Sex Work FAQ
Common questions about sex work — answered openly and honestly.
What is sex work?
Sex work is a broad term that covers a range of services involving sexuality performed in exchange for money or goods. This includes escorting, stripping, cam work, adult content creation, massage, BDSM sessions, phone sex, and more. Sex workers are people who provide these services — they may work independently or for organisations, full-time or part-time.
What are the different types of sex work?
Sex work encompasses many different activities: escorting (companionship and intimate services), stripping and exotic dancing, cam work and livestreaming, adult content creation (OnlyFans, etc.), BDSM and fetish sessions, massage (sensual or erotic), phone sex, and virtual/online services. Some forms involve physical contact; others are entirely online.
Is sex work legal?
The legality of sex work varies enormously by country, state, and city. In some places it is fully decriminalised (New Zealand, parts of Australia). In others it is partially legal (e.g. Canada, where buying sex is criminalised but selling is not). In the US, most forms of sex work remain illegal under state laws, though policies vary. Online adult content creation is generally legal. Always research the laws in your specific location.
What is FOSTA-SESTA and how does it affect sex workers?
FOSTA (Allow States and Victims to Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act) and SESTA (Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act) are US laws passed in 2018 that hold websites liable for facilitating sex trafficking. In practice, they caused many platforms used by sex workers — including Backpage — to shut down or remove sex worker content, pushing many workers offline and into less safe situations. Sex worker advocacy groups widely oppose FOSTA-SESTA for these reasons.
What is the difference between decriminalisation and legalisation?
Decriminalisation removes criminal penalties for sex work — workers are not arrested or prosecuted. Legalisation means sex work is regulated by the state, often with licensing, health checks, and designated zones. Decriminalisation is generally preferred by sex worker advocacy groups because it allows workers more autonomy and does not push the industry underground. New Zealand's full decriminalisation model is often cited as the gold standard.
How do sex workers stay safe?
Safety practices include: thorough client screening (ID, references, P411/Preferred411), telling a trusted person your location and check-in times, having a safety call system, trusting your instincts and refusing bookings that feel wrong, keeping a charged phone accessible, working in-person from a known and safe location when possible, and connecting with community networks who share safety information.
What health resources are available for sex workers?
Many areas have clinics offering confidential, non-judgmental health services for sex workers. Resources include Planned Parenthood (US), St. James Infirmary (San Francisco), and LGBTQ+ health centres. PrEP (HIV prevention medication) is widely available. Regular STI testing is recommended. Many sex worker organisations also offer peer health support.
What are sex workers' rights?
Sex workers' rights include the right to safety, to refuse clients, to work without discrimination, to access healthcare and legal recourse, and to organise. Major advocacy organisations include SWOP (Sex Workers Outreach Project), COYOTE, the Global Network of Sex Work Projects (NSWP), and many local groups. Labour rights — including the right to fair pay and safe working conditions — are central to the sex worker rights movement.
How do sex workers manage their finances?
Independent sex workers are typically self-employed and must manage their own finances. Best practices include: keeping accurate income and expense records, setting aside money for tax, opening a separate business bank account, considering an LLC or other business structure for legal protection, and working with an accountant familiar with self-employment. Some banks discriminate against sex workers, so it may take time to find a bank that is supportive.
What is the difference between sex trafficking and sex work?
Sex work is consensual — people choose to engage in it. Sex trafficking involves force, fraud, or coercion, and is never consensual. Conflating the two harms sex workers by subjecting them to unnecessary police surveillance and stigma, and can actually hinder efforts to identify and support trafficking victims. All major sex worker advocacy organisations draw a clear distinction between the two.
How can I support sex workers?
You can support sex workers by: treating them with respect and dignity, using platforms that centre worker safety and autonomy (like Tryst), supporting decriminalisation advocacy, donating to sex worker-led organisations, following and amplifying sex worker voices, and not sharing stigmatising media portrayals. If you are a client, always respect the provider's boundaries, screening requirements, and pricing.
Where can I find more resources?
Key resources include: SWOP USA (swopusa.org), St. James Infirmary, COYOTE, the Desiree Alliance, the Global Network of Sex Work Projects (nswp.org), the Electronic Frontier Foundation for digital rights info (eff.org), and the Tryst Blog for community updates, guides, and interviews.