“Modern Whore” is Playboy if it was run by the Bunnies
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Andrea Weirhun, Canadian writer, artist, and former sex worker, joins Tom Power on Q to discuss her groundbreaking hybrid documentary 'Modern Whore,' based on her memoir 'Modern Horror.' The film, which blends personal storytelling, reenactments, and documentary footage, offers an authentic, campy, and deeply human portrayal of sex work—framed as 'Playboy if it was run by the bunnies.' Weirhun shares how her journey from anonymity to public visibility began after a pivotal moment at the Toronto Art Book Fair, where she was challenged for potentially appropriating a sex worker’s story. The film, co-created with her partner Nicole Buzine and executive produced by Sean Baker (director of Oscar-winning 'Anora'), has been met with overwhelming warmth from audiences across Canada. Weirhun reflects on the emotional weight of reenacting traumatic experiences with trauma-informed support, the creative power of self-representation, and the profound impact of being seen—especially by other sex workers. She also discusses the intersections between artistry and sex work, the importance of decriminalization, and how the film is becoming a tool for coming out and community healing.
Sex work and artistry are deeply intertwined, especially in Canada where artists struggle to make a living.
Representation matters: 'Modern Whore' is a radical act of self-authorship by sex workers, challenging narratives controlled by outsiders.
The film’s campy, colorful aesthetic is intentional—designed to be accessible, joyful, and subversive, reflecting the lived reality of sex workers.
Internalized shame is personified as 'Shame Biscuit,' a grotesque, judgmental figure representing societal stigma, not inherent to the work.
Family acceptance is not about approval, but love—Weirhun’s mother’s emotional support, despite not condoning her work, is a powerful testament to unconditional love.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
The Rise of Anora and the Visibility of Sex Work
“It's the way that her profession was portrayed that resonated with a lot of people, especially for people who are real-life sex workers, who said for the first time they felt seen, validated, in the biggest way possible in entertainment.”
From Memoir to Movie: The Birth of 'Modern Whore'
“We've always kind of thought of modern horror as playboy if it was run by the bunnies.”
The Power of Authentic Representation
“I guess I have to come out. She said you're appropriating a sex worker story to tell a book. You were sort of accused of appropriating your own story.”
The Art of Reenactment and Trauma-Informed Storytelling
Weirhun shares the process of reenacting both joyful and traumatic moments from her life, highlighting the support systems in place—including a trauma-informed counselor and a Jungian analyst—to ensure her well-being during filming.
Shame Biscuit: Personifying Internalized Stigma
“The shame that we experience is from outside the act itself.”
“If Canada wants to see fewer sex workers, we need to learn how to pay artists better.”
“We've always kind of thought of modern horror as playboy if it was run by the bunnies.”
“I get this opportunity to thank my mom for not abandoning me.”
Host
Guest
Andrea Weirhun
person
Modern Whore
media
Modern Horror
book
Nicole Buzine
person
Anora
media
Sean Baker
person
Shame Biscuit
other
CBC
organization
Last Night at the Strip Club
media
The Florida Project
media
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Amanda Peet asks the hard questions about facelifts, validation and death
Q with Tom Power • 24m • 4/2/2026
Chantal Kreviazuk is reclaiming her most famous hits for other artists
Q with Tom Power • 40m • 4/3/2026
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