Breaking the Myths: Misconception of Sex Workers

Sex work is one of the most misunderstood professions in modern society. At the heart of that misunderstanding lies a tangle of dangerous myths. Ideas that strip sex workers of their agency, dignity, and humanity. Today, we’re discussing some of the most common and harmful myths surrounding sex work and replacing them with facts, clarity, and respect.

Myth 1: “Sex work is a form of gender-based violence by men against women.”

This idea promotes the perception that sex workers, especially women, are passive victims, incapable of consent or choice. But here’s the reality:

• Sex workers exist across all genders.
• Clients also span every gender identity and sexual orientation.
• Non-consensual acts are not sex work. They are violence. Period.

Violence and harassment exist in many industries. That doesn’t make the profession inherently violent. When a chef is harassed in a kitchen, we don’t claim the entire culinary field is abuse. The same respect should be extended to sex workers. Sex work is not the problem … violence is.

Myth 2: “Sex work happens when you buy a sex worker.”

No, you don’t buy a person. That’s slavery. What happens in sex work is a transaction, payment for services rendered. Just like a massage therapist uses their hands or a carpenter uses their tools, sex workers use their bodies in a professional, consensual context.

You’re paying for a service, not purchasing a body or a soul. Objectifying language like “buying a sex worker” only serves to dehumanise and disrespect people in the field.

Myth 3: “Sex workers give permission to be treated like objects.”

This myth blames sex workers for the stigma and abuse they face, painting them as complicit in their own mistreatment. Let’s be clear:

• Sex work is real work.
• Sex workers deserve the same respect as anyone else providing a service.
• Payment does not entitle anyone to degrade or dehumanise another person.

The problem isn’t sex work — it’s societal attitudes. Many sex workers see their work as an empowering act, a way to reclaim their autonomy and make a living on their own terms.

Myth 4: “Sex work is exploitative and not a real choice.”

This myth strips sex workers of agency, assuming no one could possibly choose this path unless coerced or manipulated. But that assumption is both wrong and harmful.

Yes, exploitation exists in every industry, from fast fashion to agriculture. The presence of exploitation doesn’t mean everyone in that field is being exploited.

To deny that sex workers can freely choose their profession is to dehumanise them further. The key is consent. Consensual sex work is not the same as sexual exploitation or human trafficking and conflating the two only makes it harder to protect those who genuinely need help.

Understanding the Definitions: Sex Work vs. Exploitation

Let’s clear up some key terms, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO):

• Sex Work: The exchange of sexual services for money or goods.
• Commercial Sex: Almost always involves a sex worker, a client, and sometimes a third party.
• Sexual Exploitation: The abuse of vulnerability, power, or trust for sexual purposes, often for financial, political, or social gain.
• Trafficking: The movement or coercion of people for exploitative purposes, using force, deception, or abuse of power.

These are not interchangeable terms. Lumping them together creates confusion and contributes to policy decisions that harm sex workers instead of helping them.

Myth 5: “If we criminalise sex work, we reduce demand and protect workers.”

Actually, criminalisation makes sex work more dangerous.

When sex work is driven underground, workers have less time to screen clients, less access to protection, and are more vulnerable to violence and health risks. Criminalisation doesn’t reduce sex work, it just makes it riskier.

The solution? Decriminalisation, regulation, and protection just like we would expect in any other job. If we care about safety and wellbeing, we need to stop punishing sex workers and start listening to them.

Summing Up: Sex Work Is Not the Enemy … Stigma Is

The myths surrounding sex work do real harm. They fuel stigma, justify violence, and support policies that make sex workers’ lives harder and more dangerous. It’s time to dismantle those myths and treat sex workers like what they are: people. Workers. Professionals. Humans.

Sex workers deserve respect, safety, and the freedom to choose, just like everyone else.

Want to keep challenging harmful narratives and supporting real change? Share this post. Start the conversation. Break the myth.

Jamie Jackson

Author: Jamie Jackson
FOR: Langtrees.com

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