International Sex Workers' Day

Did you know that there are around 25 different types of sex work?

A lot of people are sex workers  and a lot of people  engage their services. An estimated 6 in 10 Americans have watched pornography at some point in their lives, and this is only one of the types of sex work that exists.  

Why do we now often use the term ‘sex worker’ instead of ‘prostitute’?

This is a very debated topic. There has been a shift. Basically, sex work is much more positive as a term.  

‘Prostitute’ as a term can be stigmatising as it has connotations of criminality and exploitation. This idea can be interpreted in the word’s origins: the Latin ‘prostitut’ - meaning ‘exposed publicly, offered for sale’. If the sex worker is not the one in control of the offering and consenting, then it is not sex work.  It is exploitation.  

Sex work as such, requires consent as a worker – and that relies on three conditions: the freedom to choose a sexual partner, the freedom to select the nature of the sexual activity, and the freedom to choose the timing. There are many sex workers. And today simply celebrates them and their right to choose.  

If you want to check out our podcast where we spoke with the consenting and fabulous Michelle Hardenbrook, you can find it below: