People walk for the legalization of sex work at the Dyke March in California (pictured above). Many advocates believe that its decriminalization would benefit sex workers, who are currently treated like second-class citizens in the U.S. (caitlin childs/flickr)
Being on a college campus, it’s not uncommon to overhear students express their desire to drop out and become a sex worker. As crazy as that may sound, I can’t deny that I’ve considered it myself a handful of times when my coursework builds up. What stops me, aside from my poor body-image, is the possibility of getting arrested simply for reaping the benefits of my own body.
Whereas some other countries permit sex work, the United States is strongly against it to any degree. This leaves sex workers with no choice but to find another occupation in a nation where the job market is extremely competitive or to continue working underground and enter dangerous situations that are unregulated by the government. For many individuals, there is no option other than the latter.
Former escort RJ Thompson says, “Many street-based workers are migrants or transgender people who have limited options in the formal economies,” in an interview with NPR. He continues on to state that the illegalization of sex work “puts them in a very vulnerable position.”
Legalizing sex work would benefit all parties. For starters, it would increase the safety of sex workers since they’d be able to publicly advertise their services and would even be able to report any malicious behaviors from their customers without the fear of being arrested themselves.
Additionally, customers would be able to ensure the reception of healthy, low-risk encounters as well. If sex work was regulated by the government, all employees would have to be tested for STIs and their places of business would have to meet government standards. Customers would have the option to report malpractice without fear of criminal charges. Public health standards would likely increase as a result.
Legalizing sex work would even benefit those not directly involved in its industry. Doing so would likely lead to notable growth in the economy. Sex work is a multi-billion-dollar industry, racking up $290 million in one year solely in Atlanta, according to a study conducted by Urban Institute.
The legalization would also minimize the prominent issue of sex-trafficking. Sex work and sex trafficking can often get mixed up, but they are two entirely different entities. Sex workers consent to all services performed, whereas sex trafficking consists of victims being exploited and forced to perform such services. If sex work became legal in the U.S., sex workers wouldn’t have to be discreet and underground, therefore allowing investigations to home in on the real, abusive sex-trafficking operations.
New York Times writer Emily Bazelon states, “Governments can free themselves to crack down on trafficking and under-age prostitution, human rights advocates argue, if they stop arresting consenting adults.” Similarly, any sex workers who might find themselves in toxic situations in which they are working against their consent could also reach out for help, given the legalization of their profession.
Society thinks that sex work is demeaning, unfortunate and a lifetsyle someone takes on when they have no other choice, but they couldn’t be more wrong. When sex workers completely consent to all aspects of their profession and can ensure a safe work environment, utilizing their body to make a living can be quite beautiful, honorable and empowering.
In addition to empowering people to take charge of their body and how they use it, the legalization of sex work would provide a secure environment for sex workers and clients alike.