Pussy Riot founder Nadya Tolokonnikova joins OnlyFans for feminist activism

Nadya Tolokonnikova, founder of the Russian dissident collective Pussy Riot, has joined the adult entertainment platform OnlyFans to promote sex positivity and challenge patriarchy. The artist and activist, who spent two years in prison for a 2012 protest against Putin and the Russian Orthodox Church, announced her move on Twitter. She told Hyperallergic that while she hesitated due to feminist opposition to sex work, a essay for the book 'A Woman's Right to Pleasure' convinced her that fear was foolish. Since launching her page last summer, she has found followers respectful and supportive, describing the platform as part of her broader feminist practice where she discusses boundaries, matriarchy, and history. Tolokonnikova continues her art career: NFT sales have raised over $12 million for reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ causes, and Ukrainian relief. During Miami Art Week, she will launch a blockchain collaboration with Judy Chicago titled 'What If Women Rule the World.' She credits her artistic practice for giving her the confidence to create a respectful community, noting that directing the music video 'Sexist' involved consulting professional dominatrices to avoid oversimplifying sex work. The income from OnlyFans provides financial stability for her activism.