Safer sex work

Each type of sex work has its advantages and risks, and it is important to be aware of these aspects before deciding what direction you want to take in your practice.

Escorting

Escorting is often seen as one of the most lucrative forms of sex work. It allows for greater autonomy in choosing clients and schedules. However, it requires a significant personal investment.

Street-based work

Travailler dans la rue est une option plus accessible sans investissement financier préalable. Toutefois, ce travail comporte des risques plus élevés, notamment de violence, d’arrestation et d’exploitation, ainsi que des conditions parfois difficiles (environnement, météo).

Online / camera work

Online work, such as camming, allows you to work from home and gives you more control over your schedule. However, it can involve irregular income and competition, with risks of online harassment and privacy issues.

Pornography

Working in the pornography industry can be legal in certain contexts and can offer significant income. However, it can also lead to stigma and have long-term consequences for your personal life, in addition to risks of exploitation and privacy issues.

Erotic massage

Erotic massage may be perceived as less stigmatized and may offer safer working conditions. However, it is physically demanding work, and you may face legal complications depending on local legislation.

“Sugar baby” arrangements

“Sugar baby” relationships can offer significant financial support. However, they often require considerable emotional labour and can create unequal power dynamics, with risks of exploitation and stigma.

BDSM/Fetish services

BDSM or fetish work can serve niche markets with loyal clients. It can allow for creative expression, but may require specific skills and specialized equipment, with potential risks, including legal and physical risks.

Phone sex or chat operator

This type of work is done remotely, allowing you to preserve your physical safety. However, it requires emotional labour and can have psychological effects, with income that can sometimes be irregular.

Stripping / Exotic dancing

Stripping and exotic dancing can offer opportunities for high income, but require intense physical performance. There is also a risk of exposure to harassment and unsafe work environments.

Practices vary depending on your services, from no sexual intercourse to oral and/or anogenital sexual activities as part of a wide range of service offerings (BDSM, fetish, etc.). It is crucial that all of these practices be consensual, safe and respectful of your personal limits. Each practice has its own specific risks, and it is important to be informed and to know how to say no to anything that does not align with your limits.

Safety practices and consent

No matter what type of sex work you choose, it is essential to set clear limits with your clients and make sure that every interaction is consensual. Protect yourself by using safety measures (condoms, privacy technologies, etc.), and never hesitate to refuse requests that do not respect your conditions.

By staying informed and making informed decisions, you can do your work while minimizing risks and protecting your well-being and safety.

Types of sex work:

As a sex worker, you have probably already explored several work environments, whether online, in person or in specific locations. Here is an overview of different types of sex work and a few tips to optimize your safety and well-being in each of these contexts.

1. Online platforms

Online platforms offer a high level of discretion, both for you and for your clients.

Tips:

• Respect the platform’s rules, which are designed to protect your safety and that of your clients.
• Always communicate clearly to establish expectations from the beginning.
• Avoid sharing personal information on these platforms to protect your safety.
• Carefully read reviews and descriptions before accepting a client to ensure a good fit.

2. Camming

Camera work allows you to work remotely and offer personalized shows, often more safely than in-person encounters.

Tips :

• Discuss expectations and limits before starting the session to avoid misunderstandings.
• Make sure you are paid properly for your services, and do not hesitate to suggest tips when clients are satisfied.
• Use reliable and secure platforms, especially for payment processing.

3. Strip clubs

Strip clubs offer a face-to-face experience with clients, allowing you to interact directly.

Tips :

• Always set clear limits around physical contact and make sure your consent is respected.
• If a client has specific requests, such as private dances, discuss them before getting started.

4. Massage parlours

Massage parlours may include services with or without a sexual component, and it is essential to clarify expectations.

Tips :

• Be transparent from the start about the services you are willing to offer.
• Protect your limits and make sure intimacy is respected.

5. Street-based work

Street-based work is often visible and carries increased risks, but can offer immediate flexibility.

Tips :

• Stay firm in your negotiations and make sure you establish clear communication from the beginning.
• Choose well-lit, busy places to minimize the risk of violence or arrest.
• Consent and communication should always be a priority, even in more precarious environments.

6. Working in a car

Some encounters may take place in a car, which offers discretion and convenience.

Tips :

• Clarify limits and services before getting into the car to avoid misunderstandings.
• Choose a safe and discreet location to avoid interruptions or legal issues.
• Always keep condoms and other protection tools within reach.

7. Hôtel/Motel

Hotels and motels are frequently used locations for encounters.

Tips :

• Make sure the room is booked in advance to avoid unexpected issues.
• Be careful to maintain discretion when arriving and leaving to avoid drawing attention.
• Clarify the establishment’s rules regarding visitors and make sure they meet your needs.

8. Private parties

Some encounters may take place at events or private parties.

Tips :

• Make sure the event environment is safe and that you feel comfortable there. Ask the organizers questions.
• Establish clear expectations with clients before the event, particularly regarding services.
• Be careful with alcohol or drug use, which can affect the boundaries of consent

9. In-call (meeting at the sex worker’s place)

If you receive clients at home or in a dedicated space, you have more control over your environment.

Tips :

• Set clear rules in your space.
• Do not let clients touch or use your belongings without your permission.
• Ask the client not to share your address with other people for safety reasons.

10. Out-call (meeting at the client’s place)

Going to a client’s place may be more comfortable for them, but certain rules should be followed.

Tips :

• Make sure the space is clean and safe before the encounter.
• Clearly define the spaces where you feel comfortable, such as the bedroom or bathroom.
• Never feel obligated to stay longer than planned, unless this was discussed in advance.
• By following these tips, you can work more safely, protect your limits and maintain respectful professional relationships with your clients.

What is sexual health?

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines sexual health as physical, emotional, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality. It is not only the absence of disease, but also the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of pressure or violence. This involves respecting the human and sexual rights of all people.

The 3 key pillars of sexual health:

• Autonomy: having control over your sexual experiences.
• Satisfaction: experiencing fulfilling sexual relationships, both physically and emotionally.
• Safety: having access to STTBI prevention, diagnosis and treatment services, as well as protection against sexual violence and discrimination.

Focus on STTBIs

Sexual health covers many issues. These include STTBIs, sexual disorders or dysfunctions, discrimination, sexual violence, mental health, as well as sexual orientation and gender identity. In this guide, however, we will focus mainly on STTBI prevention, because they are particularly common among sex workers and their clients.

The transmission

Sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STTBIs) can be transmitted easily, even without visible signs. It is therefore important to remain vigilant and protect yourself.

Screening: essential for good sexual health

• If you have doubts, have had unprotected sex or are considering no longer using condoms with your partner, it is time to get screened.
• Knowing your STI status allows you to treat an infection quickly and reduce the risk of transmitting it to others.
• Remember to get screened regularly, ideally every three months, to monitor your sexual health.
• For screening, you can consult a clinic (SIDEP), see a doctor or ask a pharmacist for advice.

Treating STTBIs: the importance of medical follow-up

• STTBIs do not go away on their own. It is essential to consult a health professional for appropriate treatment.
• Avoid self-medicating, as this can lead to treatment resistance. Carefully follow the dosage and duration of the prescribed treatment.
• Never give medication to your partners. Instead, encourage them to consult a clinic (SIDEP) or a doctor for treatment.

Prevention: more choices than ever!

Thanks to scientific advances, a variety of prevention tools are now available. In addition to classics such as condoms and lube, innovative options such as PrEP allow you to have a fulfilling sex life while reducing risks.

Communication with partners: transparency above all

•  It is important to inform your partners if you receive a positive STTBI result. This allows everyone to take the necessary precautions and consult a health professional.
• Open and honest communication strengthens trust in the relationship and protects everyone’s health.

Mutual consent: fully respecting limits.

Mutual consent must be at the heart of every sexual situation. Make sure that everyone involved clearly and voluntarily agrees before going further. By cultivating a culture of consent, you support healthy and respectful sexual relationships where everyone can define their own limits.

Duty and shared responsibility:

Taking care of your sexual health is a shared responsibility. This means paying attention to your physical, mental and emotional health, and adopting safer and consensual sexual practices to maintain a fulfilling and respectful sex life.

For more information about STTBIs, visit the STTBI section of our website!