Things Not To Say To A Sex Worker

The stigma around sex work and the question of its legitimacy has fostered an environment of misconception, misunderstanding, and mistreatment. The workers involved are in need of legal protections, but the lack of education surrounding what really goes on in their line of work has led to violence, disease, and often death. Sex workers are people too and like anyone, there are things you just don't say about a person's job.

1. Are you being forced?

Bertrand Langlois / Photograph: Bertrand Langlois/AF

Sex work is a job. Just like any other industry, these people choose to be in this line of work. Human trafficking and sex work are often confused for being the same thing despite them being completely different.

2. How much money do you make?

Would you ask a random person how much their salary is? Like with any other profession, a level of respect and privacy is appreciated.

3. Are all the clients losers?

Just because people are paying for sex does not make them worth any less than people who decided not to engage with sex works. Respect is always a big thing. Letting people do their own things and making themselves happy is all that matters in the end. What they do has no effect on others.

4. You can't be feminist and a sex worker.

The definition of feminism is "the advocacy of women's rights on the basis of the equality of the sexes". Where does it say that you can not be a sex worker? Leading your own life and making your own choices as a woman is part of what feminism is. The people in this line of work make their own decisions and are able to manage themselves without harming anyone else.

5. It's so dangerous!

The only reason that sex work is dangerous is because of the lack of legality and protections that sex workers should have. Decriminalizing would ensure that equal treatment and equality would provide safety to sex workers just like any other job.