Sex Workers, What Do People Totally Get Wrong About You And Your Profession?

Not everyone has daddy issues.

Sex work can be a *controversial* topic in our society. And with popular depictions of sex work and sex workers often focusing on stereotypes or headline-worthy destruction, the view can be one-sided.

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Where is the empowerment?

So to shed some realistic light on sex work — if you're a sex worker, what is it that you want people to know (and even understand) about sex work?

What misconceptions do people have about sex work that you'd like to clarify? Maybe many people make stereotypical assumptions about your childhood and upbringing.

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Stereotypes aside, many people tend to overlook the financial aspect: for some, sex work allows them to pay for college or life in general.

Or you can discuss when and why you began doing sex work.

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Had you thought about it before? And were you nervous to start?

Is it a thing of your past by now? Why'd you decide to stop?

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Maybe you own your own home and you're effectively retired! That'd be way ahead of many other people, that's for sure.

You could also discuss the taboo. Are you open about your work socially? And how does it affect people's perception of your identity?

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Does your family know, or only your friends? Do you have a go-to cover story instead? Similarly, how and when do you discuss your job with your partner?

Then there are the more practical aspects. What ground rules do you keep — like about respect from clients? How do you stay healthy? Do you feel safe?

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As the saying goes, "No" is a complete sentence. Maybe people assume you have no boundaries — but what dynamic do you actually have with your clients (therapist, even)? Or do you cringe when clients mention a "connection" with you?

And, last but not least, the abstract — what have you learned about human sexuality through your work?

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Have you been able to explore your own sexuality through sex work? What have you discovered, whether through observations of other people or yourself? Do you feel more empowered?

Whatever it is that you want people to know and understand about sex work, please share in the comments below! You could be featured in an upcoming BuzzFeed Community post.

If you're more comfortable remaining anonymous, please answer in this Google Form!