Kaytlin Bailey’s Poetry is Creepy

Kaytlin Bailey is a contrarian by nature and a provocateur by trade. As both a political activist and a comedian, it has been her job to throw rhetorical rocks at proverbial walls. 

She came out as a sex worker in 2013. She went on to write about her experiences for Vice and other publications. Her one-woman show, Cuntagious, sold out performances in multiple NYC theater festivals.

As the host of the popular podcast The Oldest Profession, Kaytlin explores the history of sex workers. Each episode tells the tale of a different ‘old pro’ from history.​

She recently joined the team at Decriminalize Sex Work as the Director of Communications to help direct the growing support for sex-workers’ rights toward a national strategy to end the prohibition of prostitution in the United States.

Feelings about the word “comedienne”?
I always imagine a fancy lady winking at me from behind a martini.
How has being funny helped you in your offstage life, either recently or when you were younger?
As a sex worker rights advocate, getting people to laugh is a great way to get them to listen.
Can you describe your worst gig?
I was hosting for Nick Dipaolo at Bananas the night they lost their liquor license. I had to break the news to the crowd that no one was getting any drinks.
What were you like as a teen? 
I was a creepy kid, I had a poetry book full of pretty dark stuff. I knew I was going to be a writer.
What’s your first impulse when someone says “women aren’t funny”?
To punch them in the mouth.
When you were coming up in comedy, what helped you stick with it?
Touring with other women in the CAKE comedy tour.
Worst comedy advice you ever got?
You can’t be sexy and funny.
Favorite response to “What’s it like to be a woman in comedy”? (If applicable.)
Slippery.
What single word always cracks you up?
kinky.
Favorite response to a heckler or troll?
Suck my clit.
Was there one person who inspired you to go into comedy? If so: Who, why, how?
Margarate Cho’s I’m The One That I Want and Eddie Izzard’s Dressed to Kill showed me what’s possible when you’re willing to blend art forms.

Maggie Scudder runs the Editorial Content at GOLD. She is a writer, comedian, and NYC transplant. On her podcast, Edward is a Vampire, she is staunchly Team Rosella (RosalieXBella); on her TikTok, @wereplayinggames, she is very competitive. She loves sourdough toast, walking on boats, and the rule of threes.