Mistress Talia: a sadistic domme

Great post from about the whole issue of feminism and sex work; very refreshing to have someone outside of the sex trade stand up for sex workers!

The person is political and there are plenty of women in the sex work industry that are using their actions and beliefs in kink and porn and sex work as a very empowering and political tool. It is their body and their right to do so and the area of sex work is better off because of them,for they are the ones marching for acknowledgement of the violence that occurs in their line of work and getting the word out about possible legislation that can hurt them and the other women involved in sex work who may want to get out. They are doing much better work than those who are just more concerned about how they assume sex work negatively affects them. The main issue is of course the fact that they are selling a service (not their body, it is still theirs and to suggest otherwise is bullshit) which many believe shouldn’t be for sale because it supports beliefs of sex being something men can buy from women. These objectors argue that you cannot engage in sex work in a positive, feminist way, if you are operating in a system that is based on the male gaze and objectification of women. Some even go as far as saying what type of sex you like or porn you watch is selling out to "the man". In other words, recognize the person is political and follow our strict rules about how you should interact with the patriarchy.

My biggest problem with this is the way it discounts sexual agency. The detractors don’t want to hear that someone likes engaging in sex work. That messes with the belief that it’s evil. So they discredit and call names and ignore good deeds by those who go against their beliefs. Instead of acknowledging that some women enjoy these actions and using their voices as a way to work from within the movement and make is safer and more equal they silence them and continue the hand wringing about sex trafficking without acknowledging that if legalized (properly) a lot of the problems associated would diminish. By refusing to allow women the right to say that sex work can be a fun and safe place for women they help keep it in the hands of so many men and help continue the view that women who engage in it are damaged and property.

her full post is post here

You GO, girl!

I don't doubt there are desperate women working in the sex industry who need help, but painting all sex workers with that same brush implies women are not capable of making their own decisions, that they might make decisions that are "bad" for them.

Well, look out, I drink and smoke too! As an adult, I'm perfectly capable of choosing what I will and will not do.

The argument that bugs me the most about sex work is that women are forced into it by economic necessity; no one chooses it. How does this same argument not apply to working at Walmart? Is there anyone who does that because they WANT to?

Personally, I'd find it less humiliating to become an escort than to have to give the Walmart cheer!