Sex work is often reduced to a single stereotype, but the reality is far broader. It can include full-service work, escorting, erotic massage, stripping, professional domination, camming, phone sex, pornography, online content creation and many other forms of sexual or erotic labour.

In this episode, Jon speaks with Odus Moore to challenge some of the most persistent myths about sex work and explore what the job actually involves. They discuss the communication, screening, negotiation, marketing, administration, emotional labour, safety planning and business management that often happen before and after any paid booking, performance or session.

Odus also reflects on how stigma affects sex workers far beyond personal judgement, shaping experiences of healthcare, housing, banking, policing, relationships, online platforms and community spaces. The conversation examines why sex workers are so often portrayed as either helpless victims or endlessly empowered, why neither stereotype reflects the diversity of workers’ lives, and why consent and boundaries remain just as important in sex work as anywhere else.

Finally, Jon and Odus consider what genuine support looks like: respecting privacy, rates, time, consent and confidentiality; avoiding invasive questions and assumptions; not outing workers or sharing paid content; and ensuring that healthcare, counselling and community services respond without judgement.

For support, advocacy and further information, listeners can connect with SWOP NSW, RhED in Victoria and Scarlet Alliance.

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This episode was recorded on the lands of the Yalukut Weelam clan of the Boon Wurrung peoples. We pay our respects to their elders, past, present and emerging, and acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded.

Find other JOY podcasts at joy.org.au