I'm deeply annoyed by the conflation of all prostitution with sex trafficking, and the ongoing narrative that women who exchange physical & emotional intimacy for money were either forced into it or chose the profession as a result of severe trauma. In actuality, there's a subset of the industry filled with confident, empowered, and intelligent women earning six to seven figures by consensually, and literally, f*cking the patriarchy. It's my honor to share their perspectives this week.

Our anonymous contributors (and the beautiful Aspen Banks twitter: @aspen__banks) are or were high-end escorts in New York, Chicago, London, Singapore, Toronto & Montreal. Most have forgone agencies to work independently, advertising online to a global audience of wealthy and powerful men looking for a safe space and real connection. Our escorts' stories range from vulnerable to wildly kinky, but almost all agree that the work is, surprisingly, more emotional than sexual.

Some of our escorts thoroughly enjoy the sex that does happen and some despise it; some have traditional relationships outside work, and others can’t make it happen. Some girls love the industry while others say it’s ultimately destructive. None are sure whether or not it's worth giving up for a more "normal" life. At the end of the day, sex work is WORK and sex workers are WOMEN. They are daughters and sisters. DECRIMINALIZE IT!

Tales of Taboo is produced and narrated by Ali Weiss. Follow Ali on Instagram & TikTok @aliweissworld. Audio production by Zoe Kuhlkin & WTF Media. Theme song by Chris Stathopolous. Cover photo by Erika Flynn. Cover art by Kristen Montenegro. GOT A SECRET TO GET OFF YOUR CHEST? Share your own confession - or thoughts and feedback - at [email protected].