sexwork

Sex work is the exchange of sexual services for money, goods, or other forms of compensation, between consenting adults. It encompasses a range of activities, including street-based prostitution, brothel or venue-based work, escorting, pornography, live camming, and other online sex work, as well as related services such as erotic dancing and sexual education. The defining features are voluntary negotiation of terms and receipt of compensation.

Legal status and regulation vary widely by jurisdiction. Some places prohibit most sex work and criminalize workers, clients, or third parties; others regulate or legalize activity through licensing, health checks, or zoning. A minority pursue full decriminalization, aiming to remove criminal penalties for consensual adult sex work and related activities. Internationally, debates center on trafficking prevention, workers’ rights, and public health. There is no single global model.

Labor rights and safety are central to discussions of sex work. Advocates argue that sex workers are workers who deserve safe working conditions, access to health care, freedom of association, and protection from discrimination and violence. Opponents may emphasize concerns about coercion or exploitation. Policy measures often focus on safety protocols, violence prevention, access to health services, and harm-reduction resources.

Health and social considerations include access to comprehensive sexual health services, regular testing where appropriate, and stigma reduction. Stigma can deter people from seeking care or reporting violence. Research on public health impacts is mixed and highly context-dependent; some analyses suggest that decriminalization or regulated models with robust health safeguards can reduce harms, while outcomes vary with local implementation.