I dated sex workers

Guess what: sex workers are people too

In my “Bohemian past” I dated a couple of sex workers. And I mean “date”, not “paid for the company of”.

This surprises some people because a. they’re sex workers and b. they’re sex workers, ick!

Unsurprisingly they were people too with all the hang-ups, insecurities and hopes and dreams of the rest of society. Yes, I was probably a complete arse with one of them (sorry, if you’re reading this) and hopefully a lot better with those I called friends.

Of course, this was in the days of “rooms in hotels”, strip clubs and advertising by “specialist magazines”. Now we have OnlyFans, Patreon and all the other exciting ways people can engage in sex work.

Based on what experience I have, I remain convinced that banning sex work is the wrong move. Doesn’t matter if you’re aiming the ban at supply or demand, it just feels wrong.

Far better, in my view at least, to regulate it so the people who choose to enter the “oldest profession” can do so in a safe way, and those who did not can be found and helped more easily.