How Fabulous is Sex Work?
Argh!, Career Transitions, Club Visits, Exotic Dancers, Harm Reduction, Ministry, Sex Work Add commentsI have conversations with sex workers nearly everyday of my life. And I listen.
I hear differing points-of-view. I hear stories of women pimped into strip clubs, sold to strip clubs. I hear stories of women getting ahead financially and being empowered by sex work. I hear stories of women who cry before every shift. I hear stories of women being excited about going to work. I hear stories of women who cannot work without drinking or using drugs. I hear stories from women who say that sex work is fun. I hear success stories of women leaving the industry. I hear stories of disappointment when women have to return to sex work. I hear stories of trouble in relationships because of sex work, both because the spouse of the sex worker can’t handle it, and on the other side, because the sex worker cannot stand to be touched. I hear stories from women who love the flexibility, freedom and autonomy that sex work gives them.
Remember, this is from sex workers about their own experience, not people writing about sex workers, people who have never done sex work, or even academics.
Who do I believe?
I believe them all.
I believe that everyone’s experience of sex work is different. Put a unique individual into a unique situation, and his or her experience will be unique.
I believe that the deepest thing that sex workers need, that all humans need, is acceptance.
Anything short of acceptance is unacceptable.
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October 2nd, 2008 at 8:27 pm
Indeed. Well articulated, and a logical, rational approach. If only it were more widespread.
October 3rd, 2008 at 7:34 am
OMG. I just read this and am COMPLETELY inspired by you–i am teaching “Performing Sexual Identities” in the spring @ uncg, and I think you and starlight would be a fabulous source of infinite wisdom. I will program my dreams and pray that you are interested–the digital age makes many things possible. in such a time as this. . . .
XOXOXOKILLIAN
October 3rd, 2008 at 1:51 pm
Well…now I know what I am going to talk about at the rally tonite…Thank you my friend :)
October 3rd, 2008 at 4:21 pm
[...] …Lia is made of WIN. I have conversations with sex workers nearly everyday of my life. And I listen. [...]
October 5th, 2008 at 11:17 am
Being myself involved with a sex-worker, I can relate to what you’re writing (though maybe indirectly).
Thanks for an interesting reading.
October 6th, 2008 at 10:26 pm
Oh, some of my most favorite people here! Killian, you ROCK! I look forward to working with you.
Rene, feel free to use it. For those of you who don’t know Stepping Stones, check them out. http://www.steppingstonens.ca/
Amber, thank you.
H., I enjoy your blog. Thanks for the post.
Lia
October 9th, 2008 at 7:13 pm
Everyone’s experience is valid because it’s their life. The problems happen when policy is made with only the negative experiences in mind. Now, if policy were created to minimize such experiences — great! But it never is, leading to more problems.
XX
October 9th, 2008 at 7:58 pm
Amanda, you are so right. I love the way you said that!
October 9th, 2008 at 9:45 pm
Thank you Lia!
XX