I must start this article with a little disclaimer: When speaking about ‘sex work’ I am talking about work taken on without coercion, dependence, or any other negative or problematic influence, by a fully consenting, enthusiastic individual. Sex work isn’t perfect (no employment is) but this is the standard by which this article is working. And, under this standard, it’s about damned time that we took sex work seriously and gave sex workers the respect they damned well deserve!
If this premise seems a bit bizarre to you then allow me to take you by the hand and take you on a magical journey through the many valuable aspects of sex work.
But, Isn’t Sex Sacred?
For some people, this may very well be the case and, if you fall in to this category, good for you!
But the standards of some people’s relationships and interactions shouldn’t dictate them all—nor have they historically done so. If we were all to conform to one mindset then not only would dinner conversation be incredibly dull but we’d also be lacking in the amazing diversity (and free will) that makes us who we are.
Some people value sex as a private activity between them and their partner. Others might see sex as purely a sensation that they seek with likeminded individuals. And some people provide services relating to sex for money.
If the demand is there why not fill it in a safe, professional, and consenting manner?
There’s More To It Then Sex
As many of us are aware, sex is rarely just that, and this may also add to some people’s hesitance at making it a tradable service.
To this I say that sex workers aren’t providing services that people can’t get in some capacity elsewhere, but what they do often do is compartmentalize many different areas of expertise in to one amazing package.
Sex workers will regularly say that, alongside physical services, their job involves being a sex educator, a physical therapist, an improv comedian, a self-advocate for hygiene, a life coach, and a therapist.
Granted, not all of these skills come with the pre-requisite qualifications (though sometimes they do) but sex workers offer a support system for their clients that often envelops all of these facets and more.
Sex is, to many, a source of comfort, intimacy, and a deeply contemplative act. Sometimes the headspace of sex is required or desired when a conventional relationship isn’t wanted nor possible. The fact that there are people out there who are able and willing to provide this is amazing, and never to be underestimated in terms of value.
Help For Those Who Need It
In addition to the everyday person seeking a sex worker, some people seek the services of a sex worker because they are incapable of achieving sex elsewhere.
This may include someone who suffers from extreme anxiety, someone with a sexual dysfunction that they wish to rectify before taking on a conventional partner, or even an individual with a disability that heavily restricts their ability to pursue other relationships.
In all these cases sex work offers an option where things may otherwise seem bleak or frustrating—offering a beacon of hope for those who may be struggling most.
The Takeaway
Everyone has the right to sexual well-being and sex work can provide this to so many people for so many different reasons. So, let’s all cut sex workers a slack and take it a bit more seriously? Thankfully, it’s here to stay.
