{"id":714,"date":"2019-12-11T16:21:40","date_gmt":"2019-12-11T16:21:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/?p=714"},"modified":"2023-03-24T09:08:46","modified_gmt":"2023-03-24T09:08:46","slug":"sex-work-myths-debunked","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/sex-work-myths-debunked\/","title":{"rendered":"Breaking the bias and stigmas in sex work"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are many biases and stigmas surrounding sex work. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although one of the largest industries continuing to expand, the sex industry is undoubtedly misunderstood.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As a result of this, it\u2019s an industry where speculation is rife, spurring negative impressions about sex workers in general.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#wheremisconceptionsinsexworkstemfrom\">Where misconceptions in sex work stem from<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#whymisconceptionsareharmfultosexworkers\">Why misconceptions are harmful to sex workers<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#13mostcommonmisconceptionsinsexwork\">13 most common misconceptions in sex work<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>However, sex work is much more comprehensive than many think, in terms of the types of people who offer sexual services, the various <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/6-types-of-sex-work\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">types of sex work<\/a>, where sex work takes place, and why people engage in it.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Below, we&#8217;ve debunked the most common misconceptions in the adult industry to highlight the reality of what sex work is really like, and most importantly, <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/search?q=%23breakthebias&amp;src=typed_query&amp;f=live\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">#BreakTheBias<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a name=\"where-these-misconceptions-stem-from\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"wheremisconceptionsinsexworkstemfrom\"><b>Where misconceptions in sex work stem from<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many people question why such a large thriving industry breeds so many misconceptions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most of these <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/navigating-stigma-and-discrimination\/\">stigmas about sex<\/a> work largely come from inaccurate portrayals displayed in the media.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It&#8217;s not unusual to see films depicting the sex industry as sordid, seedy, and criminal. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Likewise, when sex workers hit the front-page headlines, it\u2019s often for scandalous or criminal associations.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> In turn, these <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/misconceptions-about-being-a-sex-worker\/\"><strong>misconceptions<\/strong><\/a><strong> are damaging to both the industry and sex workers<\/strong>. They <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">create a stigma whereby people assume to know, albeit incorrectly, what the sex industry is all about, despite having any real knowledge or understanding.<\/span><br \/>\n<a name=\"why-inaccurate-testaments-are-harmful\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"whymisconceptionsareharmfultosexworkers\"><b>Why misconceptions are harmful to sex workers<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For those working in the sex industry, negative misconceptions and stigmas can be demoralising for them.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Portraying sex workers as &#8220;bad&#8221;, illegal, or second-class citizens, <strong>encourages unfair mistreatment, discrimination, and harmful stereotypes<\/strong> that can negatively impact their lives.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This type of attitude and response to sex workers can also <strong>incite bad clients to treat sex workers with disregard and a lack of respect<\/strong>, putting them at greater risk of danger.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many sex work advocates and organisations have worked hard to bring the sex industry out into the open and continue to fight for protective legalisation for all sex workers while challenging common biases and stigmas.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As an example, here at<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/escort\/gb\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vivastreet<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, we\u2019ve created an online space to allow sex workers to advertise their services safely and without judgement.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But with negative attention regularly applied to the sex industry, the threat is that some sex workers will be forced to disappear underground.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Negative <strong>press also works to shame the clients of sex workers<\/strong>, making them feel less inclined to use the services of a sex worker in fear of being named and shamed. In turn, this means less paid work for the sex worker.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ultimately, the<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">incorrect portrayal of sex workers<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> brings a slur on the reputations of those who make a living in the sex industry. And for women, in particular, this is especially disconcerting when it begins to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.newstatesman.com\/politics\/feminism\/2017\/09\/myth-sex-work-distorting-voices-exploited-women\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">encroach on their basic rights<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><br \/>\n<a name=\"common-myths-associated-with-sex-work\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"13mostcommonmisconceptionsinsexwork\"><b>13 most common misconceptions in sex work<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Sex work is sex trafficking \u2026<br \/>\n<\/b><span data-sheets-value=\"{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;Sex trafficking is when a person is forced or coerced into sexual activity without their consent for financial or personal gain. Sex work, however, involves people taking part consensually and legally in the sale of sex. &quot;}\" data-sheets-userformat=\"{&quot;2&quot;:2817,&quot;3&quot;:{&quot;1&quot;:0},&quot;11&quot;:4,&quot;12&quot;:0,&quot;14&quot;:{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:16711680}}\">Sex trafficking is when a person is forced or coerced into sexual activity without their consent for financial or personal gain. Sex work, however, involves <strong>people taking part consensually and legally in the sale of sex<\/strong>. It&#8217;s important to know the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/sex-work-vs-sex-trafficking\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">difference between sex work and sex trafficking<\/a> so you can spot the signs and help someone if you suspect that they are a victim or at risk.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-3091\" src=\"https:\/\/vivastreetuk.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-work-is-trafficking-misconception.png\" alt=\"The misconception of sex work being sex trafficking\" width=\"1600\" height=\"900\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-work-is-trafficking-misconception.png 1600w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-work-is-trafficking-misconception-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-work-is-trafficking-misconception-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-work-is-trafficking-misconception-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-work-is-trafficking-misconception-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-work-is-trafficking-misconception-1160x653.png 1160w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-work-is-trafficking-misconception-600x338.png 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Sex workers are breaking the law\u2026<br \/>\n<\/b><span data-sheets-value=\"{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;According to experts, there is an estimated 100,000 sex workers operating in the UK. \\n1 in 5 sex workers are men, meaning that sex work is NOT just for women.&quot;}\" data-sheets-userformat=\"{&quot;2&quot;:2819,&quot;3&quot;:{&quot;1&quot;:0},&quot;4&quot;:{&quot;1&quot;:3,&quot;3&quot;:2},&quot;11&quot;:4,&quot;12&quot;:0,&quot;14&quot;:{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:16711680}}\">In the UK, the exchange of sexual services for money is legal. Despite film and media regularly portraying the sex industry as rife with crime lords and regular drug users, <strong>most sex workers are also drug-free<\/strong> and have a <span class=\"JsGRdQ\">zero-tolerance<\/span><span class=\"JsGRdQ\"> policy regarding drugs and alcohol.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-3100 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/vivastreetuk.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-workers-are-breaking-the-law-misconception.png\" alt=\"The misconception of sex workers being law breakers and criminals\" width=\"1600\" height=\"900\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-workers-are-breaking-the-law-misconception.png 1600w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-workers-are-breaking-the-law-misconception-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-workers-are-breaking-the-law-misconception-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-workers-are-breaking-the-law-misconception-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-workers-are-breaking-the-law-misconception-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-workers-are-breaking-the-law-misconception-1160x653.png 1160w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-workers-are-breaking-the-law-misconception-600x338.png 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Sex workers are women\u2026<br \/>\n<\/b><span data-sheets-value=\"{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;According to experts, there is an estimated 100,000 sex workers operating in the UK. \\n1 in 5 sex workers are men, meaning that sex work is NOT just for women.&quot;}\" data-sheets-userformat=\"{&quot;2&quot;:2819,&quot;3&quot;:{&quot;1&quot;:0},&quot;4&quot;:{&quot;1&quot;:3,&quot;3&quot;:2},&quot;11&quot;:4,&quot;12&quot;:0,&quot;14&quot;:{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:16711680}}\">According to experts, there is an estimated 100,000 sex workers operating in the UK. Although the vast majority of sex workers are women,<strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/male-sex-workers-an-insight\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">1 in 5 sex workers are men<\/a><\/strong>, meaning that sex work is NOT just for women.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-3092\" src=\"https:\/\/vivastreetuk.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-workers-are-women-misconception.png\" alt=\"The misconception of sex workers being just women\" width=\"1600\" height=\"900\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-workers-are-women-misconception.png 1600w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-workers-are-women-misconception-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-workers-are-women-misconception-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-workers-are-women-misconception-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-workers-are-women-misconception-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-workers-are-women-misconception-1160x653.png 1160w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-workers-are-women-misconception-600x338.png 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Sex workers are single\u2026<br \/>\n<\/b>Sex workers can be single, married, in a relationship, a mother or father, a grandparent, separated, divorced, or widowed. Regardless of occupation, everyone is deserving of an intimate relationship. Many <strong>people recognise sex work as work and accept their partner<\/strong> for what they do.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-3094 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/vivastreetuk.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-workers-are-single-misconception.png\" alt=\"The misconception of sex workers being single\" width=\"1600\" height=\"900\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-workers-are-single-misconception.png 1600w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-workers-are-single-misconception-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-workers-are-single-misconception-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-workers-are-single-misconception-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-workers-are-single-misconception-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-workers-are-single-misconception-1160x653.png 1160w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-workers-are-single-misconception-600x338.png 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Sex workers are not <\/b><b><i>normal <\/i><\/b><b>people\u2026<br \/>\n<\/b>Sex workers are normal everyday people and<strong> their occupation does not define them as people<\/strong>. Some sex workers make their profession known while others prefer to keep their job title private. Sex workers live in normal houses, have families and friends, and shop in the local supermarkets just like you. The only difference between you and them is their job.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-3093\" src=\"https:\/\/vivastreetuk.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-workers-are-not-normal-people-misconception.png\" alt=\"The misconception of sex workers not being normal people\" width=\"1600\" height=\"900\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-workers-are-not-normal-people-misconception.png 1600w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-workers-are-not-normal-people-misconception-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-workers-are-not-normal-people-misconception-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-workers-are-not-normal-people-misconception-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-workers-are-not-normal-people-misconception-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-workers-are-not-normal-people-misconception-1160x653.png 1160w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-workers-are-not-normal-people-misconception-600x338.png 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Sex workers should not be treated the same as other workers&#8230;<br \/>\n<\/b>For many, sex work is simply a job that pays the bills. Therefore, despite personal opinions on sex work,<strong> sex workers have the right to be treated with common courtesy and respect<\/strong> as any other person in the workplace.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-3095 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/vivastreetuk.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-workers-should-not-be-treated-like-other-workers-misconception.png\" alt=\"The misconception of sex workers not having the right to be treated like other workers\" width=\"1600\" height=\"900\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-workers-should-not-be-treated-like-other-workers-misconception.png 1600w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-workers-should-not-be-treated-like-other-workers-misconception-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-workers-should-not-be-treated-like-other-workers-misconception-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-workers-should-not-be-treated-like-other-workers-misconception-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-workers-should-not-be-treated-like-other-workers-misconception-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-workers-should-not-be-treated-like-other-workers-misconception-1160x653.png 1160w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-workers-should-not-be-treated-like-other-workers-misconception-600x338.png 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>All sex workers are victims\u2026<br \/>\n<\/b>Regarding all sex workers as &#8220;victims&#8221; is insulting to those sex workers who have chosen this profession and get paid for their work. Most sex workers don\u2019t refer to themselves as victims; neither do they wish to be identified as one. To suggest they\u2019re incapable and weak is to <strong>undermine their strength in working in one of the toughest of environments<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-3096 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/vivastreetuk.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/all-sex-workers-are-victims-misconception.png\" alt=\"The misconception of all sex workers being victims\" width=\"1600\" height=\"900\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/all-sex-workers-are-victims-misconception.png 1600w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/all-sex-workers-are-victims-misconception-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/all-sex-workers-are-victims-misconception-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/all-sex-workers-are-victims-misconception-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/all-sex-workers-are-victims-misconception-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/all-sex-workers-are-victims-misconception-1160x653.png 1160w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/all-sex-workers-are-victims-misconception-600x338.png 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Sex workers do not use condoms\u2026<br \/>\n<\/b>Sex workers use condoms when carrying out sexual services and often refuse clients who initiate unprotected sex. <strong>Sex workers understand the importance of <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/safe-sex-guide-for-sex-workers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>safe sex<\/strong><\/a> and work to ensure their health and their client&#8217;s health remain a priority.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-3097 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/vivastreetuk.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-workers-do-not-use-condoms-misconception.png\" alt=\"The misconception of sex workers not using condoms during sexual services\" width=\"1600\" height=\"900\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-workers-do-not-use-condoms-misconception.png 1600w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-workers-do-not-use-condoms-misconception-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-workers-do-not-use-condoms-misconception-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-workers-do-not-use-condoms-misconception-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-workers-do-not-use-condoms-misconception-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-workers-do-not-use-condoms-misconception-1160x653.png 1160w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-workers-do-not-use-condoms-misconception-600x338.png 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Sex work is not work\u2026<br \/>\n<\/b>Some people believe sex isn\u2019t classed as work \u2013 and therefore sex workers should not be paid for it. This is damaging, as it suggests that sex should be offered for free \u2013 yet this is a sex worker&#8217;s job. The client wants a service, and the sex worker is legally offering that service. So,<strong> just like any other service, it should be paid for<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-3104\" src=\"https:\/\/vivastreetuk.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-work-is-not-work-misconception.png\" alt=\"The misconception of sex work not being work\" width=\"1600\" height=\"900\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-work-is-not-work-misconception.png 1600w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-work-is-not-work-misconception-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-work-is-not-work-misconception-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-work-is-not-work-misconception-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-work-is-not-work-misconception-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-work-is-not-work-misconception-1160x653.png 1160w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-work-is-not-work-misconception-600x338.png 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Language does not matter in the sex industry\u2026<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b>The term &#8216;<i>prostitute&#8217;<\/i> encourages a slur of negative connotations. While this title was once used widely, <strong>the sex industry has worked hard to enforce the title &#8216;<\/strong><strong><i>sex worker&#8217;<\/i><\/strong>. This acknowledges the work they do, ensures there\u2019s no misunderstanding, and that by utilising the services of a sex worker, a client is expected to pay.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-3099 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/vivastreetuk.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/language-does-not-matter-in-the-sex-industry-misconception.png\" alt=\"The misconception of language in the sex work industry not being important\" width=\"1600\" height=\"900\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/language-does-not-matter-in-the-sex-industry-misconception.png 1600w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/language-does-not-matter-in-the-sex-industry-misconception-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/language-does-not-matter-in-the-sex-industry-misconception-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/language-does-not-matter-in-the-sex-industry-misconception-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/language-does-not-matter-in-the-sex-industry-misconception-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/language-does-not-matter-in-the-sex-industry-misconception-1160x653.png 1160w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/language-does-not-matter-in-the-sex-industry-misconception-600x338.png 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>All sex work laws help sex workers\u2026<br \/>\n<\/b>Though the laws are improving and being constantly challenged, unfortunately, they still don\u2019t offer full protection to sex workers. Sex workers have the right to <a href=\"https:\/\/nationaluglymugs.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">report any client who behaves violently<\/a>, yet <strong>there are still many sex workers left vulnerable<\/strong>, finding themselves criminalised for doing their job.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-3101 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/vivastreetuk.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-work-laws-help-sex-workers-misconception.png\" alt=\"The misconception of all sex work laws being helpful to sex workers\" width=\"1600\" height=\"900\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-work-laws-help-sex-workers-misconception.png 1600w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-work-laws-help-sex-workers-misconception-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-work-laws-help-sex-workers-misconception-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-work-laws-help-sex-workers-misconception-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-work-laws-help-sex-workers-misconception-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-work-laws-help-sex-workers-misconception-1160x653.png 1160w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-work-laws-help-sex-workers-misconception-600x338.png 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Sex work is a street job\u2026<br \/>\n<\/b>There are <strong>many types of sex work that fall under the umbrella of the adult industry<\/strong>. These include <a href=\"https:\/\/cams.vivastreet.co.uk\/videos.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">webcamming<\/a>, exotic dancing, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/adult-services\/gb\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">phone sex<\/a>, pornography, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/five-types-of-erotic-massage-to-enjoy-with-your-partner\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">erotic massage<\/a>, selling explicit <a href=\"https:\/\/cams.vivastreet.co.uk\/photos.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">photos<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/cams.vivastreet.co.uk\/videos.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">videos<\/a>, and working independently or via legitimate escort agencies.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-3102 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/vivastreetuk.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-work-is-confined-to-the-streets-misconception.png\" alt=\"The misconception of sex work being a street job\" width=\"1600\" height=\"900\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-work-is-confined-to-the-streets-misconception.png 1600w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-work-is-confined-to-the-streets-misconception-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-work-is-confined-to-the-streets-misconception-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-work-is-confined-to-the-streets-misconception-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-work-is-confined-to-the-streets-misconception-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-work-is-confined-to-the-streets-misconception-1160x653.png 1160w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-work-is-confined-to-the-streets-misconception-600x338.png 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Sex work is illegal\u2026<br \/>\n<\/b>In the UK, <strong>it is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/is-sex-work-legal-in-uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">legal for sex workers to sell sex<\/a><\/strong>. However, street soliciting (which is highly dangerous) and sex workers selling services as a group (e.g. via a brothel) is illegal. Sex workers who advertise their services via an <a href=\"https:\/\/post.vivastreet.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">escort website<\/a> or escort agency site are considered legal in the UK.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-3103 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/vivastreetuk.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-work-is-illegal-misconception.png\" alt=\"The misconception os sex work being illegal in the UK\" width=\"1600\" height=\"900\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-work-is-illegal-misconception.png 1600w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-work-is-illegal-misconception-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-work-is-illegal-misconception-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-work-is-illegal-misconception-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-work-is-illegal-misconception-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-work-is-illegal-misconception-1160x653.png 1160w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/sex-work-is-illegal-misconception-600x338.png 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Overall, most misconceptions about sex work are formed by those who know very little about how the adult industry really operates.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With the inaccurate portrayal of sex work being constantly shown on TV, in films, and highlighted incorrectly by the media, these stigmas, unfortunately, gain momentum very quickly. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not to mention the negative stereotypes that come with certain terminologies, such as &#8216;<em>prostitute<\/em>&#8216;, which is a derogatory term that holds stigma, discrimination and historical and cultural baggage.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The key is to <strong>adopt a non-judgemental attitude, avoid making assumptions and judging others by their job title, and heighten your awareness about sex work by conducting your own research<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ultimately, regardless of the opinions and feelings some of us have about the sex industry, <strong>every sex worker has the right to receive a wage for their job and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/how-to-be-safe-as-a-sex-worker\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">work in a safe environment<\/a><\/strong>, which respects their basic human rights.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>There are many biases and stigmas surrounding sex work. Although one of the largest industries continuing to expand, the sex industry is undoubtedly misunderstood. As a result of this, it\u2019s an industry where speculation is rife, spurring negative impressions about sex workers in general. Where misconceptions in sex work stem from Why misconceptions are harmful [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":811,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":true,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"CBBTypography":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[222,217,223,221],"tags":[],"yst_prominent_words":[],"class_list":["post-714","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-for-clients","category-for-sex-workers","category-sex-and-relationships","category-sex-work-101"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/714","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=714"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/714\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/811"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=714"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=714"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=714"},{"taxonomy":"yst_prominent_words","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/yst_prominent_words?post=714"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}