By: Lady Rosana Cavalieri di Narni
While the SCA is known for its family friendly entertainment and image, another side is emerging, previously taboo and shunned. But, in a modern era of sex positivity, feminism, and widening support for marginalized communities, it should come as no surprise that the Knowne World Courtesans have carved out an elegant and blissful niche to open eyes and ears to their world.
While the name “courtesan” has been reviled and disapproved of, the KWC works to fight this idea. The shaming and exclusion of and sometimes outright violence towards sex workers is a sad reality, both in history and in the modern day. Yet the Courtesan College encourages greater study and learning as tools to both stop this and help make the Society a more welcoming and enjoyable place. No actual sex work is done by the members in the context of the Society. Only entertainment, and practice of the arts, sciences, and crafts of courtesan culture.
I had the great pleasure of attending “Courtesan Persona 101” taught by my real world and SCAdian neighbor, Baronessa Ginevra Fiammetta di Silvestri. Entering the camp felt like walking into the garden of a wealthy Roman or a Borgia, draped in sumptuous cloth and cushions, gleaming with gold and romantically opulent. I was offered water in a loaner glass that made me feel completely welcomed and decadent. Why not? After all, hospitality is the hallmark of a courtesan.
While the class was short, it was both engaging and informative in ways that made me ready to dress the part. The first half of the class was based around poise and etiquette, presented in a fun and casual way. Carrying oneself with confidence and elegance, regardless of gender or presentation, is key. Luckily, there was emphasis on comfort and composure, as it is impossible to put others at ease when you yourself are struggling. But the latter half focused on a more practical and vital side of life and the courtesan persona: consent and safety.
Perhaps the greatest reason that Society members have been alarmed by a class track focused on sexuality and sex work has been fears of the law and the safety of more vulnerable members. The camp of the Hart of Gold is both well-marked and highly private. Signs advise that the camp may have nudity present and is not open to anyone under the age of 18, so that there is little fear of underage people wandering in, or a display that no-one expected. No touch is made without consent and there is an air of ease and welcome, no matter what you may present as. The classes presented even have a content warning at the beginning, so that there is little chance of being upset by a mention of something troubling. No shame is presented for choosing not to engage in the topic. Indeed, one doesn’t even need to be a courtesan to participate. Patrons help fund the many endeavors of the College and its members, while Tullians assist as bodyguards, party staff, or household help to courtesans. Nor is there any required gender presentation or sexual identity. Queer courtesans are welcomed and accepted as equals, and all courtesans seem willing to support one another.
For the 18 and over crowd at War, the Courtesans College is a wonderful and educational way to learn something that the history books rarely touch upon. The racy, bawdy history of sexuality, arts, and entertainment cannot and should not be ignored or missed. The Courtesans College looks to present these stories to expand the SCA and remind us that we can still have these stories, with our own modern polish on them.
For those who are interested, the Courtesans College is in B06 on Eleri Lane, next to Strawberry Fields, beneath the red banner that reads, “Hart of Gold”.