SWERFs Shut Down Porn Studies Course Over Queer Performer Photo

SWERFs Shut Down Porn Studies Course Over Queer Performer Photo

MADRID — One of Spain's oldest and most prestigious universities, the Universidad Complutense de Madrid, has cancelled an academic seminar on porn studies under pressure from sex work abolitionist groups and SWERFs objecting to the image used to advertise it to students.

The image features U.S. performer and advocate Courtney Trouble tied in red ropes and looking at the camera.

Local anti-sex work group Asamblea Abolicionista Madrid launched a campaign against the class, riling up activists who aim to abolish sex work, with a Tweet which read: "A woman tied up and naked in a flyer for a university activity is a glorification of sexual violence. This must be stopped. We denounced this publicly at the Institute for Women @Inmujer and at the @Unicomplutense You can denounce it at servatorioimagen@inmujer.es"

But, as Courtney Trouble told XBIZ today, the instructor had been given explicit permission to use the image to promote the course.

"Imagine waking up to this being said about you and the choices you’ve made in your life," Trouble told XBIZ. "I am a porn star and a performance artist and a queer — I was born to deflect this kind of hate from authority — but what if I wasn't? We must do more to make sure our rights to free speech are being protected around the globe."

Trouble explained that the photograph is the work of noted L.A. photographer Dave Naz, who specializes in "shooting genderqueers and women. This shoot was what I wanted in a trade for an interview about being trans for one of Dave's projects."

"I approved the use of the photo to promote the class and by canceling, the university is saying I’m a tied-and-subdued woman!" Trouble added.

Porn Studies

The cancelled seminar — "Introduction to Porn Theory" — was designed by Eloy Vicente Palazón, a PhD student at the History of Art department of the faculty of Geography and History, which had approved the course back in December.

Palazón has multiple credentials and degrees in mathematics, art history, cultural theory and curation from top European institutions like the Universidad Complutense de Madrid and Goldsmiths College (University of London).

To make this case of censorship driven by SWERFs (Sex Worker Exclusionary Feminists) even more egregious, Palazón's areas of interest are LBGTQ visual culture and art, history and theory of AIDS and sexuality, new masculinities, performance and performativity and the burgeoning field of porn history and theory.

"The equality of the sexes requires that we decriminalize sex and demystify sexuality and porn studies is a crucial part of modern academia," Trouble told XBIZ. "I would, if I could, demand this class be given its space back by the academic authorities.

"I’m an artist and a sex worker with three college degrees and 20 years of experience in adult entertainment," Trouble adds. "I am a survivor of domestic abuse and devoted spokesperson against rape and violence against women and queers. I’ve been published globally and included in academic studies on the positive outcomes of including porn in feminist theory and have even been invited by Oxford to speak on the subject. I identify as nonbinary and trans but work mostly as a cis-passing queer femme."

Palazón takes full responsibility for the flyer.

"I understand that some people might have felt offended," he told Spanish media, "or [that] certain feminists might have felt offended. But the image has been decontextualized."

The abolitionist group spearheading this act of censorship has confirmed that the Dean's Delegate for Equality has "eliminated the course."

Founded in 1293, the Universidad Complutense of Madrid is the biggest university in Spain, offering 90 degrees and more than 170 postgraduate programs.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Anna Claire Clouds Leads Elegant Angel's 'Shared: A Hotwife Origin Story'

Reigning XMAs Female Performer of the Year Anna Claire Clouds stars in Elegant Angel's new feature thriller "Shared: A Hotwife Origin Story," part of the site's annual "Superstar September" initiative.

Gender X Drops 'Vampirella' Parody

Gender X Films has released its latest feature, "Transpirella," a parody of the 1970s sci-fi horror comic book "Vampirella," directed by Jim Powers.

Aylo Fined $5 Million as FTC, Utah Settle Safety Practices Complaint

The Federal Trade Commission and the state of Utah on Wednesday settled a complaint against Aylo, requiring the company to pay a $5 million penalty and implement measures to prevent illegal content from appearing on its sites.

Jonni Darkko Directs New Chloe Amour Showcase

Evil Angel has released Jonni Darrko’s Chloe Amour showcase, titled "Mon Amour."

Bella Reid Named Penthouse's 'Pet of the Month' for September

Penthouse Magazine has named Bella Reid as Pet of the Month for September.

Andi Avalon Fronts Latest From New Sensations

Andi Avalon and Ken Feels star in the latest release from New Sensations.

Ricky's Room Drops Final Installment of Baby Gemini Showcase

Ricky’s Room has released the final installment of its Baby Gemini showcase, titled "Six Bodies In Motion."

XBIZ Amsterdam to Debut 'Behind the Lens' Screening Series

XBIZ is pleased to announce the debut of “Behind the Lens,” a new screening series presenting discussions with noted directors, taking place at the upcoming annual European conference, XBIZ Amsterdam.

'White Rabbit' Party Headed for XBIZ Amsterdam

XBIZ is pleased to announce the White Rabbit Party, an XBIZ Amsterdam special event set to take place Wednesday, Sept. 3.

Hailey Rose Heats Up the Fall Issue of X3 Magazine

2025 XMA Fav Female Performer Hailey Rose headlines the latest issue of X3 magazine, the industry’s premier “authenticity first” publication spotlighting the real personalities, passions and stories behind today’s top creators.

Show More