This semester I’m taking a history of sexuality course and it’s interesting how centuries have gone by and certain aspects of the sex industry remain the same. Growing up, I was taught that sex work was the “devil's” work; in the present day though, the only “devil” I see is folks who take advantage of workers within the industry. The only education I received about sex work was tied in with drugs and crime. TV shows and movies I watched made it seem like the women in the industry were the problem.
Ironically, my perception of sex work was first shifted when I watched the show “Sons of Anarchy” in middle school. By no means was sex work portrayed in a perfect light. But, the women on the show who made porn were humanized and respected to a degree; I wanted to learn more about the industry in general. Fast forward to my history class and we are currently tracing the history of sex work and prostitution in that course and looking at all the different forms the industry as a whole has taken since the origin of civilization.
A Fascinating and Depressing History of Sex Work
While things look much different in the 21st century than in Mesopotamia, for example, many similarities still exist. I found the industry's history fascinating and depressing due to the mixture of personal agency and societal stigma intertwined within the work. We discussed the red-light district in Amsterdam, as my professor had visited De Wallen himself. It dawned on me that my view on prostitution has evolved a lot over the years because I finally have access to a sex-positive education. We traced the history of prostitution and although stigmas are not as harsh as they used to be (in some places) there is still a lot of work that has to be done.
The sex industry itself has historically been made up of this mixture of agency and stigma, and this sentiment still rings true today. There is still a need for a revolution, the 21st century may be progressive but it’s not progressive enough. The industry has and always will need radical collaboration to keep up with the quick evolution of sexuality and sex education. While sex work is a great starting point for this discussion, it’s helpful to look at the entirety of the modern sex industry as a whole ranging from education to pornography and prostitution. This is because there needs to be a collaboration between the different facets of the industry to make the necessary changes.
Sex Ed As A Collaborative Catalyst
A lack of access to adequate sex education is the root of many issues in societal perception of the sex industry. While American society is largely more progressive now than a few decades ago it seems that things are moving backward- we are in a post-Roe V. Wade era and anti-trans legislation is running rampant in U.S. legislation. There is a push for comprehensive sex education that goes beyond old-school “fundamentals” and includes topics such as consent, LGBTQIA+ issues, healthy relationships, sexual pleasure, and contraception.
This approach aims to provide students with a holistic understanding of sexuality and equip them with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions. A more holistic and inclusive approach to sex education has always been important but it’s arguably more so today, given the current downward spiral of LGBTQIA+ and women’s rights in US society. Traditional sex education often ignored the experiences and identities of marginalized groups, including LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, and those from diverse cultural backgrounds. The revolution in sex education emphasizes inclusivity, ensuring that all students see themselves reflected in the curriculum and feel supported and validated.
sex education: reverse the stigma and oppression
The primary purpose of sex education should be to reverse the stigma and oppression in society that so many folks face when trying to express their sexuality or gender identity. Safe-sex practices and STD education should also be essential factors but given the current state of our society, inclusion and validation should be leading points. Community programs with comprehensive sex-ed approaches are a prime example of collaboration between the sex education component of the sex industry and the outside world. Recognizing the importance of community involvement and parental engagement, sex education programs strive to work closely with parents, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and community organizations.
By fostering collaboration and communication, these programs aim to ensure that young people receive consistent and comprehensive sexual health education both at home and in school. Collaborating at the community level also paves the way for comprehensive sex education to work its way into the government. At the end of the day, Collaboration between folks like cultural researchers, lawmakers, and medical practitioners is vital for continuously improving sex education programs. Anti-trans legislation and anti-abortion laws, for example, are policies that hurt folks at an individual level. If comprehensive sex education was more accessible and collaborative it may be easier for society as a whole to understand the harm these types of legislation cause to individuals and the community as a whole.
Collaboration From Sex-Ed To Sex Work
With access to collaborative and comprehensive sex education, positive changes would begin to trickle down into other areas of the sex industry. The area of sex work and prostitution has largely been one of the most criticized and stigmatized areas of the industry throughout the centuries. A collaborative revolution in the sex work industry holds the potential to address societal stigmas and overall improve conditions for sex workers. For example, collaboration between healthcare providers, community organizations, and government agencies can ensure that sex workers have access to comprehensive healthcare services, including STI testing and treatment, contraception, mental health support, and substance abuse treatment. Access to these services goes hand in hand with adequate sex education because if folks are aware of the legitimacy of sex work and sexual exploration as a whole they will understand the needs of those who work in the profession.
The best place to start in terms of a collaborative cause is empowerment and the advocacy for rights of sex workers. Collaborative initiatives focusing on empowerment and advocacy can help sex workers assert their rights, challenge discriminatory policies and practices, and demand fair treatment and recognition as legitimate workers. This involves partnering with human rights organizations, labor unions, and legal aid groups to address issues such as discrimination, harassment, and violence. To dismantle societal stigma and the resulting injustices collaboration from all areas of society is necessary. Sex education is a great place to start, as the type of sex ed an individual receives can greatly influence their perception of all facets of sexuality and the sex industry.
Great Books About Sex Work
For someone who doesn’t know much about the industry, a more accessible place to start is by reading books about sex work. Below is a list of a few of my personal favorite books about sex work, feminism, and agency:
Modern Whore by Andrea Werhun ( A first-hand account of Andrea’s experience as a sex worker, from stripping, being a call-girl, and an OF creator)
Playing The Whore by Melissa Gira Grant ( A breakdown of the sex industry and its impact on women, focusing on advocacy and education)
Revolting Prostitutes by Juno Mac and Molly Smith (Both Juno Mac and Molly Smith are former sex workers, they focus on global policies regarding sex work and de/criminalization of such.)
Sex Work Matters by Melissa hope Ditmore, Antonia Levy, and Alys Willman( Featuring insights from sex workers on money management, romantic relationships, and police harassment, as well as the experience of male and transgender sex work, the book successfully connects lived experience with academic analysis.)
This list is a great starting point and there are hundreds of resources out there, from films to books and Podcasts. Overall, a collaborative revolution in the sex work industry requires collective action, solidarity, and a commitment to social justice and dignity for all individuals involved in sex work. No one in the sex industry deserves to face shame or judgment and the only way to incite change is for folks to come together and rewrite the societal narrative of the industry.
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Written by: Alyssa Morterud