Chiqui Love: Uncensored Stories from the Strip Club
- Filip
- Apr 25
- 3 min read
In the dimly lit corners of Berlin's nightlife, where shadows intertwine with neon glows, Chiqui Love has carved out a legacy spanning over two decades. A veteran stripper, performer, and activist, Chiqui's journey is a testament to resilience, transformation, and an unyielding commitment to reshaping the narrative surrounding sex work.
"From Caracas to the Catwalk"
Born and raised in Venezuela, Chiqui's early life was steeped in the rich tapestry of Latin American culture. The vibrant rhythms, the flamboyant carnivals, and the omnipresent beauty pageants laid the foundation for her eventual foray into the world of exotic dance.
“Being Venezuelan, I have always been influenced by Latin American vedettes, the carnival, and Miss Venezuela which is huge,” she says. “We have lots of TV shows where dancing is normally quite raunchy with lots of beautiful women wearing very little, so I guess it wasn’t that shocking for me when I thought about becoming an erotic dancer.”
"London Calling"
The early 2000s saw Chiqui relocating to London, a city teeming with opportunities and challenges alike. Financial strains led her to explore unconventional avenues. Introduced by a friend to the world of stripping, she took the plunge.
“I started back in 2003 when I lived in London. I was completely broke... One of my friends had a girlfriend who was dancing at the time and he suggested that I should meet her. She gave me all the information I needed to get an audition and the rest is history.”
"Lessons from the Limelight"
Over the years, the strip club became more than just a workplace; it was a crucible of life lessons. Chiqui encountered a spectrum of humanity, from the mundane to the bizarre. Recounting one of her more memorable experiences, she shares, “There was this guy that used to request dancers to play with their belly button for like 10 minutes straight.”
Yet, beyond the peculiar requests and late-night escapades, she emphasizes the importance of empathy, understanding, and the breaking down of societal judgments.
"Berlin and the Birth of a Movement"
Seeking new horizons, Chiqui moved to Berlin, a city known for its avant-garde art scene and liberal ethos. It was here that she co-founded the Berlin Strippers Collective (BSC), a group dedicated to challenging the status quo of the stripping industry.
“To be autonomous, self-organised, and make collective decisions around how and who we work with is radical,” she asserts. The collective aims to destigmatize sex work, advocate for better working conditions, and reclaim agency in an industry often marred by exploitation.
"Evolution of the Industry"
Reflecting on the metamorphosis of the stripping industry over the past 20 years, Chiqui notes both progress and persistent challenges. While there's a growing acceptance and understanding of sex work in certain circles, stigmas remain entrenched. The advent of digital platforms has also transformed the landscape, offering both opportunities and obstacles for performers navigating this new terrain.
"Beyond the Velvet Curtain"
Beyond the allure and mystique of the strip club lies a reality often obscured by societal prejudices. Chiqui is candid about the industry's darker facets, from exploitative management practices to the emotional toll it can exact. Yet, she remains steadfast in her belief that through solidarity, education, and activism, meaningful change is not just possible but inevitable.
