Sex work is one of the most misunderstood professions in modern society. At the heart of that misunderstanding lies a tangle of dangerous myths. Ideas that strip sex workers of their agency, dignity, and humanity. Today, we’re discussing some of the most common and harmful myths surrounding sex work and replacing them with facts, clarity, and respect.
This idea promotes the perception that sex workers, especially women, are passive victims, incapable of consent or choice. But here’s the reality:
Violence and harassment exist in many industries. That doesn’t make the profession inherently violent. When a chef is harassed in a kitchen, we don’t claim the entire culinary field is abuse. The same respect should be extended to sex workers. Sex work is not the problem … violence is.
No, you don’t buy a person. That’s slavery. What happens in sex work is a transaction, payment for services rendered. Just like a massage therapist uses their hands or a carpenter uses their tools, sex workers use their bodies in a professional, consensual context.
You’re paying for a service, not purchasing a body or a soul. Objectifying language like “buying a sex worker” only serves to dehumanise and disrespect people in the field.
This myth blames sex workers for the stigma and abuse they face, painting them as complicit in their own mistreatment. Let’s be clear:
The problem isn’t sex work — it’s societal attitudes. Many sex workers see their work as an empowering act, a way to reclaim their autonomy and make a living on their own terms.
This myth strips sex workers of agency, assuming no one could possibly choose this path unless coerced or manipulated. But that assumption is both wrong and harmful.
Yes, exploitation exists in every industry, from fast fashion to agriculture. The presence of exploitation doesn’t mean everyone in that field is being exploited.
To deny that sex workers can freely choose their profession is to dehumanise them further. The key is consent. Consensual sex work is not the same as sexual exploitation or human trafficking and conflating the two only makes it harder to protect those who genuinely need help.
Let’s clear up some key terms, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO):
These are not interchangeable terms. Lumping them together creates confusion and contributes to policy decisions that harm sex workers instead of helping them.
Actually, criminalisation makes sex work more dangerous.
When sex work is driven underground, workers have less time to screen clients, less access to protection, and are more vulnerable to violence and health risks. Criminalisation doesn’t reduce sex work, it just makes it riskier.
The solution? Decriminalisation, regulation, and protection just like we would expect in any other job. If we care about safety and wellbeing, we need to stop punishing sex workers and start listening to them.
The myths surrounding sex work do real harm. They fuel stigma, justify violence, and support policies that make sex workers’ lives harder and more dangerous. It’s time to dismantle those myths and treat sex workers like what they are: people. Workers. Professionals. Humans.
Sex workers deserve respect, safety, and the freedom to choose, just like everyone else.
Want to keep challenging harmful narratives and supporting real change? Share this post. Start the conversation. Break the myth.
Author: Jamie Jackson
FOR: Langtrees.com
TalkinSex Forum | Perth Escorts | Sydney Escorts | Melbourne Escorts | Brisbane Escorts | Darwin Escorts | Adelaide Escorts | Hobart Escorts | New Zealand Escorts
“Very insightful and a great read!”
“Wow I’m actually really impressed this post was well explained and full of truth, sex work is often seen as bad and degrading for women but in reality, just like any other job it doesn’t take your values away it doesn’t make you an object and it will never make you less than anyone else.”
“This was an amazing and insightful post, which I couldn't agree with more. This industry is one of the oldest and most respectable professions on the planet, and it takes alot of mental and emotional fortitude to be able to do it especially long term. While I may be a paying client, never once have I thought of any ladies that I have booked time with as anything less than equal people and professionals, because this is a job and a respectable one at that. I know I wouldnt be able to put up with even half the experiences I've heard and read about from ladies. The stigma comes alot from societal decorum expectations, religious limited views, way people are raised and portayels in media, which is ridiculous. Honestly I've had more pleasant interactions, and I don't mean the sex I mean genuine and enlightening conversations with sex workers than I have most others I have met. Not to mention their profession doesn't define them. Hopefully through time and the efforts of excellent workers, more and more people realise the stigma on this industry and it's workers is ridiculous, and more than anything, hopefully people can learn to actually respect people's professions and choices ”
“Way too many clients asking why I do this job as if I’m supposed to hate it… Like are you kidding??? I fucking love my job. Some men can’t understand how we enjoy doing what we do. Getting dolled up, working with the girls, meeting new people all night long, making life changing money, the freedom… I genuinely love being an escort ?”
“A daring and essential breakdown of the false myths about sex work. We require a narrative shift that is truth-based, empathetic, and transparent. I appreciate this article for correcting the record!”
“Thanks for breaking this down. The myths about sex work are everywhere, and it’s refreshing to see someone challenge them so clearly. More people need to read this.”
“Sex workers are individuals who deserve respect and autonomy, and it's crucial to challenge the harmful myths that dehumanise them”
“Thankyou for your insights Jamie”
“Thank you for providing the myths and facts; this information will undoubtedly enhance our understanding of the proper treatment of working women.”
“Very good post Jamie, you're a great writer.”
“Thank you for this honest and thoughtful post. At Langtrees VIP Canberra, we see firsthand how damaging these myths can be.. Not just to our workers, but to the safety and dignity of the entire industry. Sex work is real work, and sex workers are skilled professionals who choose this path for their own reasons. The issue isn’t sex work... it’s stigma and criminalisation. Decriminalisation and respect are the real paths to safety and empowerment. ”
“Wow Jamie, you are quite an accomplished writer. I read through then saw your name and thought wow very articulate. I'm really enjoying the blogs here on Langtrees.com.”