Riverdale Avenue Books PRESS RELEASE
“Dominatrix on Trial” an Autobiography from the Canadian Sex-Worker Who Revolutionized Canadian Laws
Terri-Jean Bedford, The Dominatrix who Changed Sex Work Laws in Canada Just Published Memoir by Riverdale Avenue Books – Click HERE
New York, NY – April 27, 2022 – Americans are not aware of Terri Jean Bedford, but in Canada she is one of their most notorious citizens–but under the name Madame deSade. Terri-Jean Bedford was Canada’s most famous leather-clad dominatrix, a well-known public figure appearing on the evening news as she took on the Canadian legal establishment to ultimately change sex worker law throughout the country. Canada’s prostitution laws were struck down in 2010.
Terri-Jean Bedford’s autobiography, Dominatrix on Trial, published by Riverdale Avenue Books, chronicles her life born into poverty to her rise as Canada’s most famous dominatrix. As a poor bi-racial girl, she was placed into a foster home at six, where she was abused. She was later moved into various children’s homes and lived there until she was 16, when she left to make it on her own. Terri survived by working numerous unskilled jobs. Her talents and interests helped her move into the elite world of the professional dominatrix, after which life was never the same. Located just outside of Toronto, her elaborate Bondage Bungalow became the target of a spectacular raid. Six highly publicized years of trials and appeals later, she was convicted under bawdy-house laws and paid a small fine. In 1999, she opened a similar facility in downtown Toronto, one that closed without police interference in 2002.
“Terri-Jean Bedford is a feminist icon, a revolutionary who not only fought for what she believed, but for freedom for both women and men.” said Lori Perkins. “She is a courageous and strong woman who continues to have a lasting impact on Canada and sex work.”
A few years later she was at the center of Bedford vs. Canada, a five-year constitutional challenge to Canada’s sex trade laws. The Supreme Court vindicated her struggles. She remains a vocal advocate for civil rights and the disenfranchised.
A play based on her life story is currently in production in Windsor, Canada in 2022. Books and downloads are available on Amazon, Barnes & Nobles Nook, iTunes, and Kobo.
Riverdale Avenue Books
Riverdale Avenue Books is an award winning, innovative hybrid publisher at the leading edge of the changes in the publishing industry. We publish e-books and print titles under 13 imprints: Desire, an erotica/erotic romance imprint; Riverdale/Magnus the award-winning imprint of LGBT titles; Pop featuring pop culture titles; Afraid, a horror line; SFF, a science fiction fantasy line; Truth, an erotic memoir line; Dagger, a mystery thriller imprint; Sports and Gaming featuring sports and gaming titles; Verve featuring lifestyle titles; Hera featuring both the true and fictional lives and loves of women aged 35 and up; 120 Days an LGBT pulp fiction line and Circlet, an erotica/erotic romance imprint. Started in 2012 by industry veteran Lori Perkins, Riverdale is a full service publisher, with a subsidiary rights department. Visit us at www.RiverdaleAveBooks.com
I am Terri-Jean Bedford
Canada’s Most Famous Dominatrix
I became that because of my legal battles
Here you will find information on my legal battles, the issues involved and about me
Spank you very much for visiting my site
TJB