Sex and History was started in 2018 as an online public history classroom on the history of sexuality with a focus on North American models, dancers, escorts and workers before 1990. Built by a university professor to make sure that the public and community members had better access to accurate histories of sexuality and sex work in the 1800s and 1900s, we use a social media delivery and digital strategy to create new learning opportunities and protect access to histories that matter.

In 2024, we launched our acclaimed Historic Brothels of Old Toronto Walking Tour to raise awareness about the central role of brothel workers in the foundation of early Toronto. Based on a decade of research that revealed more than 100 brothels in the city before 1914, the tour seeks to educate, honour, and remember this large, forgotten population and their substantial impact on the development of the early city.

Check out our:

• Online open history classroom on Instagram (@sexandhistory)
• Original “Historic Brothels of Old Toronto” guided walking tour