Collection: Escort

Sex Work: a term coined by Carol Leigh (an activist in San Francisco) in the 1980s to refer to sex that generates income, this term can be used to refer to a range of sex-related occupations: cam girls, sugar babies, streetwalking, brothels, escorts, phone sex, exotic dancers, strippers, etc.

Often called “the oldest profession,” evidence for prostitution as an occupation dates to 2400 BCE in Mesopotamia. In the modern world, this has transformed into something far beyond a sexual experience, with recent studies showing that 33% of the world's population feel lonely and yearn for a deeper connection.

In essence, the distinction lies in the depth of engagement, the nature of the services offered, and the level of sophistication associated with each term. While courtesans historically represent refined social interaction, escorts primarily provide company for various occasions, and companions prioritize creating authentic connections with their clients. It is important to note that these terms can be used differently across cultures and contexts, and individual preferences can vary.

Prostitution and, more broadly, sex work are often viewed as unsavoury, immoral, and only something that women do out of desperation. These stereotypes are culturally pervasive, offering an overly simplified view of sex work and sex workers. Furthermore, narratives painting sex work as either empowering or exploitative also miss the point about larger systemic forces at work in the “choice” whether or not to engage in sex work. Ultimately what is missing is a sociological lens that challenges us to look beyond individuals and focus on the structures and systems around them.