Sex worker as transformative...

I think a movie about a sex worker can absolutely be transformative. The important thing is that this woman (or man) has agency. They cannot be represented solely by the fact that the get paid for sexual favors. The must have a voice, and a mind. From what Hooks said about Lee's Girl 6, the main character is a phone sex operator because she cannot get work as an actress. This explanation is a good start to giving this character agency. Being a sex worker does not mean the character has to be belittled, or stereotyped. It can be an empowering way for a woman to be independent and take care of herself, which is much stronger to me than a woman looking for a man to save her. In fact, in Girl 6, the main character's ex-husband leans on her for financial support. I think that is pretty telling. I think it is also an important look at female sexuality, specifically black female sexuality in this film. In this situation, the woman is using sex to empower herself (as opposed to degrading the woman as many other representations have done). Although the woman may also enjoy the sex she is taking part in, she is using it as a tool to get herself ahead in life. I think this is extremely transformative.