Sex Workers Share Biggest Client Surprises
That's why when Redditor u/bannedbooks123 asked, "People who have done sex work, what is something that surprised you?" current and former sex workers took to the comments to share the surprising moments in their careers that left them speechless. From conservative clients to emotional deprivation — here are 17 of their most enlightening responses:
"A lot of conservative and Christian men are secretly gay, bi, and into 'humiliation' kinks — yes, even your elected officials."
"What surprised me most is that men who have paid for my services have been more respectful than men I have dated."
"ONLINE: The young guys love me as a 40-year-old. I have so many Gen Z clients.
"I'm a male escort in Japan: Many of my clients are ridiculously attractive, like I wouldn't have thought twice about paying for them. But, they're married to men who have zero interest in them for whatever reason."
"That some requests aren't weird, but the specificity makes them weirder. I have a regular who requests five photos of the exact same poses, down to very specific things like how my hands and fingers should be positioned, but in a new outfit each time."
"How lonely and emotionally deprived men are. When I was a stripper, this 80-year-old man came in and asked me for a lap dance. When we got to the back, he said, 'I don't want you to grind on me. Just give me a hug.'"
"Every client thinks the girls are there for money, being trafficked, etc. But some girls are there only for fun (or public health research, yes, there's one who does that)."
"How many of my clients seemed to be addicted to the act of engaging in sex with sex workers. It was almost impossible for some of them to stop, even at the risk of losing their families/homes/jobs. It's definitely another form of addiction."
"My friend is a sex worker, they said the most surprising thing is how quickly men can go from having sex with you to 'post-nut clarity' that makes them absolutely furious AT YOU because of what they just did."
"I used to offer the 'girlfriend experience' online, and some of my clients were widowers or lonely office workers. I would sext and send them audio messages as if I were their girlfriend: asking if they had eaten, giving them encouragement, and reminding them about appointments. I was clear from the beginning (and it was listed all over my page) that I was playing a character."
"I literally can't be bothered to put in effort to have sex or be in a relationship anymore. I haven't shaved my legs and privates, put on makeup, or even had sex since I left the industry three years ago."
"I've never done sex work in the usual way. I've only made online content. Something that surprised me was the sheer number of views, positive interactions, and messages I've had."
"Just how much hatred there is of sex workers in the media. I hate watching most American sitcoms because of their portrayal of sex work, but it's in almost every TV show you can think of. It's socially acceptable to speak about sex workers as if they're dirty or not human. You can't avoid the stigma because it's everywhere."
"I've been an escort for thirteen years, and a lot of things have shocked me. One surprise was how blue-collar/working-class men tip generously, while rich men will try to haggle or short your pay."
"That men often have money for sex workers that they don't have for their girlfriends/wives"
"It taught me just how awful men can be — some women, too."
"No one prepared me for being found by a client in real life."
Did any of these stories surprise you? Current and former sex workers, what is something about sex work or your clients that shocked you? Tell us in the comments or answer anonymously using the form below!
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, you can call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 (HOPE), which routes the caller to their nearest sexual assault service provider. You can also search for your local center here.
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