Reality Bytes

For the 127th episode of Private Parts Unknown, host Courtney Kocak takes you inside the historic reopening of Star Garden Topless Dive Bar, now officially America's only union strip club — and only the second club to unionization in the country, period, after strippers at San Francisco’s Lusty Lady organized the Exotic Dancers Union in 1997. On Monday, May 15th, lawyers representing the owners of the Star Garden agreed to recognize the union and meet with the Actors’ Equity Association across the bargaining table within 30 days to negotiate a first contract — and now, 3.5 months later, the club opened back up for business on Thursday, August 24th. Kocak was there to talk to dancers Selena, Wicked, and May and the lead negotiator, Andrea Hoeschen, General Counsel for Actors' Equity Association. Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine was also there to sing a few songs and show his support for the strippers. Kocak and her friend Stacey were also excited to be the first customers inside when the club reopened i