This Is My Real Name

This Is My Real Name is the memoir of Cid V Brunet, who spent ten years working as a dancer at strip clubs, using the name Michelle. From their very first lap dance in a small-town bar to her work at high-end clubs, Michelle learns they must follow the unspoken rules that will allow them to succeed in the competitive industry. Along the way, Michelle and their co-workers encounter compelling clients and unreasonable bosses and navigate their own relationships to drugs and alcohol. Michelle and their friends rely on each other's camaraderie and strength in an industry that can be both toxic and deeply rewarding.

Intensely personal, This Is My Real Name demystifies stripping as a career with great respect and candour, while at the same time exploring the complex, sex-positive relationships (queer and otherwise) that make it meaningful.