FAQ on frequent myths about sex work

[madame_apples]

i am putting together a list of the most common misconceptions and prejudices about sex work.  i plan on writing an intelligent, clear, honest response to each of them so i don't need to repeat myself every single time i encounter these misconceptions.  i don't want to just pump out sex positive propaganda but  rather really explore the concerns

Comments

[naamah_darling]

Disclaimer: I do not believe any of this! This is just stuff I've seen repeatedly. In no particular order:

1) Sex work hurts women/hurts feminism/supports the patriarchy/kyriarchy. This is a bad one, because addressing it honestly requires looking at the fact that sex workers ARE often abused, and that the attitude necessary for someone to commit that kind of abuse is one that is undeniably fostered in privilege. Yet it IS NOT true. Each woman decides for herself what is empowering. Not harming anyone is not enough, though, IMO. If one is involved with a problematic system, one has to work for positive change. Help thy sister!

2) Sex work and drug abuse are explicitly linked in people's minds.

3) Sex workers are not independent workers; they are under the control of someone else, often assumed to be a toxic person.

4) Though I think defining yourself in positives is important, you might briefly address what you are not, things that are not part of your work. The boundary between work and private life blurs when your work

[madame_apples]

excellent. thanks.

[fire_wuff]

I think that everything there is a good start. My one suggestion is be aware that a lot of the some times described "sacred prostitution" is more wishfull thinking than fact. I am in no way saying that there isn't or can't be a sacred aspect to it, no for me to say, but check your sources if something is claimed as historical.

I think that if you can add some gender balance to it as well as there is huge gender imbalance in the perceptions. While this may be largely true it would be good to address both genders.

[madame_apples]

what do you mean about gender balance wuff? do you mean male prostitutes? male perceptions of sex workers?

[cheshire_bitten]

Is that your current email address?

[madame_apples]

ladyavika at gmail dot com

[caeoimhin]

This is amazing. Keep up the good work and if there is anything I can do to help, please dont hesitate to let me know!

I'm seeing a series of photos in the near future based on debunking the common myths around sex work... :P

[madame_apples]

ooh that's a great idea! :)

[haw_thorn]

Some perceptions that I think could do to be examined.

1. Paid sex is demeaning to those who participate in it, both customer and service provider?

2. Sex work/ers is(are) immoral and/or damaging to society?

3. Sex work is the easiest way for a woman to make lots of money?

Thats all I can think of at the moment that haven't already been asked.

I don't believe the first two, but I know people who do.

I have no way of determining the ease or otherwise of sex work for myself, but then neither do most of the people I know that hold this belief.

[jngaio]

Um, goodness, it's hard for me to think of the things that used to concern me but let me try. Just as a note, these are things that USED to concern my very feminist self and don't anymore or at least not in such a straightforward way - I might still think about them