Hot Toddie (@hottoddiecartoonqueer) smiles before stepping on to a piece of glass. Photo by Sage 
Aerialist Ivy (@circusrose_) swings on the silks. Photo by Jeff Cooper 
A member of Iron City Aerials looks down at the crowd. Photo by Jeff Cooper 
Hazzell Azzer of AIDS Free Pittsburgh (@hazell__frappe23). Photo by Jeff Cooper 
Lamp twirls fire outside Iron City Circus Arts. photo by Sage 
A performer of Iron City Aerials (@iron.city.aerial) holds up fire. Photo by Jeff Cooper 
A volunteer mans concessions at Cirque Erotique. Photo by Jeff Cooper 
Hot Toddie ((@hottoddiecartoonqueer) walks on glass. Photo by Sage 
Aerial artist Chaos and Ginger, about to transform into werewolves. Photo by Jeff Cooper 
Aerial artist Chaos hangs from a trapeze. Photo by Jeff Cooper 
Aerialist Ivy (@circusrose_) upside down on the silks. Photo by Jeff Cooper 
Audience members look over the program at Cirque Erotique, a fundraiser for SWOON Alliance. Photo by Jeff Cooper 
Eureka Siggs (@eurekasiggs) clowns around. Photo by Jeff Cooper 
Evie Sanguine (@eviesanguine) spins fans. Photo by Jeff Cooper 
Gemini Dream (@voracious._.gemini) hangs upside down. Photo by Sage 
Gemini Dream (@voracious._.gemini) with a magic wand. Photo by Jeff Cooper 
Hazzell Azzer of AIDS Free Pittsburgh (@hazell__frappe23). Photo by Jeff Cooper 
Hot Toddie (@hottoddiecartoonqueer) peels off a sock in _Bottle walking for feet people._. Photo by Jeff Cooper 
Iron City Aerial (@iron.city.aerial) & friends perform _The Coven._ Photo by Jeff Cooper 
Lamp, a fire performer, holds flaming torches. Photo by Jeff Cooper 
Members of Iron City Aerial (@iron.city.aerial) and friends perform _The Coven. Photo by Jeff Cooper 
Members of Iron City Aerial swallow fire in The Coven. Photo by Jeff Cooper. 
Pole artist Stacks (@stacks_da_circus_rabbit) swings on the fly pole. Photo by Jeff Cooper 
SuspendDisbelief and AutomataBound in rope. Photo by Jeff Cooper 
SWOON President Mistrix Pix takes the stage. Photo by Jeff Cooper
SWOON Alliance hosted a sexy circus fundraiser on September 20, 2025 at Iron City Circus Arts. SWOON (Sex Workers Owning Our Narratives) is a Pittsburgh non-profit that works to end the violence and stigma associated with sex work through education, material support, and advocacy. The sold-out circus, sponsored by AIDS Free Pittsburgh, included over 20 performers from Pittsburgh, Baltimore, and Washington DC.
This article appears in Fall Guide 2025.
