Huffington Post | Is Sex Work Empowering Or Enslaving?

The Incredible, Edible Akynos

Burlesque performer and entertainer

"In a misogynist, sexually repressive culture, where men still earn more than women, jobs are scarce, college education is proving to be a farce, and far too many men emotionally and physically take advantage of females without repercussion, how can a woman redeem herself?
She can take a stand and refuse to be played like a mindless twit. Despite the misogynist nature of our society, the fact remains that sex still sells. The good girls aren't the only ones that finish on top. Selling sex can be the way men learn how to treat women. And how women can learn their proverbial worth."

Siouxsie Q. James

Creator and host of The Whorecast
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"For some, sex work is a means to an end -- a way to make a living in an economy that has betrayed them.
For some, sex work is an adventure -- an empowering moment, or a weird time in their life that taught them something about themselves for better or for worse.
For some, sex work is a job that they did not choose; a job that circumstance or someone forces them to do.
For me, sex work has been my path to the American dream -- a way for me provide for my family, own my own business, and make my way toward long-term financial stability."

Laura Lee Irish

escort, writer and campaigner based in Scotland
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"To understand sex work, we must first define the term. My definition is simply two consenting adults exchanging sex for cash. This definition is important, because all too often sex work is conflated with trafficking, child sex abuse and rape -- and it is these conflations that drive the scrutiny and negative attention we in the industry so often face. In the year 2014, I believe that morality has no place in any discussion on sex work. It has a way, though, of sneaking in -- often through the religious orders who are proposing the further criminalization of our trade. To these moralists I say:
"I don't ask you to like what I do. If you find the exchange of sex for cash abhorrent, okay then. But what I do ask for is to be allowed to do my job in safety and to be treated with dignity and respect."

It can damn sure be impregnating if you don't use protection.

BTW WTF is "Enslacing"?

being a fucking selfish guy:

1) Where are the reviews for Laura Lee? Can we get her to work in Austin for a bit?

2) Wish I had the pleasure of seeing Cameron Bay before her extremely short porn career. She was an infamous provider in the Phoenix area back in the day.

"In a misogynist, sexually repressive culture... Originally Posted by Electricfeelnow

It's not unique to just sex workers... google #gamergate and see the video game angle.

Not all providers are bat shit crazy. Similarly, not all hobbyists in Austin are misogynists.

z

Ah t'aint got a clue if'n sex werk is empowermatatin' or enslavin'. Ah jus' wanna know if Ah kin stick it in thar butt. After thet, thar on thar own.

If only such complex things could be defined with just one word.

Empowerment or Enslacing.
While it appears to be a mistype, there are some ladies here who i consider slackers. With the creativity and entrepreneurship they show, they could be better off financially in a different profession.

Everybody bitches about their job and thinks that the challenges they face are unique.

My advice is always "don't like the baked in problems"? "Update your resume and find something that makes you happy".

I personally like my job and don't get caught up in the negative aspects of it. My work doesn't define me, it merely provides me the means to enjoy the things I love when NOT at work.

I disagree with the phrase ' an economy that betrayed them' I know plenty of very successful women who have made a ton of money since 2008..

ITS CALLED HARD WORK!! get of you ass and quit acting entitled!

Empowerment or Enslacing.
While it appears to be a mistype, there are some ladies here who i consider slackers. With the creativity and entrepreneurship they show, they could be better off financially in a different profession. Originally Posted by Mr Peabody

Such judgment! From someone who lays down with providers.

What if I said, I think some hobbyists are slackers have too much charm and chivalry to be having to pay for sex. They could save that money and buy a better car or suit and get a real, wholesome girl.

My self esteem isn't so low that I have to put down others to feel good about myself.

I'd say providers gains are much more lucrative than the typical "creative" "slacker" who might be living off the system with their possible offspring or just being a burden to society in general.

I don't see how providing is less of a healing service than say, a massage therapist. Are they slackers too?

I like sex. I think monogamy is a joke, and is as equally (if not more) draining than it is elating. I had regular jobs for quite a while before I became a provider and trust me I'd rather be on my knees for a man, before I work for the man. It's much more fun and free. I'd be jealous if I were you.

I just realized you are probably addressing the providers griping about their job; but still.

What if I said, I think some hobbyists are slackers have too much charm and chivalry to be having to pay for sex.

They could save that money and buy a better car

or suit

and get a real wholesome girl.
Originally Posted by Ebony Jasmine Love Austin

I'd like to comment on a couple of excerpts here...

What if I said, I think some hobbyists are slackers have too much charm and chivalry to be having to pay for sex.

Why is it that every Hoogar (insert provider if you like it better, I think "provider" is a cold term and Hoogar is more fun) thinks that because we sometimes see girls in the hobby that we never date girls in the real world? Sometimes we just want some variety without all the engrained hastles that are part & parcel of a "dating relationship". Sometimes its nice to have just a 1/2 hour or an hour that is JUST for sex and some light introductory conversation...

Also, I think the MAJORITY of guys who see Hoogars are MARRIED and just want some fun? So serious dating is not only out o the question, but a recipe for disaster. While married I HAVE had "the other girl" and its far, far too much work.

They could save that money and buy a better car

I have an awesome car & am thrilled with it. Can't afford a Ferrari even if I cut out dating and Hoogars entirely...so its a moot point.

or suit

How many non lawyers wear suits anymore except at weddings and funerals. Now an expensive pair of hiking boots gets me going...

and get a real wholesome girl.

Overrated...especially at the 5 & 7 year marks...many of us are here because we DON'T want a wholesome girl...

Toyz, I have not qualms about why a client sees a provider. It would be quite hypocritical if I did.
I totally understand how we are less of a hassle or just a bit of fun with no strings attached.

I appreciate my clients and have no judgments as to why they come see me.
I don't think what you quoted, I was just using it as an example; thats all.

I totally agree with you here.

I don't think what you quoted, I was just using it as an example; thats all.

I totally agree with you here. Originally Posted by Ebony Jasmine Love Austin

I knew that...was just using your quotes to address the whole of Hoogardom on behalf of the John community...

Well did you know I'm a creative slacker?!?!?!

LOL! jk. Not on the creative slacker part. Just on the being-creative-with-the-font-size part.

Great question! I definitely feel empowered!