan Damage.

Catherine Knight Makes Her Vixen Debut

Catherine Knight has made her Vixen debut alongside Dan Damage.

Andi Avalon Headlines 'Slutty Nurses 3' From Reality Junkies

Andi Avalon toplines the third volume of "Slutty Nurses" from Mile High Media studio imprint Reality Junkies.

TeamSkeet, MYLF to Launch New Website FamilyStrokes.com

Sister studios TeamSkeet and MYLF are launching a new website, FamilyStrokes.com.

AV Watch: Age Verification Hits the Mainstream, Ofcom Sets a Date

Industry stakeholders and free speech advocates have anxiously been awaiting the Supreme Court’s decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, which could significantly impact state age verification laws around the country. In the meantime, state legislatures continue to weigh and pass AV bills, AV tech providers continue to tout their services, and legal challenges continue to play out in the courts — with some cases on hold pending the SCOTUS ruling in Paxton.

Segpay Names Kristi Greer VP of Sales

Segpay has promoted long-time employee Kristi Greer to the position of vice president of sales.

Show More