TUCSON, ARIZONA
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
What is a Sex Worker?
A sex worker can be many different things: a prostitute working as an internet escort or street worker, a stripper, a phone sex operator, an internet cam girl, a porn actor/actress, etc. A sex worker can be female, male, or transgendered.
 
What Are the Advantages of Sex Work?

Money. Prices range from $250-400+ per hour for internet escorts to $50-$100 per act for street workers.

Independence. Unless you work for an agency, you are your own boss. You set your own hours, rates, and rules.

Pursuit of Dreams. Since you can make $1000 per week by only working four hours, you have the freedom to pursue priorities that meaningful to you: family, school, creative endeavors, etc.

Personal Empowerment. It’s extremely empowering for a woman in today’s society to earn high dollar wages without the expense of a high dollar education. It’s also empowering to enjoy sexual freedom without the baggage of societal standards that don’t necessarily apply to the way you define your own sexuality.

Community. The sex worker community is very supportive of each other. We’re family! We look out for each other: we have an intricate system of communication to alert each other of bad clients and possible legal entrapments; we gather together at SWOP meetings and events; and we’re happy to share clients with each other.
 

What Are the Disadvantages?

Criminalization & Legal exposure. It’s illegal to be a sex worker in America except for certain places in Nevada. In Arizona, if you get convicted of prostitution (misdemeanor charge), you face mandatory jail time - including a six month prison sentence and a Class 5 felony upon a fourth offense! However, there are security precautions you can take to avoid getting busted; for instance, most newspaper and internet escorts don’t see clients who haven't been pre-screened.

Social stigma. Sex workers are notoriously maligned in our culture. We dream of the day when sex work is widely perceived as an honorable, important and vital contribution to the emotional, physical and mental health of both the sex workers and the clients.

Workplace Safety. Whether it's on the streets, in our homes or in five star resorts, the fact is that sex workers do not enjoy the same rights as other Americans when it comes to their work (which by the way, is a PRIVATE and CONSENSUAL act between two adults.) Because we are criminalized and stigmatized, we are vulnerable to violence and exploitation.

Street workers have a higher chance of running into clients who may rob or harm them. Internet escorting tends to be much safer, however, since clients must pass a rigorous screening process in order to be seen.

Burn out. Sex workers are prone to burn out like everyone else, but there are steps you can take to keep yourself healthy and safe.

Competition. Just like any other business where top dollar earnings are at stake, the competition can be fierce in certain cities. But fear not: there’s a niche market for every type of sex worker.
 
What about STD’s?
As far as sexually transmitted diseases go, studies have shown that among the sex worker community, the incidence of transmitting STD’s is actually LOWER than the general population. Every time we insist on safe sex, we’re educating the public.
 
Would I Make a Good Sex Worker?
You don’t have to look like a porn star to be a sex worker, but you do need to be sexually experienced and know how to take care of yourself in all sorts of situations. You need to be able to stick to your rules (no unsafe sex, for instance) and it helps if you keep yourself physically and emotionally healthy and drug-free.
 
How Can I Find Out More About Becoming a Sex Worker?
Ask one. Some of us mentor those interested in sex work, and will take you under their wing while you learn the ropes. Working at an agency is another way to learn about sex work. It's generally not advisable to do it on your own without any help because you need to learn about safety and security methods.