Prejudices regarding prostitutes

I find one of the most difficult things to deal with in this industry are the prejudices of people who’s only experience of prostitutes is what they’ve seen on “The Bill” or US crime dramas, or from reading what some ignorant journalist has written. So, to balance things a little, here’s a bit about me:

Although I appreciate there are women who are forced into prostitution, it should not be overlooked that there are many who, like myself, are in this profession of our own free will.

I work as an Independent Escort, i.e. I work alone, am in control of my fees, working hours, advertising, website (which incidentally I designed and built from scratch myself after completing an HTML course at college), and the bookings I accept. If I dislike someone I will refuse to see them. I pay tax (I’m registered as an Escort with HMRC) and National Insurance. I don’t claim benefits, don’t take drugs, don’t smoke, am careful not to drink too much alcohol, take my sexual health seriously, wasn’t abused as a child, have never been in an abusive relationship, have never had problems with clients, and am not working to pay off debt. I am also against kiss and tell stories.

Nobody suggested I become a prostitute; it was my idea because I knew, getting on better with men than women and being passionate about good customer service, it would suit me and I’d be good at it. I am proud to have quietly built a good reputation in this business, and it seems ironic that my living, and that of other prostitutes, is now compromised by the “Minister for Women” (Harriet Harman)…but that’s another story. I find my work empowering; I’m in control. I am not a victim and I don’t want to be “rescued”, or forced to leave this business. Not exactly the stereotypical whore eh?!

I will probably never change the minds of people who, for moral reasons, are anti paid sex, but I hope to enlighten those who were not aware there are many independent women like me out there, trying to make an honest living. Thank you for taking the time to read my blog.