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

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