A museum in Montreal is making history visible by launching a groundbreaking exhibition dedicated to the often-overlooked activism and resistance of sex workers. The new display, titled Stella, l’amie de Maimie, shines a light on the decades-long struggle for rights, safety, and dignity.
Chronicling a Movement of Resistance
The exhibit, which opened in late October 2025, is presented in collaboration with Stella, a Montreal-based organization that has championed the rights of sex workers since its founding. It aims to document the rich history of advocacy and community organizing that has persisted despite stigma and challenging legal landscapes. The display features archival materials, personal stories, and artifacts that trace the evolution of the movement.
Jenn Clamen, the mobilization and communications coordinator at Stella, has been instrumental in bringing this narrative to the public. The exhibit's title references a historical connection, underscoring the long-standing need for support and friendship within the community.
Preserving Stories and Fighting Stigma
By placing this history within a museum context, the organizers seek to legitimize and preserve the experiences of sex workers as a valid part of Canada's social fabric. The exhibition challenges prevailing narratives and invites visitors to understand the complexities of the profession, focusing on themes of agency, labour rights, and collective action against violence and discrimination.
The timing of the exhibit is significant, as debates around the legal and social status of sex work continue across the country. It provides crucial historical context for these ongoing discussions, highlighting how activism has shaped the current landscape.
A Landmark for Montreal and Beyond
Located in Montreal, a city with a diverse and politically engaged history, the exhibition serves as a cultural landmark. It affirms the city's role as a centre for social justice movements and adds a vital chapter to its public history. The museum's decision to host this exhibit signals a growing institutional recognition of marginalized histories.
For visitors, the exhibit offers more than just information; it is an act of reclamation. It transforms private struggles into public testimony, ensuring that the stories of resistance and solidarity are not forgotten. This project by Stella and the museum represents a powerful step toward greater visibility and understanding for sex workers' rights in Canada.
