Reclaiming Their Voices: Who Are Sexworkers?

Sexworkers are a long-forgotten group of people, yet they are far from silent. Reclaiming  adult ads , they are using their personal struggles with poverty, marginalization, and painfully real hardships to stand up and fight for the rights and protection they deserve. But, who are these brave sexworkers, and what makes them so special?

Uniftly, sexworkers aren't faceless people existing in the shadows, but real men and women from all walks of life. From single mothers and caretakers, to young people barely out of school, to adult survivors of trauma and those excluded from other job markets. Despite the diversity, the common denominator of sexwork is survival. It's a path chosen out of the dire need to make a living while driven by the unrestrained desire to live freely without the suffocating labels and expectations that come with our society’s “normal” lives.

Sexworkers are driven by principles, the power to draw lines between their identity and their work. Fiercely aware of their own worth, they are warriors fighting a battle for visibility, freedom and recognition. On the streets, in the clubs, and in the private bedrooms of their clients, they unfold a world of stories. Sexworkers are powerful people, each with their own experiences, thoughts and dreams.

A lot of sexworkers have been dependent on the offerings of the criminalized trade for years. Caught in a cycle of exchanging their security and safety for the chance to make ends meet, no matter how low those ends may be, they pose little to no threat to society. In many cases, street sexworkers are good and honest people struggling to navigate life in a system that only serves to oppress them more. They are determined to break through, no matter how difficult the circumstances.

Sexworkers courageously embrace their position in the face of judgement and stigma. Despite social demonization, they remain proud to stand up for their principles by never missing a chance to share their stories, fight for representation and push for change. They are setting examples, using their lived-experiences to fuel debates and create a much needed space to talk about taboos in urgent need of rethinking and restructuring. With a loud and unwavering voice, they are telling the world that they're here to stay.

Sex workers are world-travelers, survivors, advocates and passionate freedom-fighters giving voice to many. From bad experiences to beautiful memories, they don’t only bravely confront the ugliness of their profession, but also offer insights and perspectives not to be taken lightly. With an extraordinary commitment and an unbreakable will, they are desperately trying to give the term “sexwork” meaning and substance beyond degrading stereotypes.

From their physical bravery to their emotional strength, sex workers are a shining example of what it means to overcome and resist. Representing resilience in its rawest form, they have stood their ground against our society's powerful structures and oppressive systems. Even in the face of overwhelming odds, they keep their heads held high.

Sex workers are tireless champions of justice. Through fiercely determined campaigns, they are vocal in their desire for fair labour laws, safe working spaces and limits on exploitative practices. They are trailblazers raising awareness of the issues they are facing and the importance of discussions about sexwork.

For every challenge they come across, passionate sex workers come up with inspiring and motivated solutions. Aiming to make a lasting change, they put their bodies and spirits on the line. They are courageous, confident and truly inspirational.

We owe sexworkers respect, understanding and support every step of the way, yet many society-imposed restrictions don’t make it easy. While progress has been made, countless sexworkers have been and still are excluded from the same rights and freedoms that many of us take for granted in our everyday lives. But, through their strength and the strength of their movements, things will luckily start to change. Reclaiming their voices and proudly wearing that tag, sex workers are on a mission – and they won't back down.