Trade Secrets

Testimonials

2011-01-14T16:13:00.004-08:00

“It was amazing to be a part of designing the future of our industry! We had all shared similar experiences even though very different at the same time. It made me feel like I was part of something bigger than me. I liked talking with my fellow sex workers! We’re good people! – Susan Davis

“It was a pleasure to work with Annie (Trina Ricketts) on the Trade Secrets project. For me the most beneficial aspect of the process was to see the industry from the many different perspectives of all of the other participants. I think that this kind of ongoing collaboration will be a very positive force within the entire adult industry.” - Cecil English

“We thoroughly enjoyed participating in the Trade Secrets project. There was something incredibly powerful about this group of individuals sharing their experience, ideas and most importantly their stories without judgment or criticism from the others. As a result of this project Surrey Women Centre has been able to provide ongoing support to two of the group participants.” – Sheena Edgar, Program Manager, Surrey Women Centre.

“Several women who attend The Women's Resource Society of the Fraser Valley's Warm Zone drop-in centre participated in the Trade Secrets Project, providing their insight as to their experiences as sex workers. Following a focus group hosted by Trina Ricketts, several of the women expressed feeling empowered and validated in their fears and concerns surrounding their personal safety while working in the sex trade. Women who participated in the focus group commented that it was a positive experience for them, specifically because they felt their voices were heard and that their opinion mattered. The Women's Resource Society of the Fraser Valley's Warm Zone project aims to create opportunities for marginalized women to feel included in society, not excluded. The Trade Secrets Project provided this opportunity, for which we are grateful.” - Michele Giordano, Women's Resource Society of the Fraser Valley

“It has been my pleasure to be a part of this much needed information seeking and organization of it. I truly appreciated getting to know those involved in dispelling ALL the myths surrounding sex work and bringing a legitimate vision and attitude to the table. Good work all and I look forward to more involvement!” - Velvet Steele

“I'm thrilled to have been part of the creation and development of Trade Secrets. I value the opportunity to share stories and information, in the name of increasing health and safety and reducing harm to sex workers who, without empowerment and open dialogue, are too often left vulnerable. I believe this guide is an important step in the journey for sex workers in achieving individual and social self-determination.” ~Lola Lala

“The Trade Secrets Guide is by far the most comprehensive sex work resource I have ever seen. The guide takes what is sadly a unique approach by empowering the community and giving individuals in the industry the opportunity to share what they feel is important for each other to know. It is relieving to see more coming in the way of resources that are not exit oriented. I believe everyone, not only industry professionals should read this guide. I hope this guide remains a living document to be renewed and updated as necessary, it is so important in our communities.” - Jasmine Redfern, HIV Educator and Sexual Health Advocate

“Being part of this project was inspiring and gave me hope for a future that is not full of discrimination and stigma.” – Jessica Rabbit

Forward by Raven Bowen

2011-01-05T11:33:00.002-08:00

This guide was envisioned and created by sex industry workers who are invested in the concept of self-governance. The following is a foundational document wherein workers shared their invaluable lived experiences, which were collapsed into best practices to operate as industry standards. We believe that standards or regulation should come from within the industry and not outside of it.

Sex industry workers have the knowledge, skills and capacity to shape the sex industry into one that prioritizes the health, safety and wellness of those who work within it ,as well as dispelling myths and educating others.

Sex industry workers do not support exploitation, violence, youth involvement or forced involvement (economic or otherwise) in the sex industry. The sex industry, similar to all other industries consists of harms and benefits and it is up to those who work within it to reduce the harms and maximize the benefits.

To this end, adult sex industry workers who cover a range of adult services from adult film to escorts, hustlers to exotic dancers, aim to create working environments and working cultures that adhere to human rights legislation, common law and labour standards. They aim to take control of the industry they work in.

These ideas are based on the operating principles that govern co-operatives -one worker, one vote! Simply put, we want those who work in the sex industry to control the industry and to benefit directly from their labour, history and collective experiences.

The audience for this guide are primarily sex industry workers and stakeholders in the broader community who support self-governance, harm reduction, and the realization of human and labour rights for sex workers. Sex industry workers speak out and take action on issues that affect their lives at great risk, especially within criminalized environments and in the face of groups who work to silence and de-legitimize their contributions.

Projects like these only come to fruition through the generous support of progressive funders and the true grit of sex industry workers. I urge readers to embrace this document and recognize it as a practical guide for sex industry workers and stakeholders and as allegory...we will not be silenced.

Raven R. Bowen
Former Regional Coordinator
BC Coalition of Experiential Communities

Chapter 13 - Intro

2011-01-05T11:31:00.000-08:00

We realized when we were planning this guide that we have this whole group of people in our industry that we never hear from. Our coworkers are rarely talked about. Yet, many of them share the same stigma we do, for just being a part of this industry. They keep their jobs secret, experience violence, and the industry could not go on without them. This chapter is for our coworkers.

We were able to collect information for Booking Staff, Security/Drivers, Strip Club DJ’s, and Strip Club Servers. All of the information comes from people with experience in these positions. This chapter only touches the surface and we hope in further editions of Trade Secrets, the information here will be expanded and include other coworkers.

Photographer

2011-01-05T11:22:00.003-08:00

Pros

Good people
Self employed
Work when you want

Cons

No benefits
People look at you funny

Training

Photographers can take training in how to use the equipment, lighting, etc. Training is their own responsibility.

One respondent recommends having a solid knowledge of photography, lighting, computer software, working under pressure, and how to treat people professionally.

Advice

Learn to listen.
Don’t make hasty comments, think things out.

Advice for Using This Resource List

2010-12-14T13:34:00.002-08:00

The following is a list of resources sex industry community members can access for health, safety, dignity and when they have been the victim of or charged with a crime.

We have included local police offices (in case you have to report a crime), victims services workers (if you have been the victim of a crime), legal aid services (if you have been charged with a crime), organizations (HIV prevention) where workers can access harm reduction supplies (condoms and lube etc.) and where they are available, sex worker specific support services (so you don’t feel judged when asking questions).

As far as accessing nonjudgmental health care services, we have included them where we are certain of fair treatment but suggest asking local HIV/AIDS organizations for referrals as they probably have a sense of where to go on a localized level.

If your organization is not included in the following list or you would like to start an organization and you would like to take part in mobilizing and stabilizing Canada’s Sex Workers, please feel free to contact the BCCEC by emailing annie@nakedtruth.ca for information on how to proceed or with your information for addition to the community.

If your town/community is not on this list also please contact us or the organizations in the city nearest you.

Nunavut

2010-12-14T13:32:00.002-08:00

Nunavut Legal Services Board
Telephone: (867) 360-4603

Iqaluit

RCMP
Telephone: 867-975-4409

Kuujjuaq

Victim Services-From 9 til 5 daily
819 964-2086, 819 964-2053 or 1 866 778-0770
Qikiqtani Inuit Association- Aids Iqaluit
PO Box 1340
Iqaluit, NU X0A 0H0
Tel.: (867) 979-5391
Fax: (867) 979-3239

Northwest Territories

2010-12-14T13:31:00.001-08:00

Legal Services Board of the Northwest Territories
Telephone: (867) 873-7450

Deh Cho Friendship Centre- AIDS NT
Box 470
Fort Simpson, NT X0E 0N0
Tel.: (867) 695-2577
Fax: (867) 695-2141
E-mail: friends@cancom.net

Yellow Knife

RCMP
Headquarters
5010 - 49th Avenue (Henry Larsen Building)
Yellowknife, NWT X1A 2R3
Telephone: 867-669-5100

Yukon Territory

2010-12-14T13:30:00.001-08:00

Yukon Legal Services Society
Administration Office
Suite 203, 2131 Second Avenue
Whitehorse, Yukon Y1A 1C3
Phone: (867) 667-5210
Toll Free: 1-800-661-0408 ext 5210
Fax: (867) 667-8649
Email: administration@legalaid.yk.ca

Dawson City

RCMP
(867) 993-5555

White Horse

RCMP
Yukon Headquarters
4100 4th Ave
Whitehorse, Yukon Territory Y1A 1H5
Telephone: 867-667-5551

Blood Ties Four Directions Centre
4230F - 4th Avenue
Whitehorse, YT Y1A 1K1
Tel.: (867) 633-2437 (toll free Yukon/BC: 1-877-333-2437)
Fax: (867) 633-2447
E-mail: bloodties@klondiker.com
www.bloodties.ca

British Columbia

2010-12-14T13:29:00.004-08:00

Legal Servics Society BC-Legal Aid
Outside Victoria and Vancouver: 1-800-663-7867
In Victoria: 250-387-6121
In Vancouver: 604-660-2421

VictimLINK
1-800-563-0808-
Victim’s Services for all of BC will refer you to supports near you.

Qmunity
BC's Queer Resource Centre
http://www.qmunity.ca/

Prince George

Prince George RCMP
999 Brunswick ST, PRINCE GEORGE, V2L 2C3
(250) 561-3300

New Hope Society
Sex Worker Organization
1046-4th Avenue
Pr.George- V2L 3J1
(250)552-0890
www.princegeorgenewhopesociety.ca

Prince George AIDS Prevention Program
Northern Health
1108- 3rd Avenue
Prince George, BC V2L 3E5
Tel.: (250) 564-1727
Fax: (250) 564-1743
E-mail: linda.keefe@northernhealth.ca
www.northernhealth.ca

Fort St. John

RCMP
10648 100TH ST, FORT ST JOHN, V1J 3Z6
(250) 787-8100

Dawson Creek

RCMP
1230 102nd AVE, DAWSON CREEK, V1G 4V3
(250) 784-3700

Kamloops

RCMP
560 Battle ST, KAMLOOPS, V2C 6N4
(250) 828-3000

AIDS Society of Kamloops (ASK Wellness Centre)
433 Tranquille Road
Kamloops, BC V2B 3G9
Tel.: (250) 376-7558 (toll free in BC: 1-800-661-7541)
E-mail: info@askwellness.ca
www.askwellness.ca

Kelowna

RCMP
350 Doyle AVE, KELOWNA, V1Y 6V7
(250) 762-3300

Living Positive Resource Centre - Okanagan
101 - 266 Lawrence Avenue
Kelowna, BC V1Y 6L3
Tel.: (250) 862-2437 (toll free: 1-800-616-2437)
Fax: (604) 868-8662
E-mail: info@lprc.ca
www.livingpositive.ca

Abbotsford

The Warm Zone Drop-in Centre
2481 McCallum Road
604-850-6533

Surrey

Surrey Women’s Centre
604-589-1868
Bad Date Report Line: 604-583-1295
www.surreywomencentre.ca

Surrey HIV Centre
Box 500 Surrey Main
Surrey, BC V3T 5B7
Tel.: (604) 589-8678
Fax: (604) 583-8848
E-mail: positivehaven@surreyhealth.bc.ca
www.surreyhealth.bc.ca

The Naked Truth
http://www.nakedtruth.ca

Vancouver

BCCEC-BC Coalition of Experiential Communities
http://bccec.wordpress.com

WCCSIP- West Coast Cooperative of Sex Industry Professionals
www.wccsip.ca

HUSTLE- Men on the move
for male and trans sex workers
604 681-3044

Pivot Legal Society
678 Hastings St East,
Vancouver, B.C.
V6A 1R1 Canada,
Tel. (+1) 604 255 9700

P.A.C.E. Society
direct support for sex workers
mail: P.O. Box 73537
1014 Robson St.
Vancouver, B.C
V6E 1A7
Office Address:
49 West Cordova Street
Vancouver B.C.
V6B 1C8
Tel: 604-872-7651
fax: 604-872-7508
Toll free: 1-866-872-8751
Email: pace-admin@telus.net
Hours: of Operation: Monday to Thursday, 10:00AM to 6:00PM
www.pace-society.ca

PEERS Vancouver- exiting support for sex workers
604 681-3044
pr@peersvancouver.org

SWAN
Supporting Women’s Alternative’s Network
604-719-6343 or email us at
info@swanvancouver.ca
www.swanvancouver.ca

ORCHID
Contact: 119 West Pender Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-669-5567
Email: orchid@asia.bc.ca

WISH Drop-In Centre Society
Vancouver
Phone: 604-681-9244 –drop in centre- 604-669-9474
Web: www.wish-vancouver.net

MAP Van
Mobile services for sex workers
Cell phone- between 10 pm and 7am

Boys R Us Program
Contact: (mailing address only) 320- 1290 Hornby St Vancouver
Phone: 604-633-4200
Fax: 604-714-3478

Three Bridges Community Health Care Center
1292 Hornby Street
Vancouver, BC
V6Z 1W2
604-736-9844
Fax: 604-734-5918

Insite
139 East Hastings Street
Vancouver, BC
604-687-7483
Fax: 604-694-7779

Downtown Addictions Services
569 Powell Street
Vancouver, BC
V6A 1G8
604-255-3151
Fax: 604-255-0314

Onsite Transitional Housing
3rd Floor-Insite
139 East Hastings Street
Vancouver, BC
604-687-7483
Fax: 604-694-7779

Pender Addiction Services
59 West Pender Street
Vancouver, BC
V6B 1R3
604-669-9181
Fax: 604-688-9775

Health Contact Centre
1st Floor-Roosevelt Hotel (enter from alley)
166 East Hastings Street
Vancouver, BC
V6A 1N4
604-658-1224
Fax: 604-669-5185

Aboriginal Wellness Program
255 East 12th Avenue
Vancouver, BC
V5T 2H1
604-875-6601
Fax: 604-875-6609
E-mail: AboriginalWellnessProgram@vch.ca

Victoria

Greater Victoria Police Victim Services (GVPVS)
850 Caledonia Avenue
Victoria, British Columbia
V8T 5J8
250-995-7351
info@gvpvs.org

Victoria Police Department
Main Headquarters Building
850 Caledonia Ave.,
Victoria, British Columbia
Canada, V8T 5J8
Front Desk Hours 7am to 8 pm
Telephone: (250) 995 - 7654
Main Administration Fax: (250) 384 - 1362
West Division
500 Park Place
Esquimalt, British Columbia

PEERS Victoria
1-744 Fairview Road, Victoria, BC V9A 5T9
Office hours are 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday to Friday
Telephone: (250) 388-5325 or Toll Free 1-888-733-7722

Peer Resources Victoria
www.peer.ca/peer.html
250-595-3503
1052 Davie Street
Victoria, British Columbia V8S 4E3

Sandy Merriman House Emergency Shelter for Women
www.coolaid.org [click on shelter]
1634 Store Street
Victoria, BC
250) 383-1951

Aids Vancouver Island
Street Outreach Servcices & Street Nurse Program
www.avi.org/Direct%20Services.htm
1601 Blanshard Street
Victoria, BC |V8W 2J5
tel: 250.384.2366

Victoria AIDS Resource & Community Service Society (VARCS)
www.varcs.org
1284F Gladstone Ave
Phone: 250-388-6220
Victoria, British Columbia
FAX: 250-388-7011
V8T 1G6
e-mail: info@varcs.org

Bridges for Women Society
www.bridgesforwomen.ca
320-1175 Cook Street
Victoria, BC V8V 4A1
Canada
Tel: (250) 385-7410
Toll Free: 1-866-896-3356
Fax: (250) 385-7459
E-mail: careers@bridgesforwomen.ca

Women's Sexual Assault Centre
www.vwsac.com
Crisis Line & Info Line: (250) 383-3232
Business: (250) 383-5545
FAX: (250) 383-6112
Email: vwsac@vwsac.com
Office Hours: Monday - Friday: 9 am - 5 pm
Address:
#511 - 620 View St.
Victoria, BC, V8W 1J6, Canada

Together Against Poverty Society
www.tapsbc.ca
#302 - 895 Fort Street
Victoria BC V8W 1H7
Phone: (250) 361-3521
Fax: (250) 361-3541

Alberta

2010-12-14T13:28:00.003-08:00

Edmonton

Edmonton Regional Legal Aid Office
Monday - Friday 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Clients are seen on a walk-in basis. There are a limited number of interviews conducted daily, depending on availability of Legal Aid Officers/Interviewers.
*Appointments available in special circumstances.
300, 10320 102 Avenue
Revillon Building
Edmonton AB
T5J 4A1
Phone: (780) 427-7575
Fax: (780) 427-5909

Police Headquarters
9620 - 103A Avenue
Edmonton, AB. Canada
T5H 0H7
Non-Emergency Calls
(780) 423-4567

If you have been the victim of a crime and would like support please call.
Division Phone
North (780) 426-8160
Southeast (780) 426-8260
West (780) 426-8060
Downtown (780) 421-2760
Administration (780) 421-2217
Court Preparation (780) 426-8249

Kindred House
safe house
10628 - 96 Street
Edmonton, AB T5H 2J2
Phone (780) 422-7333
Fax (780) 422-7343

Streetworks
Boyle Street Co-op
10116 - 105 Avenue
Edmonton, AB T5H 0K2
Tel.: (780) 423-3122 ext. 210/211
Fax: (780) 425-2205
Van Phone: (780) 990-6641
www.streetworks.ca/client/index.html

Calgary

Calgary Legal Aid
Monday - Friday 7:45 AM to 5:15 PM.
Clients are seen on a walk-in basis. There are a limited number of interviews conducted daily, depending on availability of Legal Aid Officers/Interviewers.
*Appointments available in special circumstances.
#1800, 639 5th Avenue SW
Standard Life Tower
Calgary AB
T2P 0M9
Phone: (403) 297-2260
Fax: (403) 297-2232

Calgary Police Service- non emergency number
403-266-1234

Victim Assistance Unit
403-206-8398

Shift Program
for sex workers-
http://www.shiftcalgary.org

AIDS Calgary
110, 1603 10th Avenue SW
Calgary, AB T3C 0J7
Phone: (403) 508-2500
Fax: (403) 263-7358
info@aidscalgary.org

Saskatchewan

2010-12-14T13:27:00.001-08:00

Legal Aid Saskatchewan
CENTRAL OFFICE SASKATOON #502 - 201 21st Street East SASKATOON SK S7K 2H6Phone 933-5300 FAX 933-6764Toll Free: 1-800-667-3764

Regina

Regina Police Service Contact Information
General Calls and Non-Emergency ComplaintsBox 196 Regina, SK S4P 2Z8(306) 777-6500
1717 Osler Street Regina, SK
(306) 757-5461 FAX(306) 359-1012
TTYFront Desk
Hours of Operation: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
E-mail: rps@police.regina.sk.ca

North Central Community Centre
1264 Athol Street
777-6450

Al Ritchie Community Centre
2250 Lindsay Street
777-6530

Victims Services unit
(306)777-8660.

AIDS Programs South Saskatchewan (APSS)
2735 5th Ave.
Regina, SK S4T 0L2
Tel.: (306) 924-8420 (toll free in Saskatchewan: 1-877-210-7623)
Fax: (306) 525-0904
www.aidsprogramssouthsask.com

Saskatoon

Canadian Rainbow Health Coalition (CHRC)
220 3rd Ave S, PO Box 3043
Saskatoon, SK S7K 3S9
Tel.: (306) 955-5130 (toll free 1-800-955-5129)
www.rainbowhealth.ca

Saskatoon Police Service
130 4th Avenue North, Saskatoon, SK
Service Centre Hours of Operation: 7:00am - 11:00pm
Phone: (306) 975-8300

Victim’s services unit- (306) 975-8400

Manitoba

2010-12-14T13:26:00.003-08:00

Legal Aid Manitoba
Administration Office
402-294 Portage Avenue
Winnipeg MB R3C 0B9
Phone: (204) 985-8500 Fax: 944-8582
Toll Free: 1-800-261-2960

University Law Centre
Faculty of Law - 101 Robson Hall
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg MB R3T 2N2
Phone: 985-5206 Fax: 474-7580

Winnipeg Application Centre
300 - 294 Portage Avenue
Winnipeg, MB R3C 0B9
Phone: 985-8500

Regional Offices

Legal Aid Manitoba has four regional offices. These offices handle family matters, child protection matters and criminal cases for adult and youth clients.

Thompson Community Law Centre (Thompson)
3 Station Road
Thompson MB R8N 0N3
Phone: 677-1211 Fax: 677-1220
Toll Free: 1-800-665-0656

Parklands Community Law Centre (Dauphin)
31 - 3rd Avenue N.E.
Dauphin MB R7N 0Y5
Phone: 622-7000 Fax: 622-7029
Toll Free: 1-800-810-6977

Westman Community Law Centre (Brandon)
236 - 11th Street
Brandon MB R7A 4J6
Phone: 729-3484 Fax: 726-1732
Toll Free: 1-800-876-7326

Northlands Community Law Centre (The Pas)
Box 2429, 236 Edwards Avenue
The Pas MB R9A 1M2
Phone: 627-4820 Fax: 627-4838
Toll Free: 1-800-268-9790

Winnipeg

WeSWEAR
Winnpeg Sex Work Education Advocacy & Rights
(204)804-4135

Nine Circles Health Clinic
705 Broadway
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3G 0X2
General Line: (204) 940-6000
Toll Free 1-888-305-8647
Clinic: (204) 940-6001
Web: www.nincecircles.ca

Police
Emergency ....................................911
Non Emergency.........................................986-6222
Victim Service Unit...................................986-6350

Community Services (Crime Prevention and School Resource Units)
986-6322

Domestic Violence Crisis Line
(24 hours) ..............................................942-3052

Sexual Assault Crisis Line ........................786-8631

Suicide/24 hour Crisis Line.......................786-8686

Age and Opportunity Centre .....................956-6440

Elder Abuse Resource Centre ...................956-6449

Child and Family Services:
Days.......................................................944-4200
After Hours............................................944-4050

Immigrant Womens Association
of Manitoba Inc. .....................................989-5800
Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre...................925-0300

City/Provincial Emergency Social Assistance:
Days........................................................948-4000
After hours..............................................945-0183

Shelters

Osborne House ..........................................942-3052
Ikwe-Widdjiitiwin .....................................987-2780
Salvation Army Mens Residence ..............946-9402
Victim/Witness Assistance Program.........945-3594
Child Abuse Witness Program ..................945-0662
Women’s Advocacy Program ...................945-6851

Ontario

2010-12-14T13:22:00.002-08:00

Legal Aid Ontario
Atrium On Bay
40 Dundas Street West, Suite 200
Toronto, ON
M5G 2H1
Telephone:
Toronto: (416) 979-1446
Toll Free: 1-800-668-8258

Ottawa

Ottawa Police Service
911- emergencies
Non emergency-613-230-6211

Power- Sex Worker Organization
POWERottawa@gmail.com

Ottawa Police Service Victim Crisis Unit
(not a 24 hour service) at 236-1222, ext. 5822 (TTY 760-8009).
You may be prompted to leave a message.
Someone will get back to you as quickly as possible

Ottawa Police Bad Date Tip Line
Sex workers who are victims of assaults can call 1-800-303-5407 and leave a message with information about the attacks.

Ottawa Victims Services/Services aux Victimes d'Ottawa
(613) 238-2762
info@ovs-svo.com
250 City Centre, Suite 600
Ottawa, Ontario K1R 6K7

The Living Room
251 Bank Street, Suite 700
Ottawa, ON K2P 1X3
Tel.: (613) 563-0851 (toll free in Ontario, Quebec: 1-800-461-2182)
Fax: (613) 238-3425
E-mail: tlr@aco-cso.ca

The Men's Project (Ottawa Office)
180 Argyle Street, Suite 321
Ottawa, ON K2P 1B7
Tel.: (613) 230-6179 (toll free in Ontario : 1-877-677-6532)
Fax: (613) 230-6173
E-mail: counsellingservices@themensproject.ca
www.themensproject.ca

Peterborough

Peterborough Lakefield Community Police Service
500 Water Street, Box 2050
Peterborough
ON
K9J 7Y4
(705)876-1122

Victim Support Line
Phone Number 1.888.579.2888

Toronto

Maggies
The Toronto Prostitutes' Community Project
298 A Gerrard St. E. 2nd Floor
Toronto, ON, M5A 2G7
maggies.coord@rogers.com · 416-964-0150

SPOC
welcome@spoc.ca
416-364-5603
P.O. Box # 305
400 Parliament St.
Toronto, Ontario
M5A-2Z7
www.spoc.ca

The following resources were copied from SPOC website in solidarity;

Special Victims, Toronto Sex Crimes Unit information
If you have had a bad date, unless it is an emergency situation, (in which case call 911), it's not always the best idea to go to, or phone your local police station to report it. The treatment you receive there may be indifferent, bad or good.

SPOC strongly recommends calling and / or going to see the people at Special Victims, Toronto Sex Crimes Unit.

Over the past 4 years, Special Victims Unit has been doing a lot of good work with sex worker organizations, including SPOC, in a genuine effort to help us with regard to bad clients.

They are not interested in your previous criminal record (if you have one). They're also very good about any outstanding warrants you may have. Experience with them so far, (June 2009) is that unless warrants are for homicide, they're not interested. Special Victims Unit has been very sensitive to sex workers situations and concerns.

Also, they won't pressure you to charge the bad client if you're unsure about or are unable to do so. Special Victims Unit is interested in, and now keeps a data base on reported bad clients, so that if you are unable to charge him for whatever reason, someone else down the road may. All reports are important in helping them build cases against bad clients.

The best go-to people at Special Victims Unit are:
Detective Wendy Leaver. Direct line: 416-808-7446.
(Note to Det. Leaver, please do not retire).
Detective Constable Leanne Marchan. Direct line: 416-808-7454
Special Victims Unit phone number is: 416-808-7474.
Their 24hr cell is: 416-456-7259.

Also, they now have a Bad Date hotline. It's an anonymous voicemail. If you just want to phone in the info, and nothing more, the number is 416-808-0000.

AIDS Committee of Toronto (ACT)
399 Church Street, 4th Floor
Toronto, ON M5B 2J6
Tel.: (416) 340-8484
Fax: (416) 340-8224
E-mail: ask@actoronto.org
www.actoronto.org

Hamilton

Hamilton Police Services
All requests requiring immediate attention must be directed to 911(emergency) or (905) 546-4925 (switchboard - non-emergency).

Victims Services Branch
905.546.4904

STARS
Hamilton Central
Main St E & Holton Ave S
905-527-3097
1-866-216-3379
905-527-4278
www.efryhamilton.org

AIDS Network (Hamilton)
140 King Street East, Suite 101
Hamilton, ON L8N 1B2
Tel.: (905) 528-0854 (toll free: 1-866-563-0563)
Fax: (905) 528-6311
E-mail: info@aidsnetwork.ca
www.aidsnetwork.ca

Sudbury

Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Sudbury Detachment
1310 Sparks Street
Sudbury, Ontario, P3A 2C8
Phone: (705) 671-0645
1-800-708-1124
Fax: (705) 670-5599

Access AIDS Network (Sudbury Office)
111 Elm Street, Suite 203
Sudbury, ON P3C 3X5
Tel.: (705) 688-0500
Fax: (705) 688-0423
E-mail: access@cyberbeach.net
www.accessaidsnetwork.com

Thunder Bay

Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Thunder Bay Detachment
221 North Archibald Street
Thunder Bay, Ontario P7C 3Y3
Phone: (807) 623-2791
Fax: (807) 622-3728

AIDS Thunder Bay
574 Memorial Avenue
Thunder Bay, ON P7B 3Z2
Tel.: (807) 345-1516 (toll free in 807 region: 1-800-488-5840)
Fax: (807) 345-2505
E-mail: info@aidsthunderbay.org
www.aidsthunderbay.org

Thunder Bay Police Service
1200 Balmoral St., Thunder Bay,
ON, P7B 5Z5
Phone: 807 604-1200

Quebec

2010-12-14T13:21:00.004-08:00

Rimouski

RCMP-Telephone:
418-722-3090
Fax: 418-722-3059

Victims services
telephone: 418 727-3870;

M.A.IN.S. – Mouvement d'aide et d'information sida du Bas-Saint Laurent
CP 254
Rimouski, QC G5L 7C1
Tel.: (418) 722-7432 (toll free: 1-888-844-7432)
Fax: (418) 722-7847
E-mail: mainsbsl@globetrotter.net
www.mainsbsl.qc.ca (french only)

Quebec City

Victim Services
1167, chemin Sainte-Foy in Québec City.
Please call ahead for an appointment: 418 648-2190 or 1 888 881-7192

CatWoman Québec (PIPQ):
418.641.0168

MIELS-Québec (Mouvement d'information et d'entraide dans la lutte contre le sida à Québec)
281, chemin Ste-Foy
Québec, QC G1R 1T5
Tel.: (418) 649-1720
Fax: (418) 649-1256
E-mail: miels@miels.org
www.miels.org (french only)

Québec City Police Service
1130 route de l'Église, Ste-Foy,
Québec, QC, G1V 4E1
Phone: 418 641-6411

Trois Rivieres

RCMP-Trois-Rivières Office
Telephone:
819-371-3291
Fax: 819-693-9109

Victim Services
118, rue Radisson, bureau 300Trois-Rivières (Québec) G9A 2C4
819 373-0337 (crime victims assistance and administration);
1 866 532-2822 (toll-free number);
819 373-9465 (fax).

CatWoman Mauricie, Trois-Rivières: 819.374.5740.

Sidaction (Trois-Rivières) Inc.
CP 1142
Trois-Rivières, QC G9A 5K8
Tel.: (819) 374-5740
Fax: (819) 374-5932
E-mail: sidaction.tr@tr.cgocable.ca

Montreal

The following resources were copied with kind permission from and in solidarity with www.chezstella.org Stella in Montreal.

Stella - sex worker specific organization
Phone: +1 514 285 1599 or +1 514 285 8889
(we accept collect calls from women in prison)
Fax: +1 514 285 2465
Email: stellappp@videotron.ca
2065 Parthenais street, Suite 404
Montréal, (Québec) Canada
H2K 3T1

GROUPS FOR AND/OR BY SEX WORKERS

Cat Woman Projects: support and services for sex workers
• Cat Woman Estrie, Sherbrooke: 819.823.6704
• CatWoman Mauricie, Trois-Rivières: 819.374.5740.
• Cat Woman Drummondville (La piaule): 819.474.2484
• Cat Woman Valleyfield (PACT de rue): 370-2420
• Cat Woman St-Jérôme (Centre SIDA Amitié): 450.431.7432
• CatWoman Québec (PIPQ): 418.641.0168

In Chicoutimi, there is a street workers' service at 418.545.0999.

Projet Vénus (Sida-Vie), Laval: 450.669.3099

Le Troc
A travelling mobile unit of the Carrefour Jeunesse Longueuil Rive-Sud.
From Monday to Thursday.
514.921.5281.

Accès-soir
They work from a travelling mobile home in Ahuntsic, Cartierville, St-Laurent and Montreal-North. Support, references, condoms, lubricant, needles, crack pipes for sale, emergency food distribution... Help for sex workers who get out of Tanguay. Infos: 514.347.4207.

Chrysalide
A support, information and action group for transsexual and transvestite people. 514.251.8872 or 514.285.8889.

Rézo
An HIV prevention group specifically for men. Rézo also has a program for male sex workers. 514.529.7777.

COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES

SECURITY

SOS violence conjugale (SOS for spousal abuse victims)
Telephone reception, evaluation and reference service, open 24 hours, seven days a week. 514.873.9010 ou 1.800.363.9010

Montreal Crime Victims’ Assistance Centre (CAVAC)
Telephone services, comfort, moral support, information about legal rights and remedies, references and accompaniment for victims during legal procedures. 514.277.9860

SEXUAL ASSAULT

CLSC Métro
Crisis line, information and resources, individual counseling, medical-legal and medical-social information. 514.934.0354

Sexual Assault Center of McGill Students' Society
Support survivor of sexual assault, and work towards a society free of sexual violence. 514.398.8500

Mouvement contre le viol et l’inceste (Movement against rape and incest) 514.278.9393

Trêve pour Elles. 514.251.0323

HEALTH

Clinique médicale du Quartier Latin (medical clinic)
Diagnosis and treatment services for sexually transmitted infections and HIV. Has a dermatology clinic and psychological services.With or without appointment. 514.285.5500
Clinique médicale de l’Alternative (medical clinic)

Diagnosis and treatment clinic for STIs, gynecology. With or without appointment. 514.281.9848. For abortion. With appointment. 514.281.6476.

Medical clinic of the Native Friendship Centre of Montreal
Once a month. 2001 St. Laurent. Infos: 514.499.1854.

Clinique médicale l’Actuel (medical clinic)
Diagnosis and treatment services for sexually transmitted infections and HIV. With or without appointment. 514.524.1001

Centre of Resources, Interventions and Services in Sexual Health (CRISS)
Support and educate women living with or affected by HIV. Montréal. 514.855.0090 or 1.866.240.0090

Canadian AIDS Treatment Information Exchange (CATIE)
CATIE serves people living with HIV/AIDS and people and organizations that support them by providing accessible, accurate, unbiased and timely treatment information. Includes the guide Living with HIV.

Prisoners’ HIV/AIDS Support Action Network (PASAN)
Provide advocacy, education, and support to prisoners on HIV/AIDS, HCV and related issues. Toll Free, 1.866.224.9978.

ÉMISS-ère
Education about health and sexual wellbeeing, and information for people living with HIV/AIDS. Longueuil. 450.651.9229 ou 1.888.227.7432.

Centre associatif polyvalent d’aide hépatite C (Hepatitis C)
Resources and information. Montreal, 514.521.0444 or 1.866.522.0444.

Hospital Centre St-Luc
Clinic specializing in hepatitis. With or without an appointment. 514.890.8351

Canadian Liver Foundation
Resource for all Canadians who want to learn more about liver health and liver disease. 1.800.563.5483

Canadian Hemophilia Society
Information and hemophilia clinic. 1.800.668.2686

Centre de santé des femmes de Montréal (women’s health care centre)
Women’s health care services. 514.270.6110. Women’s health care abortion clinic : 514.270.6114

Grossesse-secours (pregnancy crisis line)
Telephone support line, information and references relating to pregnancy, birth control, and access to abortion services. Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. for women who are pregnant or think they may be. Free and confidential service. 514.271.0554

Quebec Health Action for Tranvestites and Transsexuals (ASTT(e)Q)
Telephone support line, information and references concerning health issues for transsexuals and transvestites. 514.847.0067

Drugs help and referrals for problems with substance abuse
Telephone information and referral service. Open 24 hours for help or referral concerning alcohol or drug abuse, addiction, etc. 514.527.2626 or 1.800.265.2626

Community action centre for injection drug users (CACTUS)
Information, prevention, references, needle exchange and condom distribution, outreach in the downtown and the south central areas of Montreal. 514.847.0067

Spectre de rue
Drop-in and support centre for people with problems concerning substance abuse, homelessness, mental health; needle exchange and condom distribution. 514.528.1700. Drop-in. 514.524.5197

L’Anonyme
Mobile needle exchange and condom distribution service from Monday to Saturday. Support services, references and accompaniment (direct to the mobile van). 514.236.6700

Dopamine
Information, prevention, references, needle exchange and condom distribution. Outreach in the Hochelaga-Maisonneuve district. 514.251.8872

PLAISIIRS
A Networking and Activity Center for people who use drugs by injection or inhalation (currently or in the past). Open from Tuesday to Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m, and Saturday from 12h till 6 p.m. 514.847.0067 Ext 101 or meet us at 1300, Sanguinet Street (corner Ste-Catherine Street E./Berri Metro).

MÉTA D’ÂME
Support group for people undergoing methadone treatment. Crazy Arty Tuesdays. 1710 Beaudry, at the corner of Robin. 514.528.9000.

Tel-Aide
Active telephone listening service, information and references for people in distress. This free, anonymous and completely confidential, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 514.935.1101

Suicide-Action Montreal
Suicide crisis line, information and referrals. Open 24 hours, seven days a week. For people with suicidal tendencies, their families and friends and for those who have a friend or a family member who committed suicide. Free and confidential. 514.723.4000 or 1.866.277.3553

DIGNITY

The Elizabeth Fry Society (Quebec branch)
Transition house for women leaving detention, the Eve program (shoplifting support group), legal services, probation services, support program for women incarcerated at Tanguay and Joliette Prisons, documentation centre. 514.489.2116

Continuité-famille auprès des détenues (CFAD)
Help women during and after incarceration. 514.989.9891.

Expansion-Femmes de Québec
Welcome Centre. Drugs users, sober, managing impulsive and violent behaviour. Academic training and workshop.

Collectif La Corriveau
Research and action centre on marginalized and criminalized women. 514.388.3939 and accueil@collectiflacorriveau.qc.ca.

Clinique Droits devant
A mobile legal clinic. Need information concerning tickets the police have issued to you or concerning your rights? Want to lodge a complaint? Need someone to come with you to court or to the collector? Call 514.603.0265 from Monday to Friday or send an email to cliniquedroitsdevant@yahoo.fr.

PACEM
Help in legal proceedings. Our volunteers are not lawyers yet, so they cannot represent you. 514.603.0265 or pacemtl@gmail.com.

Inform'Elle
Legal support service, information and reference. Personal or telephone interviews; training in legal procedures and on family law and rights. 450.443.8221

AlterHeros
Facilitate the social and community integration of gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans youth. Their web site offers great content. 514.846.1398.

Organizing and defense committee for the rights of people on social assistance (CODAS)
Support for the respect of the rights of people with low incomes or on social assistance. 514.528.9226

Mouvement Action-Chômage of Montreal (unemployment support)
Support for the respect of the rights of recipients of employment insurance. 514.271.4099

HOUSING

Auberge Madeleine
Short-term shelter for women in difficulty. Support services, help and references. 514.597.1499

L’Abri d’espoir
Emergency shelter for homeless women. Active listening, support and references. Short and medium-term housing. 514.934.5615

Le Chaînon
Housing for women in difficulty. Active listening, support for organizing the necessary procedures, therapy. Short and long term housing. 514.845.0151

Maison Marguerite
Short-term shelter and help, active listening, support and references. Information, consultation, accompaniment and problem identification. 514.932.2250

Native Women Shelter
Shelter for native women with or without children. Short or medium-term housing (about 12 weeks). 514.933.4688

Passages
Housing for young women (18 to 30 years old) in difficulty. Emergency housing for three days, short-term housing for 31 days and a food bank. Social reinsertion projects (ACDR and the art project). 514.875.8119

CLOTHING AND FOOD

Chez Doris
Drop-in centre, meals, friendship, all sorts of activities, medical and legal assistance. 514.937.2341

Chic Resto Pop
Inexpensive, healthy meals. Employability program in semi-specialized trades. 514.521.4089

Sun Youth
Drop-off service available 24 hours (food, clothing, medecine program). 514.842.6822

Mission Bon Accueil
Food bank and clothing, Christmas baskets. Counseling for needy families : 514.935.6396

Société Saint-Vincent de Paul
Inexpensive clothing. 514.526.5937

SECURITY

911
In an emergency, dial 911

Police
To contact your community police station, dial 280-01+the number of your local police station, for example: to get station 23, you dial 280.0123.

Compensation for victims of criminal acts (IVAC)
Reimboursement service for victime of criminal acts. 514.906.3019 or 1.800.561.4822

HEALTH

Québec Health Insurance Commission
Government insurance that gives you free access to health services. 514.864.3411 or 1.800.561.9749

Info-health at CLSCs (Centres Locaux de Services Communautaires)
Free telephone service, 24 hours a day, for medical information and references. There are many CLSCs in the city and they all have clinics that offer general and specialized medical services with and without appointment.

HOSPITALS/EMERGENCIES

Hôtel-Dieu: 3840, Saint-Urbain St. 514.890.8000

Notre-Dame Hospital: 1560, Sherbrooke Street East. 514.890.8000

St-Luc Hospital: 1058, St-Denis St. 514.890.8000

DIGNITY

Quebec Human Rights and Youth Rights Commission
Investigation of complaints concerning discrimination and harassment forbidden by the Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms. 514.873.5146 or 1.800.361.6477

Montreal Legal Aid (criminal division)
Legal representation for people who can not afford a lawyer. 514.842.2233

McGill University Legal Information Clinic
Clinic for information and references on legal questions. 514.398.6792

Police Ethics Commission
Evaluation of complaints concerning abuse of power by police. 514.864.1784

Canada Customs and Revenue Agency
Collects fees and taxes for the Government of Canada. 1.800.959.7383

New Brunswick

2010-12-14T13:20:00.002-08:00

Moncton

RCMP- (506)857-2400

Victim’s services
(506) 856-2875
Assumption Place
Floor: 9
770 Main Street
Moncton, New Brunswick
E1C 1E7
Canada

SIDA-AIDS Moncton
80 Weldon Street
Moncton, NB E1C 5V8
Tel.: (506) 859-9616
Fax: (506) 855-4726
E-mail: sidaidsm@nbnet.nb.ca
www.sida-aidsmoncton.com

St. John

St. John Police Force
(506)648-3333

RCMP Victim Services Unit
(506)648-3269

Victim Services
(506) 453-3992
Saint John City Hall
Floor: 7
15 Market Square
Saint John, New Brunswick
E2L 1E8
Canada

Legal Aid Services Commissions
15 Market Sq, 12th Flr
Saint John, NB E2L 1E8
506-633-6030

AIDS Saint John
115 Hazen Street
Saint John, NB E2L 3L3
Tel.: (506) 652-2437
Fax: (506) 652-2438
E-mail: aidssj@nb.aibn.com
www.aidssaintjohn.com

Fredericton

Fredericton Police Force
(506)460-2300

RCMP Victim’s Services Division
(506)460-2422

Victims services
(506) 453-3992
Justice Building
Room: 110, Floor: 1
427 Queen Street
Fredericton, New Brunswick
E3B 1B7
Canada

AIDS New Brunswick
65 Brunswick Street
Room G17, Victoria Health Centre
Fredericton, NB E3B 1G5
Tel.: (506) 459-7518 (toll free in NB: 1-800-561-4009)
Fax: (506) 459-5782
E-mail: sidaids@nbnet.nb.ca
www.aidsnb.com

Prince Edward Island

2010-12-14T13:19:00.002-08:00

Charlottetown

AIDS PEI – Harm reduction supplies
144 Prince Street
Charlottetown, PE
C1A 4R9
Telephone: (902) 566-2437
Toll-free: 1-800-314-2437
Facsimile: (902) 626-3400
Email: info@aidspei.com
Website: www.aidspei.com

RCMP"L" Division Headquarters
Telephone: (902) 566-7112

Legal Aid
Honourable C.R. McQuaid Family Law Centre
Tel: (902) 368-4582
Fax:(902) 368-4514

Victim services
Department of Health and Social Services
Second Floor, Jones Building
11 Kent Street
P. O. Box 2000
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
C1A 7N8
Tel: (902) 368-4900 or (902) 368-5330 (social worker)
Fax: (902) 368-4969

The Department of Health and Social Services offers a variety of services and will direct victims to appropriate offices for information and financial aid.

Department of Justice and Attorney General
Victim Services Program
P. O. Box 2000, 3 Queen Street
2nd Floor
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
C1A 7N8
Tel: (902) 368-4582
Fax: (902) 368-4514

The Victim Services Program provides client-centred services to victims of crime ensuring respect for the privacy of victims. Victim Services assists clients throughout their involvement in the criminal justice system.

Nova Scotia

2010-12-14T13:17:00.001-08:00

Sydney

Cape Breton Regional Police
(902)563-5151

Victim’s Services
(902)563-3655

AIDS Coalition of Cape Breton- free condoms
150 Bentinck Street, PO Box 177
Sydney, NS B1P 6H1
Tel.: (902) 567-1766
Fax: (902) 567-1766
E-mail: christineporter@accb.ns.ca
www.accb.ns.ca

Halifax

Halifax Regional Police
(902)490-4061

Victim’s Services
(902)424-3307
(Dartmouth) (902) 424-3309- main office

Nova Scotia Legal Aid
2830 Agricola Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia
B3K 4E4
(902)-420-3450

Stepping Stone
Sex worker Specific Support
2151 Gottingen Street
PO Box 47032
Halifax Nova Scotia
B3K 5Y2
(902)420-0103
rene@stepping-stone.org
www.stepping-stone.org

AIDS Coalition of Nova Scotia- free condoms
1675 Bedford Row
Halifax, NS B3J 1T1
Tel.: (902) 429-7922 x224 (toll free: 1-800-566-2437)
Fax: (902) 422-6200
E-mail: acns@acns.ns.ca
www.acns.ns.ca

Halifax Sexual Health Centre and Anonymous HIV Testing Program
6009 Quinpool Road, Suite 201
Halifax, NS B3K 5J7
Tel.: (902) 455-9656
E-mail: info@halifaxsexualhealth.ca
www.halifaxsexualhealth.ca

Healing Our Nations
Atlantic First Nations AIDS Network
15 Alderney Drive, Suite 3
Dartmouth, NS B2Y 2N2
Tel.: (902) 492-4255 (toll free: 1-800-565-4255)
Fax: (902) 492-0500
E-mail: ea@accesswave.ca

Main Line Needle Exchange
free condoms
2158 Gottingen Street
Halifax, NS B3K 3B4
Tel.: (902) 423-9991 (toll free: 1-877-904-4555)
Fax: (902) 423-1619

Newfoundland/ Labrador

2010-12-14T13:13:00.002-08:00

AIDS Committee of Newfoundland and Labrador- free condoms
47 Janeway Place
St. John's, NL A1A 1R7
Tel.: (709) 579-8656 (hotline: 1-800-563-1575)
Fax: (709) 579-0559
E-mail: info@acnl.net
www.acnl.net

Legal Aid Commission
2 Steer's Cove
Cormack Building
P.O. Box 399, Station C
St. John's, NL A1C 5J9
Telephone: (709) 753-7860
Toll-free: 1-800-563-9911
Facsimile: (709) 753-6226

Victim’s Services are handled through the police in Newfoundland.

St. John’s

Royal Newfoundland Constabulary-
(709)729-8000

Victims services
Provincial Office
4th Flr, Confederation Bldg, East Block
P.O. Box 8700
St. John's, NL A1B 4J6
Telephone: (709) 729-7970
Facsimile: (709) 729-5100

Corner Brook

Royal Newfoundland Constabulary
(709)637-4100

Victims Services
P.O. Box 2006
9th Floor, Sir Richard Squires Building
Corner Brook, NL A2H 6J8
Telephone: (709) 637-2614
Facsimile: (709) 637-2530

Introduction to Trade Secrets

2010-02-27T13:56:00.003-08:00

Welcome to Trade Secrets. The importance of this guide cannot be minimized. This information is not only good for sex industry workers, but also for clients and other parties involved in the industry such as: business owners (eg/ bar and agency owners etc); and coworkers (eg/ security, drivers, booking staff etc.) We hope this guide will answer most questions you have in matters of health and safety in the sex industry.

The past two years that the BC Coalition of Experiential Communities (BCCEC) has been working on this project has been a joy and very informative, even to us. Personally, I have been involved in the sex trade for thirty-two years and have seen many changes - good and bad over the years.

Even though sex work is legal in Canada, it's the laws surrounding different aspects that are archaic, victimizing, and criminalizing. Band-aid solutions have done nothing except caused more harm than necessary. For example: In 1984 when the Mulroney government passed Bill C49 which made 'Communication in public for the purposes of prostitution" a crime, it opened the door wide for predators to prey without notice.

It was after that legislation was passed that the working women in Vancouver started to disappear. Women were no longer able to stand on the street for fear of arrest. This forced them to hide in doorways and dark areas; a tragedy that tore apart families, communities, and a country. The scars left in its wake may never completely heal.

In our Western Culture, we are taught about sex through a Judeo-Christian mentality, so it takes a lot of courage for people to explore their sexuality in a safe, clean, and non-judgmental way by accessing services of sex industry workers.

We hope that this guide will serve as an informative resource for workers and clients in all aspects of the industry. We are gender-friendly. We know that the sex trade does not include only women; but transgendered and male as well. We hope you will pass this guide on to those who have not seen it or heard of it.

The topics in this guide may be unusual to some, kinky for others, and downright offensive for some, as well. It is not our intention to shock or offend. These topics are real. Human sexuality is expressed in many different ways. All areas of the industry should be looked at with an open mind and without judgment.

We also hope Trade Secrets will support the movement to change laws that harm sex workers, so workers can access safe, secure, clean, comfortable and friendly places where people can enjoy "their thing" without fear of prosecution, or being shamed in public.

Many people have worked on this project. Their input has been extremely valuable, and our appreciation for their input and time cannot be expressed enough.

Thank you for using Trade Secrets, and we hope you enjoy reading it - as we enjoyed compiling this important information. While this is not an exhaustive resource on all aspects of sex industry work, we tried to touch on everything and covered as much as possible. The safety and health of workers, clients, co-workers, and employers is of great importance and we hope that all involved will benefit. Enjoy!

Chanel Martin
BCCEC Member

Contributors and Sources

2010-02-27T13:23:00.010-08:00

The production of Trade Secrets could not have been possible without the following people, businesses, organizations, and other sources. Not every contributor is listed here. We attempted to ensure that we had permission from every contributor to list their name here. So if we did not hear back, we did not include their names.

If you contributed and your name is not here or if you'd like your name removed from this list, please contact Trina at annie@nakedtruth.ca. Your request will be honoured immediately.

A sincere thank you to everyone, including the names missing from the list. You know who you are.

Funders

Thank you to our funders for without you, this project may not have materialized.

Vancouver Coastal Health
British Columbia Provincial Health
Vancouver Foundation

Key Contributors

BC Coalition of Experiential Communities Members

Coalition members took part in every process including but not limited to: recruiting and interviewing contributors through one-on-one meetings and focus groups, writing, evaluating, and editing throughout the project.

Kathleen Cherrington
Susan Davis
Matthew Taylor
Ryann Rain
Laurel Irons
Chanel Martin
Trina Ricketts
Christal Capostinsky

The following contributors took part in a variety of ways including but not limited to: answering the questionnaires, providing expertise in one area or another, recruiting participants, writing, editing, and evaluating the document.

Individuals

Erin Taylor
Projector Paul
Janet Godkin, The Best Dancers Inc.
Amber Dawn
Missy Mariposa
Veronika Harley
Jake Sweet
Katalina Capone
Jerika
GC Productions
Alena Downs
Eve Pandora
Randy Knowlan
Rhiannon McMillan
Katie Katlyn
Kate Wynter
Stella Wolf
Stephanie Reynolds
PACE Society
Stephanie See-More
Aquarius
Katrina Pacey
Derek Kline
Elaine Jones
Sarah Levine
Velvet Steele
Leona Bergy
Dagmar Jikeli
Adrianne Spring
Dirk Ottermann
Jennifer Allan
Jessica Rabbit
Rose/Vivian
Madison MacDonald

Businesses

www.gcproductions.tv
Johnny Demos from Selective Income Tax - 604-460-6466
Boyz of Summer Strippers

Organizations

PACE Society
PIVOT Legal Society
BC Centre for Disease Control STI/HIV Outreach Program

Supporters of Note

Soni Thindal and Frank Yang from Orchid for modifying and getting our questionnaire translated, interviewing Chinese massage parlour workers, and translating their responses back into English for us.

Janine from PIVOT who responded to emails as she traveled the country stripping.

Chris and Miranda from VCH who believed in our project.

Esther Shannon for her inspiring dedication to change.

Tamara O’Doherty for her support and quest for knowledge that benefits sex workers.

Becki Ross for writing a book that gives us credibility and shared history.

Grant from Mugs & Jugs for cheering us on at all times.

Sources

Publications

XXX Guide, ChezStella.org
Dope Guide, ChezStella.org
Spread Magazine Volume 2, Issue 2
Stella’s Constellation Working Conditions Issue, April 2009
Love for Sale: A World History of Prostitution, by Nils Johan Ringdal
Big Book of Porn
Sex Industry Workers of the Greater Vancouver Regions and Districts
Gayway Vancouver – P'n'P Guide to Drugs and Sex

Organizations

Worksafe BC
WCB of Manitoba
Saskatchewan Workers' Compensation Board

Webpages

www.safersm.org
www.nakedtruth.ca
www.livingincommunity.ca/toolkit
www.csh-entertainment.com
www.spoc.ca/resources.html
www.yonilicious.blogspot.com
bccec.files.wordpress.com/2008/02/411_0807.pdf
www.chezstella.org
www.aircanada.com
www.wikipedia.org

The Sex Industry

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The sex industry is sometimes referred to as the adult entertainment industry. Although many disciplines could be argued to be “sex industry,” most people think of street-based sex workers, exotic dancers, phone sex operators, dominatrices, adult film stars, and escorts, when they think of the sex industry.

Sex industry workers are people who provide a sexual service -- be it fantasy or reality -- for money.

For the purposes of Trade Secrets, we use the term “sex industry workers,” “sex workers," and “adult entertainers” interchangeably.

The sex industry is made up of many different genres and disciplines. We provide these examples to assist your understanding of the guide as you read. For a more extensive list, see “Our Language” located at the end of the guide.

Adult Film

Adult Film and Photography
Movies and photos with adult oriented sexual content, including but not limited to categories such as soft-core, hard-core, max hard-core, BDSM and fetish activities.

Adult film and photography talent/model/performer
Adult who performs and/or models in adult-oriented films and photo shoots.

Adult film and photography companies
Private businesses that operate adult film and photography studios, productions, and sessions for DVD, Internet or photos.

Fluffer
Person who sexually arouses adult film actors on set in order to prepare them to perform.

BDSM Work

An acronym for ‘B&D’(bondage & discipline); ‘D&S’ (dominance and submission); and ‘S&M’ (sadomasochism). A ‘Sadist’ is one who obtains sexual enjoyment by watching and/or inflicting pain on another. A ‘Masochist’ is one who obtains sexual enjoyment from receiving pain, humiliation and/or being dominated.

The term "BDSM" describes any situation or practice that involves erotic power exchange - dominance and submission, pain play, bondage, sensation play, or anything related to these activities.

BDSM work refers to any consensual activities between adults including some or all of these things, but on a professional level (we’re getting paid for it).

Dominants and Submissives are employed in this industry. An additional role includes those who work as 'Switches.' A Switch is one who changes from dominant to submissive roles, depending on the scene.

Fetish Work

With respect to sexual activity, a ‘fetish’ is defined as anything that sexually arouses a person, such as a foot fetish or a leather fetish. Fetish work is when someone offers fetish services for money. It can involve practices relating to BDSM.

Female Exotic Dancer

A female exotic dancer is an entertainer who performs seductive striptease to music, taking off her clothes until she is naked, or wearing very little. An exotic dancer may perform for a large or small audience; individuals or couples; in strip clubs, nightclubs, or at private parties. The term exotic dancer encompasses features, showgirls, and house dancers.

Feature
The highest paid exotic dancer performing at a club is called the feature. Feature shows are generally interactive, with elaborate costumes, props, and themes. In Western Canada, although she is usually the highest paid showgirl, she shares a common job description with the other dancers who are paid for their shows. In Ontario and Quebec, the feature is often the only dancer paid to dance on stage.

Showgirl
A showgirl is skilled at holding an audience's attention using dance and/or other specialized skills (pole work, acrobatics, gymnastics, fire shows, theme shows, etc) and by responding to the audience's reaction(s).

Common in British Columbia, Alberta and Manitoba, showgirls are usually booked on stage for week-long contracts and work Monday to Saturday, with a day off and/or switch clubs on Sunday. They do not have a home bar and travel is often required. Showgirls are paid per show and are not compensated for their entertainment expenses, additional time, floor time, or travel expenses. A strong advantage of showgirl work is a guaranteed paycheque at the end of the week.

Private Dancer / VIP Dancer / House Dancer
A house dancer is an exotic dancer whose primary income comes from selling dances that occur one-on-one in a private booth for individuals or couples. While on shift, house dancers are often required to do stage rotation, performing on stage for free, or for little pay. House dancers may be on shift by the bar, or pay a drop in fee to the bar in order to work. House dancers have the advantage of sleeping in their own bed at night and have the stability of a steady place of employment. However, income can fluctuate dramatically as it depends on the sale of dances. Private dancing is common in Central and Eastern Canada, and becoming more popular in Western Canada.

Male Exotic Dancer

A male exotic dancer is a man who performs erotic dance or acrobatic movements while removing all or part of his clothing for an audience of gay men or heterosexual women. Male exotic dancers are often body builders and are usually very well-toned and muscular.

Contracted under different rules and regulations than female exotic dancers (in part due to there being fewer opportunities for paid male performance), male dancers are generally paid more for their shows with their shows lasting longer than female exotic dancers shows. Male dancers usually have another job that provides the bulk of their income.

Male exotic dancers perform in either a group (troupe or revue) or solo format to pre-recorded music that may follow a theme or exhibit similarities from song to song. Solo performers are required to perform more often than revue/troupe performers.

Male dancers commonly "tie off" which is a process that consists of tightly wrapping a thick elastic around the base of the penis when fully erect to maintain its girth for an extended period of time, presenting the visual effect of full arousal. This can be done as often as necessary.

Many clubs do not permit nudity, so the dancer is prohibited from exposing his penis. In some Alberta communities, licenses are required for nudity whether the dancer is male or female.

Live Erotic Performer

"Live erotic performer" is a general term to describe people who provide sexual shows that may or may not include contact with the audience or an individual customer. The performance may be on stage or in person. Some examples are exotic dancers, burlesque dancers, peep show workers, auto-erotic performers (who masturbate in front of an audience), fetish performers, or anyone who performs sexual acts on stage or in front of clients during private sessions.

Peep Show Performer (Booth Baby)

A peep show performer engages in sexual activity - usually provocative dance, striptease, masturbation, or by sexually engaging with another performer - while the customer watches from a private booth. The booth is fitted with a window or shutter that opens when money is inserted into a coin-box or money slot. Typically, private booths surround a stage, separated from the performer by glass, and there is no contact between the performer and the audience. In some places, the performer may have the option to perform privately inside a customer's booth for an additional fee.

Some peep show establishments offer coin-operated booths showing adult films, and in some places, video booths have replaced live performers.

Phone Sex Operator (Phone Sex Actress, Adult Phone Entertainer)

A phone sex operator is a paid professional who engages customers in sexual fantasies over the telephone via what are known as adult chat lines. Phone sex operators may use suggestive language, role-play, sexual confessions, and real or simulated masturbation with customers.

Webcam Worker

A webcam worker performs sexual acts online, such as role-playing, striptease, masturbation, ejaculation, urination, BDSM, or other fetishes. He or she performs before a camera with the content displayed on a website that customers pay to access. On many sites, webcam workers may engage with clients in a chat room while they are performing. Webcam workers may perform alone, with a sexual partner, or with other performers (i.e. duos, orgies, circle jerks). Many adult web sites are geared towards particular themes (i.e. amateurs, fetishes, age, ethnicity and/or sexual orientation).

Sex Worker / Escort / Courtesan

A sex worker directly provides agreed upon sexual services in exchange for money or other payment.

Street-based Sex Worker
A street-based sex worker finds and/or serves his or her clients outside. Many cities and communities have specific areas (called strolls) where outdoor workers can be found. Sometimes these are strategic locations where, for example, there is a lot of traffic, convenient places for a client (or “john”) to pull over, or in the vicinity of a target market. However, often times they are forced to work in dark, isolated and/or industrial areas to reduce their visibility to police and other community members.

Escort Service Worker
An escort service worker is a sex worker who traditionally only visits clients on an “out call” basis, meaning the worker would attend the patron’s residence or hotel room for the encounter. Escorting may or may not include sexual contact, however, the client generally expects that sex will occur. Escort service workers are sometimes employed to travel with their clients on vacations or business trips or to accompany them for dinner or to an office party.

Independent Escort
An Independent Escort is a sex worker who does not work for an escort agency, massage parlour, or health enhancement center, but works as a sole proprietor or free agent. An independent escort may entertain clients in their home while some rent other locations such as studios or hotel rooms, as a work site. An independent escort may or may not do outcalls or travel with clients.

Massage Worker/ Health Enhancement Center Worker
A massage or health enhancement center worker is a sex worker who works in a retail or licensed business establishment on an “in-call” or on-site basis. Sex or full service is not always provided but a body massage followed by sexual release in the form of a hand job is generally expected. The level of contact is usually the choice of the worker with a wide variety of work environments ranging from fantasy rooms to beauty parlours.

Escort Service
An escort service or agency is a sex industry business that is intended to enable sex industry clients and workers to meet safely on an ‘out-call’ basis. An escort service traditionally provides advertising, security in the form of a driver, a call back service in the form of a booking girl, and access to the business owner’s regular clientele. An escort service covers its costs and makes a profit by collecting a percentage of the escort worker’s hourly wage.

Massage Parlour/ Health Enhancement Center
A massage parlour or health enhancement center is a sex industry business that operates as a retail or licensed business establishment on an “in-call” or on-site basis. The business traditionally provides a secure work environment, advertising and access to the business owner’s regular clientele. A massage parlour or health enhancement center business covers its costs and makes a profit by collecting a percentage of a worker’s wage or by charging a fee for the use of an on-site room where services are performed.

Glory Hole Worker
A glory hole worker is a sex worker who, for a fee, provides sexual services anonymously through a hole in a wall or door. Some glory hole workers erect false walls in the entrance of their residence where the client enters, inserts his penis through the wall and receives sexual service. Others establish a more discreet location such as a public bathroom. A glory hole worker may perform, fellatio (BJ), a hand job, or full service however fellatio is generally expected. A glory hole is an anonymous and safe work environment and is generally run by independent sex workers.

Transgender Sex Worker
Transgender sex worker is a broad term that refers to any individual selling sexual services whose gender expression (physical, emotional, spiritual) differs from their biological or genetic gender. Transgender sex workers may choose to alter their appearances as a personal expression, feeling that they have been born into the wrong physical body and/or may do so in order to appeal sexually to a customer's specific fantasy or fetish.

Hustler
Hustler is a slang term often used by men to characterize their involvement in sex work, however, not all hustlers are sex workers. A hustler can be anyone who works freelance for themselves to make fast money in order to survive. Hustlers are typically clever, cunning, quick-witted and develop a keen sense of street smarts. Some classic examples of a hustler are pool sharks, card tricksters and sleight-of-hand artists.

H.U.S.T.L.E.R. as an acronym sums it up well and may stand for- 'How U Survive This Life Everyday...Resourcefully'.

Chapter 1 - Intro

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This chapter is dedicated to working as safely as possible in our workspaces. We identify several areas of the industry and provide health and safety advice for each of those venues.

A sincere thank you goes out to Trade Secrets contributors for all their advice found in this guide. But a special thank you is extended for this chapter because it holds so much valuable information from the frontlines. If you read only one chapter, let it be this one.

Working the Street

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“I like working the street because I can turn down customers if I want and I don’t have to give any of my money to anyone else.”

Our street-based workplaces can include motels/hotels, behind the dumpster, behind and in stores or businesses, by the jail, in a field, homes of clients, bar bathrooms, bar stools (in public), the sheriff’s office, vehicles, alleys, and street corners, among other places.

Stigma and stereotypes about sex work are usually focused on those of us who are street-based because we are the most visible population of sex workers. However, street sex workers are estimated to make up only 10 - 20 percent of sex industry workers overall.

Getting Along With Others

In neighbourhoods where there is more street-based sex work taking place, residents and business owners sometimes attempt to “clean up” the neighbourhood by forcing us out. They do this in a number of ways – from taking down license plates of johns to verbally and even physically attacking us.

Here are some ways to reduce conflicts with other community members when we’re working the streets.

Don’t pick a corner close to a school. Students and parents are around during the day and if you are too visible, they will complain. This will result in police action and maybe even a court-imposed "no go zone" order, which will force you to find another spot to stand. Any regular clients you have met won't be able to find you and you will have to start building a clientele all over again.
If you do choose to work near or in a playground or schoolyard, do not leave condoms or rigs behind for children to find, as this will also result in police action and have the same results as above.
If you can, whenever possible take your customer somewhere indoors. This is safer for you as he will be less likely to harm you. It also means residents won't see the physical sex act. People offended by public sex acts will usually call the police.
Clients often approach people who are not sex workers in neighborhoods where sex work occurs because they can't tell who is a sex worker and who isn't. Criminalization has meant that sex workers must try to blend in to avoid detection. Dressing up would allow consumers to be sure who is who, however it could make sex workers more visible to police. One worker suggests a middle ground to try to stabilize this issue. She chooses to wear something nice, but not over the top.
If you mostly work in cars, try not to park in the same spot over and over. This will concentrate residual mess (condoms, needles) in one area and lead to complaints from residents or business owners. Always try to keep areas where you work free of debris to prevent police action.
Attempt to build relationships with community members that you see often, by saying hello with a smile, or making small talk. Eventually, your neighbours will know you as a person and be more likely to take their concerns to you, rather than the police.

Being a street-based sex worker is the most dangerous area of the industry because of our visibility and the subsequent police repression. Some of the risks include getting arrested or having to give favours to avoid arrest, being left stranded far from home, being set-up and robbed, getting raped and/or beat up and even killed, being isolated from help if we’re in danger, getting sick from working out in the cold, and even freezing to death.

Because of the laws around sex work in Canada (see Chapter Eight), street-based sex workers try to avoid being arrested by working in dark, isolated areas. This makes us vulnerable to violent predators. John Lowman, a criminology professor at Simon Fraser University, estimates from his research that street-based sex workers are more likely to be murdered than any other person in Canada (Dr. John Lowman, Paul Dillon, "Life On The Streets in Dangerous," Surrey Leader, 17 May 1998).

Safety Tactics

Here are some safety suggestions from and for street-based workers:

Before Work

Dress nicely. You will be treated better and feel good about yourself.
Dress warmly.
Don’t wear anything around your neck that can be used to strangle or drag you, such as necklaces, scarves, etc.
Wear shoes you can run in, or that you can slip off easily.
Carry a whistle. While some prefer to carry weapons, such as mace, such things can be turned against you. A whistle is safe, small, compact, legal and loud.
Pick up an ugly trick list before working. (Bad Date Sheet, Red Light Alert, Ugly Mug, etc.)

Where You Work

Try to work in well-lit areas near a phone.
Carry a charged cell phone. Even if you don’t have a plan, you can make a call to 911 from any cell phone as long as it’s charged.
Carry change for the phone.
Work with friends, if possible. If you have to work alone, carry a piece of chalk with you to write down the license plate of your next client on the sidewalk or wall where you are standing. Always casually tell a client you have been seen leaving in their car and are expected back at a certain time.
Have a spotter.
Make friends with the other workers around you so you can watch each other’s backs.
Make friends with the beat cops in your neighbourhood, if possible. They’ll watch out for you more and take it more seriously if someone assaults you.

Before Getting In A Car

Always stand back a little when the customer first pulls up.
Familiarize yourself with types and makes of cars. And try to remember plate numbers.
Ensure the client is alone in the vehicle. A panel van or other large vehicle where the interior is not visible could hide predators.
Make sure there is a door handle on your door before you get in. Don’t get into cars that the driver has control over the locks.
If the car is a mess, don’t get in.
Make sure there is no gun, knife, rope, tape, or other weapon before you get in.
Look at the customer and check his level of sobriety and emotional state. Is he agitated? Does he appear drunk? High on drugs? Mentally ill? Be sure of his mental state before entering the vehicle.
Communication in a public place is illegal so do not talk about service or money through the car window or before entering the car. Get into the car but keep one foot on the ground outside the car while you negotiate what you will do and for how much. This way you have a better chance for escape if you are unwilling to accept the type of work the customer desires or the amount of money he is willing to pay.

Once In A Car (or at service location, if walking)

Once terms are negotiated and you are in the car, continue to evaluate his emotional state. If you are unsure for any reason, plan your escape for as soon as the vehicle stops.
If you have a cell phone, call someone or pretend to call someone as soon as you make the date and report where you’re going and something about your date that would help identify him. It may deter him from any ulterior motives.
If you have a cell phone, record the license plate number in your phone or text it to a friend

During the Date

Tell the customer where you want to do the date and choose an area you are familiar with.
Envision an escape route in case you need one. If it's winter, see where you could hide under the snow.
Whenever possible, take the customer somewhere inside. Preferably to a place where there are other people and even better if they are people you know. A client is far less likely to attack you if he knows there are other people around. Being indoors gives you somewhere to clean up after, as well.
Don’t rip off the clients – they may take it out on you or other workers.
Watch to make sure the client does not remove the condom without your knowledge.

If A Client Becomes Aggressive or Violent

Tell him your name and try to humanize yourself by talking about your children or your life. You could also say you are HIV positive, but this tactic might cause more anger.
Run into traffic and wave people down.
If you have to run away through snow, cover your tracks. A worker in Prince George recommends getting on top of the snow and rolling so there are no tracks, then hide until the predator is gone.

After the Date

Do not accept a ‘ride back’ to your corner. Whenever possible, exit the vehicle immediately after the session is over to prevent any further risk at the hands of a client.
Share information with other sex workers. If you have had a bad experience with a client, pass the details on to organizations that have a direct connection to bad date reporting.

Supplies for the Street

Zip-lock Baggies, in case you have to work in a car or schoolyard. This way you can take the condom and wrapper back and dispose of it in a way that respects the community.
Wet naps - so you can clean a little if you are working in a car or outside.
Mints - fresh breath always makes us feel better and is nice for the clients.
Condoms.
Lube.
Lipstick.
Sex toy - some clients will want no contact and just want to masturbate in front of you. If you have a toy, you can put on a show and the job will go a little faster.
Cell phone.

What Not To Bring

Never carry a weapon because it can be turned on you. Don’t give them something they can use against you.
Do not carry your ID or any other items of personal value. If the client wants to rob you, you won't be worried about letting him have your purse.

Working Indoor

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When we refer to sex industry workers who work “indoor,” we are talking about the majority of sex industry workers - all of us who do not work on the street. We work in agencies, our own homes, clients’ homes, bathhouses, apartments, cruise lines and hotels, to name a few.

There are many “indoor” venues where sex work takes place. In-house refers to sex work done at a workspace such as a home, dungeon, or massage parlour. Out-call refers to going to the client – their homes, hotels, clubhouses, yachts, and even party buses.

Working indoors increases the health and safety of sex industry workers because we have access to toilets and showers for cleaning up and because others are usually around, in case we need help. But we should still be aware of potential dangers and take precautions to reduce any risks.

Safety Tactics

Here are some tips for staying safe when working indoors:

Do not answer calls from private or withheld phone numbers. Your call display can leave evidence, in case of an emergency.
Have a driver take you on out-calls, so someone knows where you are. If he is also acting as security, make a plan with him so he knows if and when to interrupt the session.
Call a friend or your agency in front of the client so he/she knows someone is keeping track of where you are and whom you’re with.
Have another worker or security in the next room.
Make sure the doors and windows are locked, and the blinds are adequately closed before commencing an appointment. This prevents predators or robbers from getting into the suite while you are entertaining.
Keep your cell phone close in case you need to call 911.
Have a safety plan to phone your booking staff if a conflict arises. Then stay on your cell phone while the booking person phones the client, distracting him so you can escape.
Watch to make sure clients do not remove condoms without your knowledge.

Being Discreet

Here are some tips to help you keep your business discreet and consistent, without drawing the wrath of your neighbours or other community members.

Don’t keep clients waiting in halls, lobbies, or in front of the building. Clients appreciate discretion, and this can also help prevent neighbours from calling the vice squad.
Keep windows and drapes closed, to avoid offending others with visuals or noise pertaining to sex work. Keep the volume reasonable to help prevent police calls or neighbours complaints.
Don't discuss session activities or money with clients outside your home where the community and public can hear you.
Don’t wear a lot of make-up or dress sexy when going to an appointment. This cuts back on attention from civilians and allows you to travel more discreetly. Pack make-up, clothes, and make-up remover. When you arrive, immediately excuse yourself and go to the washroom and apply more makeup. Before leaving, wipe the extra make-up off.
Your home is your fortress. Do not party there. Keeping your home private and discreet is key because noisy tenants draw attention. Being a noisy, problem tenant can lead to eviction and force you to move your business location. This will cost you income and some of your regular clientele.
Don't get too close to your neighbours. A connection with a neighbour can quickly become complicated and end up compromising your privacy. For example, if a fellow tenant discovers your occupation, he or she may be frightened or offended, which can also lead to eviction and loss of income.

Stags and Private Parties

These shows are usually done in private residences, party buses, or private clubs or restaurants that do not normally book entertainers. Booking is done either through agencies or privately and through online sources such as Craigslist.

Because it's an unregulated environment, contact is totally up to the entertainer and ranges significantly. You are responsible for your own security, transportation, and fees. You are generally paid to do a strip show, duo, or live erotic performance then you may offer lap dances. Some gigs require you to stay and socialize, hostess, or hang out with the party. Other gigs are quick "do a show and get out.” Pay ranges depending on tips, lap dances, time committed, and your ability to charm.

Most often stags are done alone or with another entertainer and without security. Safety precautions are the same as outcalls. Have someone know where you are, text the name, phone number and address to someone you know. Arrange for how often you'll check in with a friend or agent. With an exotic dance gig it's usually when you leave (or within the hour). If it's longer (2-4 hours), check in every hour or so.

Dungeons

There are many potential risks involved with dungeon work, including, for example, pinching fingers in clasps/chains, tied-up people falling while equipment is attached to them, bondage cutting off circulation, fainting from pain, etc. Some tools can be particularly risky, for example, the Violet Wand.

Predators posing as clients could also use our tools and supplies against us. Don’t allow your client to walk around the dungeon where he can get a hold of the gear. Get the client naked and crawling with the donation in his mouth as soon as possible. Then get him in restraining gear immediately.

Ensure that your co workers/ other performers know what they are doing and are experienced in particular with rope tying, toys, and bondage techniques. These can be dangerous if done incorrectly. You could be injured or worse.

Living in Your Workspace

It is not uncommon for sex industry workers to live in their workspaces. For example, some exotic dancers place all their household belongings in storage while they live on the road. Many Dommes live in their dungeons. Sex workers share rent on an apartment where they can live, work, and watch out for each other too. Actors operate webcam businesses out of their bedrooms.

If you live in your workspace, make sure you get out for breaks and fun as much as possible. Spending too much time in your workspace can make you feel bored, depressed, and burnt out. We are meant to have balance in our lives. Too much of one thing is never healthy.

Hours of work

The hours we actually perform services may be very small in comparison to the hours we are on-call. Some escorts, for instance, are expected by their employers to be on-call 24/7. But at the end of the week, they’ve only worked three to ten hours. The hard part is having a life. Get to your kids dance recital? How about a few hours of uninterrupted sleep? Good luck!

Exotic dancers are not required to be on call, but sometimes find themselves blacklisted for saying no to a gig. Many dancers get around this issue by booking through several agencies and switching whenever a conflict arises with one of them. After awhile, the cranky agency will forget about it and be glad to hear from you when you call again.

A show may only last 18 minutes but the exotic dancer often works 10 to 13 hour shifts. The time between shows is rarely enough to engage in meaningful activities.

Don’t underestimate the power of a psychological break. Being on-call or at work between sessions/shows, is NOT time off work. Only you know how burnt out you get without a break. Be good to yourself.

Security

You know that big, lovable guy friend of yours who never has a job? Put him to work as your security. Yeah, it sucks to take a cut off the top. But it’s easier to give it up because he’s your friend. You’ll feel more confident and comfortable knowing you’ve got back up if you need it.

Adult Film Studios

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Before applying for an adult film position, find out either the name of the company, or the name of the person hiring. Google search their names. Check out their web sites. Go to online forums for sex workers to read reviews. Ask others in the industry what they know.

If they are offering a huge amount of money, it is probably too good to be true. Call around, look at newspaper ads, or look at online listings such as Craigslist to see what the going pay range is.

Create a list of what activities you are willing to do. Ask the business owner what will be required of you, how long the shoot will be, and how much the pay will be. Try to negotiate your pay or the activities you’re expected to perform before the shoot.

Get regular STI checks from clinics or your doctor and get a photocopy of the results to bring in for work. You will need ID to show the doctor to get your results. Most companies require testing every one to six months. Ask about this in advance to get the ball rolling before commencing work, so you will be prepared. It usually takes one week to get results.

Have two pieces of government issued ID available at the time of the shoot. If they do not ask for ID then they could be pedophiles that film kiddie porn. Or they could be setting you up for a snuff film where you will be killed during the shoot. Do not trust anyone who does not require ID.

Most professional film companies do not allow performers to bring accompaniments to the shoot. It's always worth asking though.

Use a 'spotter.' Whether it is a driver outside or someone you can text. When texting, contact your spotter every hour or two so they know you are safe during the filming / photography session. Make sure the spotter knows the producer’s name, address and phone number so police can be called if your texts stop coming and the performer won't answer the phone.

Leave a paper trail of where you are going. Email your spotter or a friend the location of the shoot as well as other information such as the name of the company, email address of the business owner, pertinent phone numbers and dates of the shoot. This way, if communication is lost somehow, the police can be called to intervene.

After you have had naked images of yourself spread across the Internet, prepare to be noticed in public. Some people may embarrass you publicly, disrespect your privacy, and act inappropriately. Stick to familiar places and find ways to maintain personal safety. This could be buying a guard dog, getting a tough-ass lover, hanging out at safe public locations when alone, and having a cell phone on hand at all times. There are serial killers who prey on those in the sex industry. Adult film performers are no exception.

When choosing adult film work, there are many options for employment. Some are safer than others. Solo work using your own toys is the safest way to not get an STI. There are many fetish sites that film only your feet, your armpit, bubble blowing or other interesting activites, that are very safe forms of employment. Working for an exhibitionist / voyeur shoot is great too as it could be a shoot of you changing in a change room, or a camera under a desk watching you open your legs.

If you are going to do sexual activities, check before the shoot if the company does bareback shoots, or if condoms are worn. Ask if dental dams are used during pussy eating scenes. Ask if you can use condoms during blowjobs. If barriers are not used, then there is a high risk of contracting diseases. Even kissing is unsafe, as many people have the herpes virus that causes cold sores. Only choose sexual work that takes as many health precautions as possible. Safe sex can still be sexy to watch.

If you have a violent situation occur on set, phone police or post reviews onto online forums to warn others. If there is a bad date sheet for escorts, report the incident to be put on there. Many industry workers cross over into other industries. When posting about violent situations, do it in a way that doesn't disclose who you are as the person reporting. This will help you to avoid repercussions from the community.

Webcam and Internet Safety

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Some webcam entertainers work in an office setting with a computer and a bed in each room.

To prevent an exchange of bodily fluids from previous workers:

Put your own plastic cover on keyboard.
Bring Lysol disinfectant spray to spray on office phones used communally for webcam with phone sex shows.
Bring your own clean sheets and bedding to your cubicle.
Bring lots of your own toys and costumes. Cover toys with condoms if you are sharing.

It’s easy to be "on" for long periods of time, especially if you are in the comfort of your own home. But it's still a job and can be physically, mentally and emotionally draining. Take breaks. Set regular hours for yourself. Be prepared for busy times and slow times. Pace yourself. Watch your posture. Drink water. Eat meals. Get enough sleep.

Many webcam clients live in remote areas with few sex workers, so the only way they can get workers to visit them is if they pay all the costs. If a webcam client wants to send you money to travel somewhere for an actual live sex work session, take as many precautions as possible. Make them pay up front, give you their real names, and pay for your accommodations.

Internet Safety

If you are running a web service of any kind from home, make sure you have a firewall and an antivirus system to protect yourself from hackers.

If you are using wireless Internet in your home, make sure it is secure. Others can easily log onto unsecured wireless Internet connections and post information on the Internet that would lead back to you. You don’t want police showing up to your dungeon because of someone else’s actions.

As anyone can look up the owner of a web site domain name, it's also wise to make sure that your personal information posted is either blocked (with a third party service) or uses a P.O. Box address. Sometimes your web host company will replace your contact information with theirs. Just tell them that you are concerned about your personal information being available to the public.

Although there are tricks to make it difficult for others to copy your photographs from websites, there is really no foolproof way of doing it. Clients can easily do screen captures of anything they see on the Internet.

Masking an IP Address
By Parched Mosquito

You can mask an IP address by placing a middleman computer between yourself and the "Internet." The most common way of doing this is to use a household router. A common router is a stripped down computer that handles all Internet traffic to and from your house before your Internet service provider sees it. Your individual computers connected to the router are not visible to others on the Internet, but the router itself is.

To move this into a context that could hide your webcam traffic, you would need to place a computer on the Internet that can do two things:

NAT (this is what your router does) and VPN. VPN is a secure connection between computers, across networks and media (media meaning transmission media like wires, fibre optics, and such).

After setting up a middleman computer, you use VPN to securely connect to the middleman computer. The middleman then translates your IP address and network requests between the communicating computers. In the case of the webcam, the broadcaster and receiver.

However, this will not prevent some people, such as "the authorities" from discovering your computer trail. But it will stop most "script kiddie hackers" in their tracks.

Most freely available versions of Linux can act as this so called middleman computer. Windows (server) can also do this, but it costs money.

At the very least, place a router between you and the Internet and turn on all the security settings. That way, the only information someone might get from you is what the Internet service provider can provide, i.e. subscriber info.

It is possible to break into these routers, which is why you can setup your own "router" using a dedicated Linux system computer. Very, very secure. But not for everyone as it requires in depth knowledge of network protocols, topology and Linux.

Ensuring Your Computer is Secure
By Thomas Covenant

This article is divided in two sections:

1. The threats you face and why you want to secure your computer
2. An easy to implement approach to give you some security.

Legal Disclaimer: The information provided is general and intended for “newbies." The discussion is current as of November 2009. It is impossible to have a totally secure system so it is critical to have your important files backed up.

The threat and why you want to secure your computer.

The world is connected via the internet; you can hardly have a functional computer without access to the internet.

There are very bright people on the internet who spend their entire day building “threats." Let’s call them “Crackers.” If you read the newspaper you will have read about viruses, trojan horses, spoofing, spyware, malware and others. You can spend weeks looking at the differences between these different items but the common thread is …

Someone has control over your computer.

This is bad. A key-logger can record your password and banking information. A virus will try to attach itself to your e-mails, your computer might be part of a zombie network.

This is just a tip of the iceberg of badness.

An easy to implement approach to give you some security

If you are using Shaw then use their Shaw Secure program. If you have a problem then Shaw “might” be able to help you. Cleaning up a compromised computer is tricky and time consuming and you cannot be sure that the problem is fixed. A quick solution is to reformat your hard drive which means you will have lost any personal information.

Therefore: You have to have a backup of your important files.

You should have an anti-virus and a fire wall program.

The anti-virus and fire wall program will scan your computer and hopefully identify malware etc before they install. Microsoft offers Windows Defender which is free, but you can also use AVG Antivirus, or some commercial programs like Norton or Kapersky security products.

You should also make sure that your computer software is up-to-date.

Many threats will use a weakness in the program to gain access to your machine.

Microsoft will update its software on the second Tuesday of every month.

Sometimes there is a large update and your computer will be running very slowly as the updates download and install.

Secunia software checker and Filehippo software update checkers are useful for non-Microsoft programs like Adobe, Firefox. etc. They will scan your computer and tell you if there is a revised program which you can download.

Another useful program is Belarc Advisor. It will do an audit of your PC and post the result in your browser window. It will tell you if you have missed any key Microsoft security updates.

Running a lean computer

Malware needs a place to hide. If you have a machine with lots of old programs that you don’t use you might want to clear them out. Even your casual internet surfing generates a lot of temporary files. Using a program like Crap Cleaner is useful as it clears out a lot of clutter so the anti-virus scanners will run faster.

You have to be aware and become pro-active

I have seen a lot of compromised systems where the problem was identified and then ignored. (Usually teenagers closing error messages resulting in massive spy-bot invasions). If you see an error message, maybe write it down and google it and see what others have found. You should also avoid wandering into “dangerous territory.” Warez programs (hacked computer programs ) are famous for adding a virus to their wares.

Also be cautious about opening emails from strangers that have attachments.

Concluding Comments

Being on the internet involves an element of risk. Your best defense is knowledge and some reliable software.

Hopefully this article is a start. Computer security is a huge topic and it is continually evolving. Knowing your computer, using the programs suggested and understanding the reports and error messages is vital. Google a lot … someone has seen your problem before and hopefully you can avoid more serious problems.

Passwords and Backup
By Thomas Covenant

Legal Disclaimer: The information provided is general and intended for “newbie’s”. The discussion is current as of November 2009. It is impossible to have a totally secure system so it is critical to have your important files backed up.

Passwords

Sooner or later you will have to secure “something” on your computer, be it your screensaver, router, hotmail account, your dating service, or more importantly your banking information. The password is intended to limit access to the particular program or device, so don’t write your password on a post it note attached to your computer screen, or on the desk blotter or give it to your kids or co-worker.

Now there are people on the internet who would like to find your password, let’s call them “Crackers." The motivation for finding out your password ranges from the “challenge of figuring it out” to the creep who wants to read your email to the professional thief who wants to clean out your PayPal account. Most of the work is done by computer programs so the “Cracker” can scan many computers in the hope that there will be a few with the doors left open. (There always are a few.)

So it is important to have a pretty good password that isn’t easily “cracked” but still easy for you to remember and type in.

There have been studies made of what people use for passwords, favorites are “ASDF,” “AAA," "1234,” your kids name, special dates in your life, and “God,” just to name a few.

Crackers can use social engineering and dictionary attacks to easily get past these passwords. Some programs like Gmail will evaluate your passwords to force you to make them stronger.

A good password has a mix of letters (lower and UPPERCASE) and numbers and maybe a ! or two. If your password was “bubblebath” maybe 6u66le6atH! might do the trick.

A good password should be easy for you to remember but difficult to guess.

It is a good idea to limit physical access to your computer or computer hardware as a Cracker can usually re-set the device back to the factory settings. There are websites listing the factory password settings for every device made.

Don’t use the same password twice if you can help it. A cracker can break your screensaver password in seconds and it would be the first choice at your bank log in page.
Don’t leave the default password active. Your router and computer may have a Guest account with the password “Guest." And don’t leave your password blank.

Backup

Introduction and Key Concepts

The average computer user has heard of “backup” but their computer usually has failed before they got the chance to “back things up."

It is critical that you back up files that can’t be remade such as the family photo album. It is also critical that you store the backup somewhere safe. (If your house burns down for instance.) And you have to ensure that the backup actually works.

Some people download their photos to the computer, burn a CD and have the best photos printed. If the computer crashes they still have the printed photo and they can rebuild the library from CD. If the CD’s were stored at your parent’s house then your data would be fairly safe. (Hopefully there isn’t a flood or earthquake.) You also have to hope that your computer can still read the back up medium - remember the 3 and ½ inch floppy disk?

More adventuresome people might backup their desktop to their laptop, with the hope that the laptop will survive it’s next drop.

You will also have to remember that burned CD’s or DVD’s will not last forever, and hopefully the JPEG format for pictures will still be around in 2020.

If your family photo album is small you might be able to put the backup onto an 8 GIG flash drive. Or if you have a large photo collection you will need an external disk drive.

Having two backups is a good idea. If your computer fails then you have two threads to recover your lost data.

Backup software.

I’m currently using SyncBack which is a freeware program and it allows for backup or synchronization. Microsoft also has a similar product.

If you have added pictures to your photo album you can run the program to just backup the photos that are new (an incremental backup).

If you have a laptop and a desktop and are putting photos on whatever is handiest at the moment then the synchronization feature is really handy as it looks at both sources and automatically copies the missing photos to the other machine.

Backup needs to be done.

Every hard disk will eventually fail and every computer will become obsolete. Hopefully your family photo albums will keep pace with the changes in technology. Having backups that work and that you can recover from is important.

Strip Clubs

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Stages

The stage can be a dangerous place to be when you’re wearing stilettos. Especially if it is the first time you’ve gotten up on this particular stage. You need to watch for holes in the floor, speakers that are hanging low enough to bang your head on them, hanging wires from the lighting, and slippery or sticky spots where you step.

Stages with floor lighting are quite slippery in spots. An otherwise safe stage can become hazardous after a performance with candles or oils. Don’t feel bad if you need to walk off a stage and explain to the DJ that it is too slippery to perform on.

Stages that are covered in carpet can be difficult to dance on in heels. It takes a bit of getting used to. Your heels may snag on torn parts of the carpet, so be careful.

Don’t allow customers to place their drinks or belongings on the edge of the stage, where you might trip over them. If a customer is belligerent and you feel safe enough to do it, simply take the item away and put it at the back of the stage until the end of your show.

In Alberta and some other place, it is customary for patrons to engage in the "loonie/twonie" toss. Sometimes this is done to tip the performer for her standard performance. Other times, a performer may play games with the audience so they can win posters and other promotional items if they have good aim. This practice can be dangerous if patrons throw the coins too hard, heat them up causing the performers to be burned by the coins, or hitting the perfomers in vulnerable places on their bodies.

Hotel Rooms / Accommodations

Dancers are often provided with accommodations in the adjoining hotel of the club where they are working. In other situations, you may have a dancer suite or house with your own bedrooms but shared kitchen and bathrooms.

Depending on the club, you will either pay for your accommodations or they’ll be free. Some clubs will have a housekeeping fee or other ways to reduce your paycheque. It’s good to ask ahead of time if the club has any extra fees.

You may be expected to share a room. This can be problematic if one of you smokes and the other doesn’t, or if you have a private health problem that is hard to hide in a shared room. If it’s not a good fit, you could be in for a really bad week.

To avoid such risks, ask your agent or the club before booking a gig if you will get your own room. If not, you could ask about paying extra for your own room.

Your agent might tell you who else is working so you can avoid sharing a room with someone you don’t get along with. You could also ask a friend to work that gig with you and share the room together. Or you could turn down the booking altogether.

Do not answer the door unless you who is on the other side and trust them implicitly. This includes bar-staff.

Security

Some clubs have not changed the locks to the accommodations for their dancers in years, if ever. There’s been many occasions when dancers have had complete strangers walk into their rooms, or had their belongings stolen from their hotel rooms or the change rooms while they are performing.

Let the clubs know if anything like that happens to you and advise them to change their locks. If you do not feel safe, consider leaving. You could rent your own room in the same hotel, or at another nearby hotel. Or you could risk getting blacklisted for a while and walk out on the gig. Your safety is more important than your paycheque.

Be aware that some accommodations do not provide telephones. If you have a cell phone, keep it charged at all times. Remember that even a cell phone that does not have service can be used to call 911 as long as it is charged.

Cleanliness

Some hotel rooms are very clean, and others should be condemned. Some of the worst hotel rooms will have mouse droppings, cockroach problems, or bedbugs.

It is a good idea to bring your own bedding along so you don’t have to sleep with someone else’s hair that is threaded through the hotel sheets tickling your neck all night.

You should also bring all your own toiletries, including toilet paper (in case theirs is like sandpaper) and soap. And if you like your baths, some cleaner and rags might be a godsend. Of course, you can always go shopping for these things in a pinch.

Some dancers have found allergy pills will help them get through weeks where the rooms have mould in them. You can sometimes smell mould – it’s a musty, damp odour. Other times you may not know it is there.

Fire Safety

As we all know, strip clubs are often run out of very old buildings that are not maintained. This means deteriorated electrical systems and smoke detectors that don’t work. The fire risk in strip clubs must be high since so many clubs have burned down to the ground.

Be very careful with cigarette butts, candles, or anything else you are burning in your room. Unplug your hair appliances when you’re done with them. Keep your costumes organized so you can grab them and run as it’s unlikely they will be covered under a hotel or club insurance policy. If you can afford house insurance, you can list your costumes for coverage and that coverage will extend to theft from a location outside your home, such as from a car or hotel.

Pole

Keep yourself and others safe by washing your hands before every show. This will prevent hand lotion, tanning lotion, and sweaty palms from getting the pole dirty or slippery.

Avoid moves that cause your anus or vulva to touch the pole. This is a common courtesy among entertainers that is expected of you.

If you do a show that involves some kind of substance that makes the stage or pole slippery or messy in any way – clean up thoroughly after your show out of respect for the following performers.

Don’t lick the pole. It is full of bacteria from the hands of numerous other dancers (and who knows who else when the club is closed).

Feel free to go up and clean the pole yourself before the club opens. At least you’ll know it’s been cleaned every day. Some dancers clean the pole before all their shows.

Towel

Carry a towel when you’re in the club in costume. Lay it down on chairs before you sit. This will reduce ass pimples and goddess knows what else.

Blanket

Buy a blanket that has two different sides. Use one side for the stage and one side for your body, so you will always have the dirty side down. Wash your blanket once or twice a week, if possible. A blanket that will slide easily on the stage is a nice choice. Some dancers even make their own blankets with their names on them.

Avoid white or neon fun fur. The fur comes off and sticks to your coochie and glows. White also picks up leftover paint from paint shows and looks grungy in no time.

In the Club

Watch your drink at all times. Even barstaff have been known to drug the performers.

Travelling for Work

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If you travel to work, here are some great safety precautions you can take.

Have friends know where you are staying, who you are working for and what types of work you are participating in.
Check in with friends frequently, so they know you are okay.
Forward all emails from business owners to your friends to leave a paper trail of your work plans.
Try to avoid hitchhiking. Or at the very least, don’t do it alone.
Travel with a colleague.

Don’t Leave Home Without It

We all know workspaces in this industry can be a little on the grungy side. Many of us have shown up to find our accommodations more appalling than appealing. Here is a list of things to take on the road, if you’d like to make your stay as comfortable as possible. Don’t leave home without it…

Toilet paper from home (better than the sandpaper you find in most hotels)
Towels
Tampons, if applicable
Soap
Small cooler (for fresh fruit and veggies)
Bedding for a queen size mattress (you can always put it on a smaller bed)
Portable heater in winter
Hand sanitizer for rooms with no hot water
Hot plate for inexpensive meals
Phone cards
Teddy bear
Phone charger
Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen (try finding that in a small town at 4 am)
List of known contacts in the area you are visiting
Emergency money and plan
Mirror
Earplugs
Camping foam pad in case your mattress sucks
Crazy glue to fix boots (black permanent marker and black electrical tape are also useful for boots)
Scissors
Travel mug and teabags – hot water’s not too hard to find and it’s free
Kettle that doubles as a soup heater (inexpensive to purchase)
Plate, bowl, cutlery, a little bottle of dish soap and a sponge
Lots of dried goods for snacks
Favourite jeans, big comfy sweater and boots for your day off
Something that reminds you of home, a picture or clock or candle can make a lonely night better
Camera
Mini-sewing kit and safety pins
Pictures of your kids
Sage to give the room a little smudge/cleaning.

Work items you don’t want to forget:

Costumes
Music
Promo
Wet wipes
Own toys or equipment
Safety supplies (gloves, condoms)
Lube
Make-up
Shoes

Bedbugs

You should check for bedbugs before settling into your room whether it’s a dive or the Hilton. Look for bedbug poo – dark spotting and staining on the mattresses. You may also see eggs and eggshells, moulted skins of maturing nymphs, and the bugs themselves, which are about 1/4 inch long and reddish brown, with oval, flattened bodies.

To reduce the chances of bedbugs getting into your suitcase, keep it off the floor on a suitcase stand or something. When you pack to leave, first inspect your luggage carefully and inspect every item as you pack to help detect any bugs or their signs.

If you find bedbugs in your room, wash all cloth items in hot water and detergent followed by drying on low heat for at least 20 minutes (or standard dry cleaning). Sealing freshly-laundered items inside a plastic bag should help keep any more bed bugs from getting in those items (and being carried back home with you).

Bedbugs do hide in the seams and under the material of cloth bags and suitcases. If you find you are always dealing with bedbugs, you may want to get rid of your luggage. If you are on the road and want to get rid of your luggage, you can purchase new luggage or garbage bags to carry your belongings home.

Air Travel

It’s hard to remember all the rules about air travel, but there are some things we should know. For instance, don’t carry on luggage with anything you don't want taken out for the public to see, such as big black dildos or granny porn mags. Sometimes it’s just easier to ship big props or promo by Greyhound in advance.

Luggage advice (from Air Canada website - airline rules may vary):

For checked luggage, wrap personal items like toothbrushes and sex toys in clear plastic bags so that the security guards hands don’t touch them (in case of an inspection).
Pack all camera film in your carry-on baggage. Camera film under 800 ASA/ISO will not be damaged by equipment at the pre-board screening checkpoint
There is a maximum of one lighter per person allowed, so if you have 500 lighters with your sexy photo on them, don’t try to bring them on the plane.
Pointy scissors are not allowed in carry-on luggage but you can bring them in your checked luggage.
You can bring forks and spoons in your carry-on but knives must be packed with checked-in luggage.
Strike-anywhere matches and bleach are not allowed in carry-on or checked luggage.
Sharp items in checked luggage should be wrapped or sheathed to prevent injury in case of inspection.
Handcuffs can go into checked luggage, but not carry-on.

Be aware of restrictions on any props you might be carrying. For example you cannot fly with gunpowder in any quantity. Make sure any props are clean and free of residue. Don't have anything for pyro shows in your luggage. Poi or fire wands should be clean, dry and free of residue, if at all possible. If you line the bottom of your suitcase with the wands (in line with the metal tracks of the suitcase) in makes for less questions.

Send large props, contest gear, and other supplies by Greyhound.

Example of an air travel list of by a Professional Dominatrix:

One whip that has no metal on it
One pair of work shoes - usually clear so they match everything
One formal dinner outfit
One track suit and runners for the plane/travelling
Three squishy work outfits that can be steamed (usually lingerie that is dominant looking - i.e. bustier)
Blow-dryer and curling iron
My own rope
Travel size steamer
Some speakers (small enough to fit in carry-on luggage, able to charge an Ipod, and amplify music when working).
First aid kit
Health/safety supplies
Cleaning supplies (minus the bleach)

Working in Small Towns

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In small towns the streets are meaner, the rates are lower, and the competition is fierce. People can also be very judgemental.

If you’re the only stripper in a one-horse town, they will know why you’re there and may treat you poorly. Blending in to the crowds will help you get through your stay a little easier. (Just bring your best throwback from the eighties and you’ll fit right in.)

For trans workers, small towns can be downright dangerous. No matter who we are, our best bet is to smile and walk on by when faced with discrimination from others. And be very discreet about our work.

In a small town, we are more likely to run into a client in public – like at the grocery store – and we are more likely to have someone we know respond to our ad – like a teacher from a high school.

Small towns are sometimes very isolated A few minutes out of town and you are alone on a highway. Not a safe place to be if you find out your date is actually a predator.

Be aware if you are taking the Greyhound to a small town at night, you may arrive there and find that there aren’t any cabs. Nothing is open. And you’re all alone. Try to arrange rides in advance through your agent, or call cab companies ahead of time.

If you think your cab driver is sketchy, you can discourage him from trying anything by getting him to take you to a bank machine where he will be seen on camera while you’re withdrawing money.

Not all rural communities have a stroll, so street-based workers may have trouble locating a workspace. There are also usually fewer resources than in bigger cities – less chance of finding sex worker organizations or needle exchanges.

While most sex industry workers say the money is better in larger cities, money can be good in smaller towns, especially when they are located near work camps or oilrigs. Being a new face in a small town can also generate business for you.

Costumes and Supplies

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Costumes

To keep your costumes in good condition, clean them within a week of wearing them. Hang them, fold them, or roll them gently. And keep them separated in re-sealable bags, or on hangers. If you wear panty hose, keep extras with you in case you get runs in them.

It may be okay to clean some costumes in a washing machine on gentle cycle or in a mesh lingerie bag, but if you’re not sure, don’t take the chance. To avoid damage to your costumes, hand wash them, roll them up in dry towels to absorb excess moisture, then hang or lay flat to dry. Use light soaps, not strong detergents, to ensure durability.

Be aware that stains are often impossible to remove from PVC. So wash colours separately. And hang everything to dry. It will lengthen the life of your costumes.

An alternative would be to purchase a mini, portable washing machine. It works great for hand-washables and only costs about fifty bucks. It is also environmentally friendly, as it does not use electricity.

Shoes

Some advice for getting the most out of your shoes:

Use black electrical tape to hold black boots together in a pinch.
Use black permanent marker to mask scuff marks on black shoes.
Get a grip put on the bottom of your shoes at a shoe repair place if they are too slippery. This is inexpensive.

Supplies

Many agencies, bathhouses, and other sex industry businesses provide supplies such as condoms, towels, and sex toys for workers.

If you work independently or your agency does not provide supplies, this responsibility will fall to you. Supplies can get expensive, but some are available for free, if you’re willing to look around.

Look for a sex worker organization in your area. This is a good place to get free condoms, dental dams, and lubes. Needle exchanges provide free condoms and lubes, as well as needles (for safe drug use and/or needle play). Some organizations also provide alcohol swabs and latex gloves.

Professional escort services may provide fresh covers for the bed, washcloths, and towels. Some will even include several kinds of liquid soaps, shampoos, and face wash in the shower; in addition to baby wipes, hand soap, mouthwash and Dixie cups.

Sex Toys

Other supplies include work toys, such as vibrators, dildos, or strap-ons. Make sure you use condoms on your sex toys to prevent STI transmission and for general comfort. (Some cleaners may irritate skin.) Tie the loose end, if you can, to provide a complete barrier. Then change condoms every time you change partners or the area of the body you are penetrating with the toy. Use plenty of lubrication to prevent the condom from breaking.

The best kinds of sex toys are ones that are 100% silicone. They are a little more expensive, but they last longer, they’re hypoallergenic, and they’re easy to clean. Many other toys are made out of soft, porous materials that are impossible to sterilize completely and put you at risk of infection even if you don’t share your tools. You can tell if a toy is silicone by its smell – it doesn’t have one. The smelly toys are the ones to avoid.

Cleaning Your Supplies

There are various ways to clean your supplies depending on what they are. It is always recommended to let your toys dry (preferably overnight) before using them again.

Boiling Water

Supplies made out of silicone, medical-grade stainless steel, glass, and polished stone can be boiled or put in a dishwasher.

Bleach

You can also clean supplies in a bleach and water solution (one part bleach, ten parts water) which will kill almost all viruses, bacteria, and fungi. The solution loses its effectiveness after 24 hours, so make a new solution daily.

Use this solution to clean up body fluids on the dungeon floor, bathtub or other surfaces. After using bleach, rinse with soap and water to avoid burning your skin.

Precept Tablets

For most supplies, you can put 2 precept tablets in 3 litres of hot water. Soak your tools in it for an hour before rinsing well with water.

Cleaning Metals

Use a pressure cooker for supplies made of metal. Get the water boiling for 15 minutes and add a few drops of bleach. Another method is to use rubbing alcohol and water for stainless steel and brass.

Hydrogen Peroxide for Leather

Leather items, such as whips, riding crops, and handcuffs can be cleaned with water and soap, using a bristle brush. Smooth on hydrogen peroxide, then let dry. Be sure to use a leather conditioner once the item is dry to prevent cracks and lengthen the life of your leather products.

Hydrogen Peroxide is also good for cleaning pleather and PVC.

Storage

Store your tools in clean, re-sealable plastic bags.

Safety Advice for Everyone

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“Don’t work desperate, if you can help it. Somehow all my bad dates happened when I was really desperate for money.”

“Be sure of yourself and strong. You attract what you give off. Act weak and the predators come.”

“TRUST YOUR GUT. If it says “suspicion” or “danger” – get the hell out of there fast.”

“Don’t accept drinks from clients unless you watched them being poured and are sure they’ve not been spiked.”

“Always get your money up front. Once the client finishes the sex act (or the dance is over, etc) they may no longer be willing to pay.”

“Hide your money in your boot but make it appear you put it somewhere else like your purse. Or you could hide the money in a drawer or behind the mirror while the client is busy getting naked. The client will sometimes attempt to take the money back after the session is over.”

“Stilettos are a weapon – kick like crazy!”

“If possible, get security to walk you out when you’re leaving a workspace – this will protect you from being robbed or worse.”

"Present a strong front. They can sense fear and weakness."

"Being louder and more obnoxious than the customer was effective in stopping unwanted behaviours. Threatening violence always shut them up fast too."

"Take self defense course and learn de-escalation techniques."

Chapter 8 - Intro

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As members of this world, we have rights and responsibilities. Our rights and responsibilities are outlined in laws and human rights legislation (discussed later in this chapter).

However, due to stigma, sex industry workers are sometimes denied our legal rights, or treated so poorly that we don’t demand them. This chapter explains our rights, laws that impact us, and what we can do when our rights are violated.

All of the sections of this chapter except “Interactions with Police and Criminal Justice” were donated by Pivot Legal Society.

Words with *asterixes* are defined in the glossary section, at the end of this chapter.

The Law and Sex Work

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S. 210 and 211 “The Bawdy-house Provisions”

This section of the Criminal Code makes it illegal for anyone to run a bawdy-house, work in a bawdy-house, be found in a bawdy-house or allow someone else to run a bawdy-house.

A bawdy-house* is defined as anyplace used ‘for the purpose of prostitution or the practice of acts of indecency.’ This means a brothel or any place used regularly by one ore more people, including a hotel room, your home or even the same parking lot.

‘For the purpose of prostitution’ can mean doing anything with the intention of turning on or offering sex to a client in exchange for money. Offering sex includes saying you will do something sexual, saying you have sex with other clients, or touching yourself in a sexual manner.

Often police will go undercover posing as clients using different officers on different days to show a bawdy-house exists, or they will observe people coming or going from a certain location regularly.

Keeping a common bawdy house:

If police obtain a warrant* and enter a location on suspicion of it being a bawdy-house, they can arrest anyone who is inside. Those considered to be the ‘managers’ or owners of in-call services can be charged with ‘keeping a common bawdy-house,’ S. 210(1). This person does not have to own or rent the space. It is enough to have ads, a land phone line, or keys to the place. This is an indictable offence*, meaning a conviction can lead to imprisonment for up to two years, though most people receive a fine.

As bawdy-houses are businesses and make money, running one can be considered an ‘enterprise crime*,’ meaning any money earned and anything bought with that money could be considered ‘proceeds of crime*.’ You could be charged with ‘possession of the proceeds of crime’ and all of these items could be seized unless you can prove you bought them with money you earned legally.

Inmate of a common bawdy house:

People found living or working in a bawdy-house can be charged with being an ‘inmate of a common bawdy house,’ S. 210(2)(a). People visiting a bawdy-house can be charged with ‘being found, without lawful excuse, in a common bawdy-house,’ S. 210(2)(a). This is also a summary offence* and is often used to prosecute clients, as well as receptionists and maids.

Knowingly permitting the premises to be used as a common bawdy-house:
If you own or rent a property and allow it to be used as a bawdy-house you can be charged with ‘knowingly permitting the premises to be used as a common bawdy-house,’ S. 210(2)(c).

The offences of being an inmate of a bawdy-house, being found in a bawdy house without lawful excuse, and knowingly permitting the premises to be used as a bawdy-house are summary offences that can lead to a sentence of up to 6 months in prison or a fine up to $2000.

If you work regularly out of your rented apartment or home and your landlord finds out, you are likely to be evicted as landlords can be charged under S. 210(2)(c). Landlords are allowed to evict tenants if they become aware that illegal activities are taking place on the property.

S. 211 makes it illegal to take someone, or offer to take someone, to a place that you know is a bawdy-house or to even tell someone where a bawdy-house is.

S. 212 “The Procuring Provisions and Living off the Avails”

This section of the Criminal Code addresses procuring* and makes it illegal for anyone to introduce or influence another person into sex work. It also makes it illegal to take a fee for referring someone to another sex worker or for providing protection. It is also illegal to hide a person in or take a person to bawdy-house, or to give a person drugs or alcohol to induce them to engage in sex work.

Finally, this section makes it illegal to ‘live on the avails of prostitution,’ meaning if you support a partner, adult child, friend or even in some cases a roommate, in part or in full, they could be charged with this offence. Previous cases have attempted to restrict prosecution under this provision to ‘parasitic relationships’ but it could still affect anyone supported by a sex worker.

Procuring is an indictable offence, meaning you can be sentenced for up 10 years, or possibly longer if the sex worker or the person being “procured” is under 18 years of age.

S. 213 “The Communicating Provisions”

This section of the Criminal Code makes it illegal for anyone who is in a public place, a place open to the public, or a place in public view, from ‘communicating, or attempting to communicate, to any person in any manner, for the purpose of prostitution.’ This includes stopping a vehicle or person on the street.

A ‘public place*’ is defined as anywhere the public has access to or where someone can or might be able to see you. Even a private place can be considered public if you can be seen through an open door or an uncovered window. Cars, hotel lobbies, bars, the street are all considered public places. Pay phone or cell phone conversations where other people can hear you could be considered communicating in public.

Communicating is a summary conviction offence resulting in up to a $2000 fine and/or 6 months in jail. If charged you should get an appearance notice* and be let go, unless you have no ID with you, have outstanding charges*, or have breached bail or some other court order.

Working safely and legally?

You can’t be charged with ‘communicating’ if you are not discussing prices and services in a public place. If negotiation occurs in a hotel room or anywhere that is not a public place, you cannot be charged with communicating. If you set a date up by phone from your home with a regular client, you won’t be charged with communicating.

Saying that you only charge for a period of time, instead of for a specific service, will not prevent being charged/ found guilty of communicating, especially if you are found on a known stroll. Cell phone conversations occurring in public and pay phones are considered “public.” You can be charged with communicating for negotiating over the phone. If setting up appointments, it is better to use a home phone or cell phone in a private place, such as at home.

Adults exchanging sex for money is not illegal in Canada. Going to see a client at his home or a hotel room is not illegal. If this client regularly has sex workers over to the same place though, you both could be charged under the bawdy-house provisions if you are found there, though this rarely happens.

Often, undercover police officers pose as clients in order to arrest sex workers for communicating. You can be charged even if the police officer tells you they are not a cop, shows you identification and even if he sexually touches himself or you.

Entrapment* is a legal term used in the United States, meaning being tricked into committing a crime by the police. This defense can only be used in Canada if a police officer behaves in a manner that forces you to do something you would never have done under normal circumstances.

The Law and BDSM and Fetish Work

2009-11-14T17:10:00.001-08:00

See the above section, The Law and Sex Work, for an introduction to the Criminal Code provisions related to prostitution and bawdy-houses.

Dungeons* or other venues can be considered bawdy-houses if the sale of sexual services or regular indecent acts occur there.

The definition of ‘indecent act*’ is not exact and is decided in court based on community standards of tolerance*, or what the community would find it acceptable for other members of the community to do or see. The Courts take into account the possible harmfulness or anti-social behaviour that could result from viewing or participating in the act, as well as the circumstances.

The Law and Performers

2009-11-14T17:08:00.000-08:00

Section 173 “Indecent Acts”

This section makes it illegal to willfully do an indecent act in a public place if there is one or more person there, or in any place if your intent is to insult or offend another person. This is a summary offence.

The courts have ruled that masturbating in a public place and sexual touching (mutual masturbation) between a dancer and client are indecent acts. In contrast, swingers clubs were determined not to be indecent as they took place in private venues and involved consenting adults. As well, lap dances are allowed in most areas as long as it does not involve sexual touching. Most cities, as well as most clubs have their own rules or by-laws.

In Vancouver, all clubs with exotic dance performances must be licensed under the Liquor Control and Licensing Act. This act defines three types of performers that it regulates: strippers*, which are defined as entertainers who take their clothes off during a performance; exotic dancers*, entertainers who do not necessarily take their clothes off during a performance, and adult-oriented performers*, defined as entertainers who perform adult dramatic, artistic or other types of adult-oriented activities.

In Vancover, bars with such performances can’t be open between 2am and 8am. These regulations say that there cannot be any live, realistic or simulated sex acts or any acts that involve simulated or real coercion or violence. Performances cannot involve inserting an object or removing an object from a performers vagina or anus and there cannot be urinating or defecating as part of an act. Performers are not allowed to use animals in their acts. No one under 19 years of age can perform in a strip club, nor can anyone under 19 watch a stripping performance. Performers are not allowed to deliberately involve patrons in adult-oriented performances or activities.

Performers are not allowed to touch or share food or beverages with other performers or with the audience during their act. In fact, it is prohibited for performers to drink any alcohol before, during or in between acts, though having a drink after is allowed. Entertainers must stay on stage or in an area separate from the general seating area during their performances and cannot dance on table tops.

Finally, it is prohibited for objects to be passed between performers and the audience. The exception to this rule is that exotic dancers may accept tips and pass out promotional materials as long as there is no physical (skin-to-skin) contact between the dancer and other performers or audience members.

Private dances are legal in Canada, although if they involve sexual acts (in public or in private rooms) or sexual touching, you or your employer can be subject to the Criminal Code provisions around prostitution. Many clubs have their own rules around whether contact is allowed or not and in what areas private dances may occur.

Section 167 “Immoral theatrical performance”

This section prohibits anyone from organizing or managing a theatre that allows an “immoral, indecent or obscene performance, entertainment or representation” as well as making it illegal to act, perform or assist in such a performance. Nudity alone does not make a performance immoral. Performers are most often charged under this section or S. 173 prohibiting indecent acts in public, though caution should be used in private rooms as the ‘bawdy-house provisions’ still apply. Strip clubs are considered public places as anyone can enter them, vs. private clubs, which are only open to members or parties where guests are invited, such as a stag.

The Law and HIV Disclosure

2009-11-14T17:03:00.000-08:00

The law around criminalization* of HIV disclosure* (telling a sexual partner your HIV+ status) is not clear and is constantly changing as new cases go to court. As such, it is extremely difficult to know how the law might be applied in individual circumstances, especially those experienced by sex workers.

What is clear is that if an individual knows their HIV+ status and engages in unprotected sexual intercourse* without disclosing their status to their partner, or if they lied about their status, that person can be criminally charged, though the charges depend on the facts. This person could be charged with:

Section 219 “Criminal Negligence”

If a person causes their partner bodily harm by actually transmitting the HIV virus to their sexual partner, they can be charged with criminal negligence.

Section 180 “Criminal Nuisance”

If the lives, safety, or health of the public is endangered, this charge could be laid. One does not need to actually cause harm for the offence to be committed as long as the risk was “significant”. (The definition of “significant risk” is interpreted by the court.)

Section 265(3)(c) and Section 273 “Aggravated (Sexual) Assault”

Aggravated assault is committed when the failure to disclose one’s HIV+ status or lying about one’s HIV+ status is viewed as fraud, which vitiates, or cancels, consent to sexual act. This means that if the person had known their partner’s HIV+ status, they would not have consented. Without consent, the sexual act is considered assault. An assault is aggravated when the individual wounds, mains, disfigures or endangers the life of the complainant. Like criminal nuisance, aggravated assault does not need to actually cause harm but merely requires that the life of the complainant be at risk.

Section 231 “(First Degree) Murder”

If the individual’s sexual partner dies from HIV-related health reasons, a murder charge could be laid. A first-degree murder conviction is determined if the individual had planned and deliberately exposed their sexual partner to the HIV virus without disclosing their status, or by lying, or if the individual caused death while committing an offence of aggravated sexual assault (among other offences.)

For a murder conviction, evidence is required to show that the accused had caused the deceased’s death by infecting him/her with HIV during sex and that the accused was aware of his/her HIV+ status and was aware of his/her duty to disclose. Evidence must also show that the accused meant to cause the deceased’s death or meant to cause them bodily harm that he/she was likely to cause their deaths and was reckless if their death ensued or not.

Note: At this moment in time, the laws are inconclusive on first-degree murder convictions for failing to disclose one’s HIV+ status. The decision was made by a jury this spring (2009) and the appeal has yet to be heard and decided upon.

Section 24 “Attempted Murder”

If the sexual partner of the individual who failed to disclose his/her HIV+ status has not died from HIV/AIDS-related health reasons but had their life endangered through the exposure, there can be a charge of attempted murder. Attempts of any offences are committed when the accused has the intent to cause harm, even if the offence was not completed.

You have a legal duty to disclose your HIV+ status:

In the context of unprotected vaginal sex or anal sex
When the complainant would experience a delay in discovering his/her HIV infected status if the individual does not disclose
If a woman is pregnant she has a legal duty to disclose to her medical team her HIV+ status. They need to be aware that the newborn will require HIV antiretroviral medication to reduce the risk of HIV transmission at birth and through breast-feeding.

The laws around disclosure are still unclear:

In the context of vaginal or anal sexual intercourse with a condom. However, in one case, the judge stated that even with a condom, if the viral load is detectable, the risk is significant and it is aggravated sexual assault.
If an HIV+ individual exposes their sexual partner who is also HIV+ to a risk of re-infection, and if this could significantly harm the person’s health.
In the context of drug-injecting partners sharing needles and other equipment with each other.

In short, there is a legal duty under the criminal law to disclose one’s HIV+ status when there is any ‘significant risk’ of exposure.

The Law and Escort Work

2009-11-14T17:02:00.001-08:00

Being an escort* is legal in Canada. Independent outcall escort or sex work where you visit a person’s hotel room or home is legal. If sex work is involved, communications must be made in private, in a hotel room or a home, so as not to be caught by the ‘communicating’ provision.

Third party involvement in this arrangement is illegal as it can be considered procuring, living off the avails, or if the same location is used repeatedly it could be considered a bawdy-house. Agencies often instruct their employees not to discuss prices with clients as the agency could be charged with ‘living off the avails.’

Often agencies tell clients that they are paying for the companionship or time spent with the escort, not the services, or will require an employee to sign a statement saying they will not offer sexual services and that anything else that happens is separate from the agency. However, the agency could still be charged as they thought it was likely to occur.

Employment Standards / WCB

2009-11-14T16:59:00.001-08:00

WORKERS COMPENSATION, EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS and SEX WORK

The Workers Compensation Act* benefits all employers, as employers, and all workers in British Columbia. It protects employees who are injured at work or in the course of work or who contract an occupational disease*. The Employment Standards Act* of British Columbia regulates practices around hiring, working conditions, wages, hours, vacations, and termination, among other things and aims to protect employees from exploitation.

All employees working legally in BC are protected meaning that sex workers employed in health enhancement centres, massage parlours, steam baths, body rubs or escort services should have access to the protections of this legislation. Exotic dancers, strippers and other performers, as well as phone sex operators also should be covered.

If you are an escort or other indoor sex worker and are sexually harassed by your employer, for example, you can file a complaint. If you work independently, you can apply for individual protection and pay monthly for worker’s compensation to protect you in case of injury.

As an employee-employer relationship with a sex worker is illegal and is considered procuring, ‘pimping’ or falls under the bawdy-house provisions, any sex related injuries, diseases or incidents are not covered, as only the legal aspects of your employment are protected.

Human Trafficking

2009-11-14T16:57:00.000-08:00

Citizenship and Immigration Canada* helps victims of trafficking* by securing their immigration status with a special Temporary Resident Permit (TRP)*. A TRP gives legal immigration status in Canada and may be issued for up to 180 days and can be re-issued depending on the person’s situation.

Victims of trafficking who receive a TRP are eligible for healthcare benefits and trauma counseling and may also apply for a work permit. Victims of trafficking are not required to testify against their trafficker to gain temporary or permanent residential status.

There is no fee for the initial TRP or a work permit for victims of trafficking. For more information on Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) www.cic.gc.ca or call CIC toll-free at 1-888-242-2100 (only within Canada) to find the closest CIC office.

Consent and the Law

2009-11-14T16:56:00.000-08:00

Consent is required in order to engage legally in any sexual act with another person. Consent laws have changed recently in regard to minors. The current ‘age of consent’ laws state that if you are under the age of 16 it is illegal to have sex with an adult.

There is a ‘close-in-age’ exemption which means that 14 and 15 year olds can have sex with someone who is less than 5 years older than them. If an individual is 5 or more years older than the 14 or 15 year old, consent can be allowed if the two are common-law partners or have been living in a conjugal relationship for a period of less than one year, and they had or are expecting to have a child as a result of the relationship. In addition, a person aged 12 or 13 can have sex with someone who is less than 2 years older than them as long as the relationship isn’t exploitative.

If you are under the age of 12 you cannot legally consent to sex and no person aged 12 or 13 years old will be charged with an offence of sexual interference, invitation to sexual touching or exposure unless there is a relationship of trust or authority with the complainant.

If you are under the age of 18, you can’t consent to anal sex, unless you are married, although unless there is a complaint made by one party, charges are unlikely.

There are special provisions in the Criminal Code which make it illegal to have sex in exchange for money (or other goods or services) if you are under 18, even if both people are under 18.

In all situations it is prohibited for someone in a position of trust or authority to have sex with a minor, or for sexual exploitation of a minor to occur.

Section 151 “Sexual Interference”

This section states that if one person is under 16, and the other is an adult, it is illegal for the adult to touch the minor in any way that could be considered sexual. This is a hybrid offence, so it could be treated as a summary* or indictable offence* depending on the seriousness of the incident.

Section 152 “Invitation to Sexual Touching”

This section prohibits an adult from asking for someone under 16 to touch anyone, including themselves, in a sexual way. This is also a hybrid offence.

Other Criminal Code provisions that could apply include s. 153(1) Sexual exploitation, s.160(3) Bestiality in presence of or by child or ss.173(2), 271, 272, 273 indecent exposure.

There is no defence of mistake of age. That means that it is not a defence to say that you thought that the other person was 16 years of age or older, unless you took all reasonable steps to find out how old the person really was. What ‘reasonable steps’ means is determined by the court.

Wilful blindness* (not asking a question because you’d rather not know the answer, for example, not asking someone’s age when they look quite young because you do not want to know if they are underage) or recklessness* (knowing there is a risk the other person is not consenting but continuing anyways) or self-induced intoxication* (getting very drunk) are not defences.

"Bad Date" Reporting

2009-11-14T16:53:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately most sex workers do not report bad dates to police for various reasons. They may fear being criminalized or arrested themselves, may not want to go through the court process, or may not want to have to describe in detail what happened.

There is no law to protect sex workers from being charged under the criminal laws if they want to report anything to police. Under the current law sex workers can be arrested or later charged after identifying themselves as sex workers to police. It is hard to say exactly what happens when a bad date is reported to the police as it is rarely done and the police response varies widely.

In the Vancouver area, most bad dates have been reported to the MAP (Mobile Access Project) Van, a service that is run jointly by Women’s Information Safe Haven drop-in centre (WISH) and the Prostitution Alternatives Counselling and Education Society (PACE) that travels nightly between 10:30 pm and 5:30 am to sex workers’ strolls.

You can report bad dates online to WISH using this form http://www.wish-vancouver.net/media/pdfs/BadDateReportingFormJuly08.pdf or by phone at 604-669-9474. WISH then compiles the reports and distributes bad date sheets to the Vancouver community.

A bad date sheet* usually contains the details of a violent incident in order to let other sex workers know who to watch out for. Reports usually include the place, date and time the incident occurred, as well as a description of the client and his vehicle. The sheets are printed and distributed through the MAP Van (when in service), WISH drop-in centre, PACE and other women’s organization and the Vancouver Police.

Working Temporarily in Canada

2009-11-14T16:50:00.000-08:00

If foreign workers want to work in Canada, their employer may need to get a labour market opinion* (which states that the employer can fill the job with a foreign worker) depending on the job. A work permit does not allow foreign workers to live in Canada permanently. Most people apply for work permits outside of Canada. See the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website at http://www.cic.gc.ca/.

If you want to come to Canada to work as an exotic/erotic dancer in a bar or club, you require a work permit and confirmation. These positions are categorized as ‘performing artists,’ and are now more difficult to get permits for as changes have been introduced to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to help protect vulnerable foreign workers who could become victims of exploitation. Immigration officers could then deny your permit if they think you might be vulnerable, trafficked into Canada, or exploited. See this site for more information
http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/workplaceskills/foreign_workers/ed/edbulletins.html

All temporary foreign workers employed as exotic dancers must sign an Employment Contract* for a duration of no longer than one year. The contract contains:

the wages, hours of work per day/week (a minimum of 30 hours/week is guaranteed, and foreign dancers are entitled to keep all their tips and gratuities)
the duties of the job must be limited to stage and/or table dancing and cannot include ANY physical contact with club patrons (eg. lap dancing), nor private dancing, (here ‘private’ means not in plain view from the main stage, such as behind a curtain or in a secluded booth)
the duty of the employer to assist in applying for provincial/territorial public health care insurance coverage,
workplace safety insurance coverage (for which costs cannot be charged to the dancer)
deductions payable as laid out in the law (eg. employment insurance, income tax, Canadian Pension Plan)
two-way transportation costs from and to the dancer’s home country to be covered by the employer
any costs related to the recruitment of foreign exotic dancers must be covered by the employer and cannot be charged to the dancer.

See http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/workplaceskills/foreign_workers/contracts-forms/contract-ed.shtml for instruction sheet to accompany employment contract.

Human Rights Protections

2009-11-14T16:25:00.000-08:00

Human Rights* legislation provides protection, procedures and remedies for those who have experienced discrimination and harassment. Discrimination* is any differential treatment, whether in the form of harassment, unequal pay for the same or similar work, hate propaganda etc. It is when an individual, or group of people, have been singled out and treated negatively or differentially than others due to group characteristics such as race, colour, religious belief or sexual orientation.

In Canada there is both federal (Canadian Human Rights Act*) and provincial (British Columbia Human Rights Code*) human rights legislation. The application depends on which level of government regulates a specific area. This means protection from discrimination and harassment in the public (not private) legal areas of our lives, including:

employment (including recruitment, hiring, job assignment, termination, pat rates, conditions of work and termination)
membership in trade unions and occupational, or professional associations
services and facilities that are customarily available to the public
purchase of property
tenancy
hate propaganda (including any publication or display of any notice, sign, symbol, emblem or other representation that is not private and is likely to expose a person or group to hatred or contempt)

Human rights claims can be made regarding employment that is legal in nature. Escort services, dating services, massage parlours, health enhancement centres and body-rub parlours are legal in nature and subject to city by-laws. Being employed by another person to engage in sex work is considered pimping, or “procuring,” as well as “living off the avails” and is illegal, therefore sex workers employed illegally are not protected by human rights legislation under the current law in Canada.

Under the Canadian Human Rights Act, the group characteristics that are protected from discrimination (ground of discrimination) are:

race
national or ethnic origin
colour
religion
age
sex (including sexual harassment, pregnancy discrimination and transgendered discrimination)
sexual orientation
marital status and family status
disability
conviction for an offence for which a pardon has been granted.

In BC, under our legislation the group characteristic that is protected depends on the area of protection. The protected areas are:

employment
public services & accommodation
purchase of property
tenancy

In order to file a human rights complaint, there must be:

adverse differential treatment, such as discrimination or harassment, taking place
a connection between this treatment and a protected ground of discrimination listed in the legislation
discrimination occurring in a public arena listed in the legislation

Sex Work and Contracts

2009-11-14T16:21:00.000-08:00

Employment Contract Basics

A contract* is a legally enforceable promise or agreement between two or more persons for the exchange of goods and services. There must be an intention to enter into a legally binding contract. There are no particular words or forms that must be filled out by the parties. What is required is an offer by one side and an acceptance of the offer by the other.

An employment contract does not have to be in writing. When the contract is written, there is no standardized form that makes it final. An employment contract can simply be a job offer letter that contains the key terms, which the employee accepts in writing.

A contract does not mean that employers cannot fire or lay off the employee or that employees are bound to stay at the job. The minimum length of notice required to terminate you is set out in the BC Employment Standards Act, but this time period can be extended in the contract, or if not specifically written into the contract, a court can determine how much notice is reasonable. The notice an employee is required to give before quitting can also be set out in the contract.

In order to create an employment contract, both written or verbal, the parties must mutually agree and consent to the terms and conditions of the contract. In addition, the contract must follow the minimum employment standards laid out in the Employment Standards Act as described below. This means that even if a term or condition is written in a contract, it might not be enforceable if it goes against the rules in the Act.

A contract can include:

- salary or wage and future increases
- payment details (weekly/monthly/biweekly)
- hours of work – requirement per week/month/shift
- starting time/quitting time/break time
- job title and scope of duties
- holiday entitlement
- sickness entitlement
- pension plan details
- termination of employment contract (notice period)
- post-employment obligations (confidentiality, non-solicitation etc.)

If one of the parties fails or refuses to fulfill its promise without a valid reason recognized by law, the party suffering the consequences of this breach of promise can take the other party to court for damages.

Contracts must follow statutory law such as the Criminal Code of Canada and the Employment Standards Act. This means that one cannot contract to hire a sex worker as this relationship is illegal. It also means that an employer cannot contract out of obligations under the Employment Standards Act.

Termination by the employer

“For cause*:” The employer has the right to terminate the employment of an employee with just cause, which means a legitimate reason, without any compensation pay or notice* to the employee. Employers much show that the employee has been spoken to about the behaviour forming the cause for termination and had given the employee an opportunity to correct the behaviour and was given a warning. Examples of ‘just cause’ may include:
- theft
- fraud or dishonesty
- breach of duty
- serious willful misconduct
- conflict of interest, especially if it involves provable loss to the employer
- serious breach of company rules or practices
- serious undermining of the corporate culture
- chronic absenteeism or tardiness (not showing up or always being late)
- unsatisfactory performance

“For reasonable notice:” If the employer ends the employment without cause, they must give the employee reasonable notice. This means telling them ahead of time that they won’t be working there anymore, so they have time to get another job. The minimum notice required can be written in the contract, or if it wasn’t in a contract, the Employment Standards Act of British Columbia lists what the minimum notice required is depending on how long you worked there. The court has interpreted ‘reasonable notice’ differently depending on the situation, including the type of job, the time worked there, the age of the employee and the availability of similar jobs.

No compensation is required if an employee is given advanced written notice of termination the correct number of weeks beforehand. It must be in writing. Notice or compensation is not required if:

- the employee has worked there for less than 3 months in a row
- the employee quits or retires
- the employee works on an on-call basis doing temporary assignments which she/he can reject
- the employee is employed for a definite term
- the employee is hired for specific work to be completed in 12 months or less
- it is impossible to perform the work because of some unforeseen event or circumstances
- the employee refuses reasonable alternative employment

Termination by the employee

If the employee chooses to quit and end the employment, they must give minimum notice to the employer if stated in the contract. If it is not written in the contract, it is not required under the Employment Standards Act of British Columbia to give notice of the intention to quit, however, it is common practice to give your employer one or two weeks notice.

Minimum Standards – The Employment Standards Act and Regulations:

This legislation ensures that employees in BC receive at least the basic standards of compensation and conditions of employment. This includes:

minimum wage
paydays - all employees must be paid at least twice a month and must be paid within 8 days after the end of the pay period
meal breaks - no employee to work more than 5 consecutive hours without a meal break
overtime wages - pay 1 ½ times the regular wage for time over 8 hours, unless an agreement has been made to work different average work hours
entitlements to statutory holiday and pay
leaves from work including pregnancy/parental leave, jury duty etc.
annual vacation and pay - employer must give employee an annual vacation of at least 2 weeks after 12 months of employment and 3 weeks after 5 years of employment
deduction from wages - an employer may only deduct wages as required or permitted by this Act or other legislation eg. income tax, CPP, EI
termination of employment including rules about notice - an employer may terminate an employee if sufficient written notice or compensation in lieu of notice is provided
severance pay - not required if employee quits, retires, or is terminated for just cause

Sex Work and the Internet

2009-11-14T16:17:00.000-08:00

The issue of sex work ads on the Internet has received of a lot of media attention ever since the crackdown on Craigslist. There is increasing concern that sex workers and website hosts could face legal problems if they advertise sexual services online.

Given the current state of the law in Canada, it is hard say whether sex workers could face criminal charges for advertising on the Internet. There are two Criminal Code sections that could apply to certain types of online advertising.

For example, advertising prostitution services on the Internet may violate the communication law. As stated above, this section of the Criminal Code makes it illegal for anyone who is in a public place, a place open to the public, or a place in public view, from ‘communicating, or attempting to communicate, to any person in any manner, for the purpose of prostitution.’ A ‘public place’ is defined as anywhere the public has access. To our knowledge, no one in Canada has ever been charged with communicating for the purpose of prostitution as a result of advertising sexual services on the Internet. However, sex workers should be aware of this possibility.

It is also possible that a person could be charged with procuring if he/she was using the Internet to recruit sex workers to work for him/her, or if he/she was advertising sexual services of his/her employees.

Sex workers who are engaged in webcam work or the internet adult entertainment industry should also be aware of the laws relating to obscenity. Section 163 of the Criminal Code sets out the obscenity law. It says that it is against the law to make, print, publish, distribute, circulate, or possess for the purpose of publication, distribution or circulation any obscene written matter, picture, model, phonograph record or other thing.

It is also an offence to give an “immoral, indecent or obscene” theatrical performance. The central question is what does the law consider to be “obscene”? Section 163(8) of the Criminal Code says that “any publication a dominant characteristic of which is the undue exploitation of sex, or of sex and any one or more of the following subjects, namely, crime, horror, cruelty and violence, shall be deemed to be obscene.”

The Courts have attempted to differentiate between pornography that is not harmful to society (and is legal) and pornography that is harmful (and thus illegal). The Courts have said that they will look at a range of factors including the content and the method of publication and then will determine what is “undue” exploitation (illegal) by considering community standards.

The community standards test looks at what Canadians would not tolerate being exposed to themselves and what they would not tolerate other Canadian being exposed to. The test is a flexible one because community standards are ever changing.

Unfortunately the law does not provide a clear set of guidelines as to what is and what is not legal in the online adult industry. Anyone concerned about creating content that may not meet the community standard test of what is acceptable pornographic material should get legal advice.

Chapter 2 - Intro

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This chapter focuses on managing relationships with coworkers. For more information about working with entertainers, see Chapter 13 – For Our Co-workers.

The following are examples of people who work as non-sex industry workers in the sex industry:

Agency Owners
Agents
Bar Managers/Owners
Bartenders
Booking staff
Bouncers
Cab Drivers
Content Brokers
DJ’s
Drivers
Encoders
Film Editors
Film Producers
Fluffers
Hair Stylists
Make-up Artists
Massage Girls
Photographers
Porters
Production Assistants
Security
Servers
Shooter girls
Sound Techs
Still Camera staff
Video Camera staff
Wardrobe specialists
Webmasters
Website Owners

Note: While there are wonderful examples of co-workers in all of the listed professions, this chapter focuses on managing relationships with difficult co-workers. This is not meant to disparage the incredible co-workers we know and love in the adult entertainment industry.

Booking Staff / Phone Girls

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“Sometimes it’s just not busy and there aren’t any calls, calling the office over and over won’t change that and neither will getting mad at me.”

Booking staff takes calls and answers questions from potential customers about rates and services. If a client is interested, they will take down their information – name, location, and desired time for the encounter.

They select and inform the worker of the booked engagement and arrange a driver / security for the worker. There is usually a call-in service where they check in with you to ensure your safety during the engagement.

For some entertainers, phone girls manage more than just the phone. They tell you to do your laundry, delegate chores, and book out-calls.

Make sure booking staff knows how you like to promote yourself (specs, ethnicity, services offered, and special talents). They make commission off the call so they should want repeat customers.

Ask them not to lie about you. Lying to customers makes them disappointed and sets you up for potential violence.

Drivers

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Your driver might be your best bet to staying safe in this business. Be sure that you have a driver you can trust. Good drivers will help you carry your bags, walk you out to the car, be sober and polite, and watch out for you.

During outcalls, make sure the driver is alert and waiting outside for you during your whole session in case you want to leave early.

It is best to ask what the prices are for a ride before booking the driver. Many drivers have a price list depending on which area of town you are going to.

Although tipping is nice, it's not mandatory. You should tip if they are providing security though, as being security is a dangerous, high-stress job.

Be aware of people who post ads for driver services online, but just want sexual services rather than a pay out.

If you’re a dancer jamming in Winnipeg and you don’t have a choice of driver, consider renting a vehicle while you’re in town.

Exotic Dancer Agents

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"One club made us waive our right to say no to the live broadcast of our shows. Every single minute of our show was taped and put on the internet at no extra cost to the bar. If you agreed to work at the bar, you agreed to give away free porn. The same bar started a lunch hour meet and greet of customers in our underwear. We had to stand around in our underwear and ask for “bikini” dances paid by the customer. This time between shows was previously our own, then they just said 'do it, or be fired'."

Working with agents can be tricky. If you don’t do what they ask, they might stop giving you work. If you do what they ask, you might regret it. If you always do what they ask, they will take advantage of you. If you never do what they ask, you will lose your bookings.

Try to keep a middle ground between doing favours and saying no. For instance, say yes to stripathons and do a show or two for charity, but say no to working at a club that requires mandatory floor time. Or vice-versa. Do what is right for you.

If the agency you’re booking through starts bumping you out of gigs, go to another agency in the meantime, or book in another province. If you can’t travel, switch to private dancing for a month or two. Don’t let them push you around. If you don’t call for a while, they’ll be glad to hear from you when you do.

Don’t assume your agent is telling the truth about a gig. Some agents will leave out details and feign ignorance or say they assumed you knew. They will also tell you one show price, then give you another (smaller) show price when it comes time for the club to pay you. If you can, see your contract early in the week. It’s not always possible in this industry, but it’s good practice.

Let your agents know about new costumes, a great tan, or any new promo. If they only see you on the phone, they may not know how good you’re looking these days. Let them know you are investing in your business.

Be professional and reliable. And don’t be afraid to ask for a raise in show price if you think you deserve it. You can set your own show price by saying no to anything below what you want. However, some of the gigs with lower show prices but higher show counts (more shows) are the best, money making gigs out there. So be a little flexible.

Agents can be used to mediate conflict between dancers and bar management, but there is usually no one that can be engaged to help work through an issue with an agent.

See chapter 4 – Our Work, for more information on working with agents.

Hair and Make-up Professionals

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Hair Stylists

It is uncommon to have hair stylists for adult film and modeling unless you purchase their services before the shoot. If you are having sex, keep your hair simple as it's going to get messy during the workday. Bring your own hairbrush and hair products to the set for fix-ups during breaks. Some places may have a hair stylist provided. It's a tax write-off. So get receipts.

Make-up artists

Look at their portfolios first. If you like their work, ask them to come in for a free or discounted trial to see how you like them. They’re usually fun to chat with before a shoot.

Some make-up takes forever to do. Try to sit still and be patient while they work. If you have your own artist and it's going to be a long day, ask the business owner if you can bring her on set for touch ups.

If the make-up artist does not stick around for the shoot, it is okay to ask her to leave a little make-up behind for touch-ups. Some adult film / modeling companies have their own make-up person they like to use. It is also a tax write-off. So get receipts.

Movie Directors / Producers

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Movie Directors / Producers (and photographers) can edit content however they like. You are required to sign your rights over in order to get work and get paid.

They tell you what activities are required during the shoot, but often you won't know what the content will be used for. They can also alter photos of you to make your face look different, and you cannot change them because you signed your rights over.

Remember that you don’t have a say in how you are advertised or promoted either. They can say you are a 'Barely Legal Cum Drinking Whore', when you’re really a 28-year-old, lesbian tennis-player.

Be aware that the directors and producers decide what content they want to shoot. If you don’t want to perform that content for some reason or another, you may lose the chance to work for that movie. Stick to your guns though. If possible, specify your boundaries ahead of time.

Photographers / Cinematographers

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Usually you can collaborate a bit. Tell them if you have a bad bruise somewhere. Tell them if you don’t want your face in the shot. Prepare them, for instance, if you’re a squirter. Let them know they are going to get soaked.

Communicate honestly and respectfully. If you have an idea, most camera operators are open to trying something you suggest (themes, angles, etc).

Sometimes photographers are willing to trade the shoot for the photos. They will use the photos in their portfolios online or in print. In return, you get a free photo shoot to update your promo. This is called Time for Prints (TFP).

Pimps

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If you are being pimped in a way that is abusive or controlling or involves trafficking, and want to leave your “man” (pimp family/ trafficker), it can be difficult and dangerous.

You may have to return to work in a place where you will be found, harassed, or recaptured.

Pimps have been known to do all kinds of things to workers when the try to leave, such as:

Physical beatings.
Cutting or scarring a worker’s face.
Cutting a worker’s hair.
Holding a worker prisoner and bringing clients in for forced service.
Outing a worker to family and friends.
Stealing a worker’s clothes and possessions.
Waiting until a worker has made money and robbing the worker.
“Stripping”- Capturing a worker and removing all his or her clothes and leaving the worker somewhere public to be humiliated.

You may be tempted to “choose” another pimp or pimp family when you need to leave an abusive situation. Chances are a new pimp will not help your situation and as a former rival you may be treated even worse as retribution. Also, if you “choose” too many times you will become known as “choosy” or a “Choosy Susie”.

Remember, you are a human being with rights. If you try to leave and your pimp or pimp family/ trafficker will not let you go, call the police. Abuse is illegal no matter who you are and forcible confinement is a very serious crime. The police will be able to file criminal charges, restraining orders, and ensure criminal repercussions for anyone who harms you. You may experience some discrimination from police, especially in more remote areas where police services are unfamiliar with issues affecting sex workers safety. Keep your head up and don’t let them brush you off.

Street Code dictates that any involvement of police or outside authorities by an underground community member is “ratting” or being a “rat”.

Our code of honour is a result of criminalization and is important if we are to protect ourselves from enforcement action. However, in the case of abusive pimps or people who traffic in human beings, we hereby state an exception to the “do not rat” rule.

People who operate unethical sex industry businesses and pimps who make a living abusing and exploiting workers harm our entire industry. Any person who has been exploited or abused in this manner may and should involve law enforcement or outside authorities in order to protect themselves and the public image of our industry. Only when we have successfully removed all people who harm us will we be a truly stable industry.

If you are nervous about accessing police services, contact a sex worker support agency or social services worker and ask them to accompany you to file your report. Or ask a family member or friend you trust. See the “Resources” chapter of this guide for organizations near you.

How to leave a pimp safely:

Call a local (or closest to your city) sex work organization to get referrals regarding shelter, food, and safe spaces.
Do not tell anyone your plan, as they may rat you out.
Create a safety plan.
Grab only what is essential, such as children, and act as though you are just going shopping or something that is part of your regular routine. Then go to a sex worker (or other) organization that can help you find a safe transition house.
From the transition house, you can phone family or friends. If you want to relocate to another city, the support workers at the safety transition house, or a sex worker organization can help you.
Try to remove yourself completely from anyone associated with your life during the time you were working for that pimp. If he finds you, there could be danger headed your way.
Surround yourself with good people while you transition into a new life; even if it is working for another sex industry business owner, or another industry altogether.

Remember that women can be pimps. It’s not just men, as most are stereotyped to be. And indoor sex workers can have abusive pimps too. There are all sorts of awful agencies that are abusive, and having a bad pimp is not limited to the streets.

Security

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When hiring security, it is best to use a friend or someone referred to you by people you trust. Tell them what you need and find out their experience levels before hiring them.

Come up with safety plans together. Make sure you know each other’s job descriptions and duties.

On more challenging nights, tip your security. It will keep them motivated in their job.

Strip Club Bouncers

"One evening, after repeatedly asking the bouncer to throw out a rowdy customer without success, the customer finally got up and threw a full pint of beer with glass at my face! I jumped off the stage and beat this asshole with my bull whip! He left the bar and later charged me with assault. MY BAD. The club owner said that I was “on my own” and the negligent bouncer was nowhere to be found. The charge stuck and I had to pay damages."

There are lots of great bouncers out there. They seem to genuinely care about our safety and they take their jobs seriously. Others could use some training (or a good kick in the ass).

Feel free to report bad bouncers to club managers. But be aware that the manager may back him up rather than you. Use your own discretion and trust your gut.

One strategy is to tip your bouncers in advance. It reminds them that they have a job to do. And you’ll likely see a marked improvement in your own security.

Strip Club DJ’s (and other staff who manage the dancers)

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Exotic dancers work in close contact with DJ’s. In clubs where there is no DJ, it may be the bar manager or owner, or even the bartender. But there is usually one or two people depending on the shift who are keeping track of our schedule. Head bartenders, DJ's and management have the authority to mete out fines and take other disciplinary actions (e.g. firing dancers).

A strip club DJ is actually an MC. The only traditional DJ responsibilities he has are programming dancer’s CDs and playing music between sets. Most of his job is dealing with dancers.

The DJ is responsible for announcing the performers, building up the crowd, and being on the microphone all night. It is his or her responsibility to get the dancers on and off stage on time and ensure that everyone in the line-up is doing their shows. The DJ usually deals with show changes, trades, and screw-ups. He issues fines for late shows, and keeps the running of the stage out of the manager’s hands.

If you are lucky, the DJ is fun to hang out with, supportive of having a positive atmosphere, and encourages patrons to tip you. If you are not lucky, well – you’ll have to find another way to stay positive for your shows.

If your closest coworker is on a power trip, you need to tread carefully. He can get you blacklisted by the club or agency. He can cancel shows when the club is slow if you don’t tip to his satisfaction. If you have to rebel, make sure you have a backup plan.

The DJ has the added power of controlling your lighting and music. So try to get along well with him, even if you are putting on an award-winning performance to do it. Less conflict equals better lighting. :)

Tipping your DJ

In B.C. and Manitoba most girls tip at the end of the week, or if they get tips on stage they'll toss a few dollars to the DJ.

In Alberta, DJs expect to be tipped after every show, and they expect around 10% of your stage tips.

In Ontario and Quebec you generally tip if you get tipped. However, the features should always tip their DJ.

Webmasters

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Webmasters design how you are being promoted online. You can have a complete business relationship with a Webmaster without ever meeting him or her in person. Check out their portfolios before hiring them. You can and should Google their names to check out their work.

Anyone can get a decent website for $100 these days. A person trying to charge $3000 better have some Steven Spielberg special effects going on.

Webmasters are under your employ, so you must tell them exactly what text/wording you want, and only send them your favourite photos.

You really have to describe the look you’re aiming for. You determine everything from font style (the way the letters look) and colour schemes to choice of wording. You are the creator behind all of it and it all makes a difference in the clientele’s mind.

Don't pay until it is done. It is always a good idea to give gifts (wine, baking, a little money) at the end of every well-done project.

If the webmaster you hired isn’t working on things in a timely manner, find out why. Give a deadline, and if they don't make it, find someone else. Change your passwords just before breaking the deal with them, so they no longer have access to your content, and make sure they know they have no rights to your material upon submission.

Other Entertainers

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Sometimes, getting along with other sex industry workers can be hard. If there is a personality conflict or you feel another entertainer is being a princess, it can get pretty tense. Competition adds to the tension.

In adult film and modeling, you often must work with other performers. Even if there is a personality clash, you still have to appear hot for each other and perform sex acts on each other.

If another worker is giving you attitude, ignore her. If she verbally attacks you, try not to return the attack but simply defend yourself. Continue to treat her with civility for the rest of the time you work together, but don’t go out of your way to befriend her.

Don’t try to make it all better or fret about it. Let it go and move on. You can’t please all of the people all of the time. And in the long run, the other workers will respect you for maintaining a professional distance regardless of the melodramatics happening around you.

With more competitive entertainers, distance yourself and refrain from disclosing much, if any, personal information.

Sometimes it is beneficial to talk it out if the other entertainer is open to it.

Quotes from Sex Industry Workers

“Sometimes when it’s a bit desperate we fight- you took my regular-you owe me money. Sometimes people even lie and say you owe them money because they know you can’t remember.”

“For web cam, I worked at a company where the other industry workers could link onto my work computer while I was trying to lure in customers. This was unfair, as they would pretend to be customers and waste my time with a bunch of free chat that lead nowhere.”

“Sometimes a girl jumps in a car before me. I let her have it [the client]. I figure she needs it more to do that.”

“Sometimes I truly felt it was necessary to fight, both verbally and physically, to demonstrate that I wasn’t going to be bullied. Other times I ignored conflicts, in hopes that they would pass. Most conflicts didn’t last more than a few weeks. Alliances were made and broken and re-made very quickly.”

“I have interacted with other workers I have pulled dates with other workers we took care of one another it was like family. Until the drugs really hit. Then things changed. There was a shift that took place in Boys Town. It became more about drugs.”

Colleagues In Solidarity

If you get along with each other, hanging out with other entertainers can be the best part of the job. No one else understands your motivations so well. No one else is as fun, or funny, or honest as other sex industry workers.

Their jokes are the funniest because we get them all. Their stories are the most fascinating because we live such interesting lives in this industry. Their ideas are the most outrageous. Their comebacks, the most creative. Their personalities, the most charming.

Sex industry workers are pros at drawing people in, seducing clients with our personalities first. Then we are pros at making people comfortable and accepted. Our skills work on each other too. It’s a relief to be around other socially skilled people.

It’s also much easier to talk to other sex industry workers, since we don’t have to worry that something we say will be offensive or inappropriate. It’s difficult to balance such an open, direct lifestyle with the taboos of the straight world we live in. Some of us get tense in regular situations for fear of saying “the wrong thing.”

With other workers, we can talk about our ass zits, our relationships, our customers, our frustrations, whatever. And, we understand each other. Because we all have ass zits, relationships, customers, and frustrations. And we’re all busting our asses in the sex industry.

Some things you should NOT say to squares:

I hope you don’t mind if I pee while I’m on the phone with you.

I’m taking a few days off work due to rectal bleeding.

Check out my new boob job! (lifts shirt)

Keep the Peace

One of the best ways to get along with other sex industry workers is to keep your space small and tidy. Don’t leave your clothes or costumes lying all over the place. Don’t have your makeup spread out across the counter.

Bring your own supplies. Don’t use other people’s belongings without asking first. And don’t be late causing the schedule to get behind.

Here is how some Prince George workers are helping each other:

“We share dates and let each other go first if they need the money more. We also do duos and watch each other’s backs.”

“If one has a problem, others come running. If he’s hurting her, we’ll stop it if we can. If it is drug or pimp related, we’ll have to stand back and help the girl after.”

Advice for supporting other sex industry workers:

Share experiences with each other.
If a worker is not out of a call on time, check on her.
If you have a really bad experience, post a note that nobody should see him.
Give advice, safety tips.
Show new workers the ropes.
Try not to undercut.

Drug Dealers

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If you use drugs, here are some ways you can protect yourself.

Try not to take drugs from clients. It’s easy to become addicted when you’re always getting drugs for free. Plus, you don’t know what those drugs are cut with.
Buy all street drugs from drug dealers you trust.
You may feel that giving sexual favours in return for drugs is better than looking for a date, which could potentially be dangerous. At least you know the drug dealer and you aren’t afraid of him.
Or you might prefer to only use money to pay for drugs, believing that drug dealers give you more respect because you won’t trade sex for drugs.
It is very dangerous to accept drinks from clients. Even a bottle of water could be full of GHB. Be sure to watch the drink being poured, then keep an eye on it at all times.
Try to keep a distant, non-personal relationship with drug dealers so they cannot impact your life.
Try to use the same drug dealer consistently so you are sure of the potency of the dose you are taking.

Chapter 3 - Intro

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“I have, for the most part, been grateful to my customers. I have been a very lonely person, so I appreciated the company. For many years, my customers treated me really well. As my addiction got stronger (alcohol and cocaine), my customers became more abusive because I started working in scarier areas and loving myself a lot less. I didn’t respect them. I became more cold.”

According to Canadian sex industry workers, most clients are kind and generous. The stereotypical image of clients as mentally unstable outcasts is both untrue and unfair. Sex is a natural, primal desire of humans. The fact that some people feel inclined to pay for it does not make them bad people.

However, due to stigma towards sex industry workers, bad people do find us to be easy targets. They know they can harm us with near impunity (legal or moral), unlike harming Teacher Tammy or Doctor Doris. For this reason, and many others, it is important for all of us to manage our relationships with clients with the big picture in mind.

This chapter will focus on managing clients and reducing the need to take risks with strangers by nurturing relationships with regulars who are safe and consistent.

Typical Clients

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Although there are really no “typical” clients, just as there are no “typical” sex industry workers, there are some things we can tell you about your patrons.

You may wonder if sex industry patrons seek a range of sex industry services or if they tend to stick with one. This is very individual, however, six out of the seven clients who contributed to this project admitted to participating in more than one area of the industry.

Here are some ways that sex industry workers who contributed to this guide described their customers:

Lonely Customers – They feel lonely for whatever reason (estranged marriage, divorce, disability) and they want to spend time with beautiful, intelligent sex industry workers.

Regular Customers – They come around often and may spend a lot too.

White Knights - They want to rescue us because they think we’re in a bad situation; they need to feel like they’re helping.

Young Punks – Younger guys who treat sex industry workers poorly and behave in a vulgar manner.

Fetish Guys – They have fetishes. For example, they love feet and they want to buy your socks. Or they like to watch you lap dance their girlfriend.

Tourists – These clients go dungeon hopping all over the world trying out the different Dominas. They aren't afraid to lay some money down, and you know you are getting graded and compared on your performance.

Time-wasters – Clients who call every day, and email about their fantasies all the time, but rarely book.

An escort in Vancouver describes her clients like this:

The nice ones: These are people who are looking for intimacy and companionship. Whatever they are lacking in their personal life, they hope we will help them find it.

The mean ones: These people will be mean to anyone. It just happened to be my turn that day. Since sex industry workers are at the front lines, like firemen, policemen and businesses with access open to the public, the chances for sex industry workers to meet people who lack proper people skills are higher. The chances to meet people who direct their anger and aggression towards sex industry workers also occurs. The stigma that sex industry workers are less than human and deserve less respect due to their profession is very real.

The floaters: Sometimes a person who has a distinguished façade in the world, gets into an appointment with a sex industry worker and loses all mind of gentlemanliness. Suddenly he acts like an ape. When the sex industry worker reminds him of his actions or requests respect, the gentleman can amend himself and restrain himself. Sometimes he will stay nice. Sometimes he will switch back and forth.

Screening Customers

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“Anyone who does not want to use condoms or other protection, those who try to get a deal, and anyone who gets mad at YOU because THEY can’t get it up... Stay away!”

There are many ways to screen customers. Here are some tips from sex industry workers across Canada:

By phone:

When you are first learning to screen customers over the phone, you may book a lot of undesirables or no-shows. But over time, you will find it easier to be a good judge of character over the phone.
Don’t make appointments with blocked/private/withheld callers. Tell them to call back from an unblocked number.
Question them a bit and see how the energy is.
Listen to their tone of voice. Is the speech slurred?
Does the client speak to you respectfully?
Typically, a good client will phone to ask a few questions and book a time. If a phone call goes longer than a couple of minutes, this is usually bogus. The caller is just looking for a chat buddy. It rarely goes further than that.

Via Internet:

Ask them to communicate via email and keep emails on file once you’ve made the first appointment.
Only reply to well-written emails that at least try to sound like they are interested in seeing you specifically and aren't just cold-calling every pro in the city to see who will give the best rate.
Use DateCheck www.date-check.com
Good clients use respectful language in their emails and are more interested in booking a time than giving long-winded speeches. They might have a few specific questions. But generally, people of quality have already researched your services and do not need extensive communication.

In person:

Check whether or not they are under the influence by checking for slurred speech, smell of booze, and facial expressions that would indicate intoxication.
Weed out the good customers from the bad based on the questions they ask prior to the service. Turn away customers who ask too many questions about why a certain service is or is not allowed.
Check their reaction to price to see if they can really afford it.

In General:

Ask exactly what they want including questions like: are you interested in gentle, romantic sex or are you wanting a hard-core banging? Sometimes these conversations will lead them to disclose more about themselves, which is useful for screening.
Get referrals from trustworthy people.

Remember:

If they want to pay you really well, it might be too good to be true.
Different cultures view sex industry workers in varying lights.
Always be on guard.
Intuition is a powerful personal tool. It never lets you down. So listen to it always.

Treat Your Clients Well

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“The type of customer we get depends on where we meet them. If we are on the Internet in a higher paying site, we meet that customer. If we are under a dark bridge at four in the morning, we meet that customer. If you have an attitude like you’re going to rip off a customer or are being a bitch, the customer will reflect that attitude. We are also in their space; our energy can change the mood.”

The following tips will help you promote safe and healthy experiences with your clients, and protect other sex industry workers as well.

Be honest and upfront from the beginning. Let them know you aren’t looking for trouble.
Treat customers with the same respect you would like to be treated with.
Don’t rip off customers.
Do not lie about yourself (weight, hair colour, non-smoker, etc). Overt false advertising makes customers mad - sometimes bringing them to act violently towards their next service provider.
Do not steal from their home. If you want more money, raise your rates and learn new skills to provide a better service.
With Domination, you hear a lot of crazy requests. Try to be as non-judgemental as possible, but feel comfortable in asserting your boundaries.
Be careful when attempting to expand your services. If you change your mind after you’ve tried to offer something new (Greek, etc), you could get assaulted as many clients hate to be refused once in session.
Treat each customer the same regardless of how you feel about him or her personally.
Understand that the way you treat a client will have a ripple effect on the next sex industry worker and so on. Watch each other’s backs.
Perform what you have negotiated.
Treat them like people. You're a customer service professional, your job is to provide a person with a service, not look down on him for seeking the service.
Respect your client’s right to privacy.
Engaging in fun conversation is part of the territory. This can include some personal topics and questions. Whenever you talk about something personal, be sure to include a non-intrusive comment such as “…if you don’t mind my asking”.
Be nice to the nice ones. If they are mean, end the session immediately.
Agree on a price, time, location, etc and stick to it. They don’t like surprises any more than we do.
Don’t humiliate them (unless that’s a part of the agreement).
Don’t leave marks (unless that’s a part of the agreement).
Always remember – you’re in charge. That means the work is on your terms and on your time. Don’t compromise your values or your safety. For example, if you have set a limit at no contact, or no GFE (Girl Friend Experience), don’t let the customer convince you to change your mind in the middle of your session.
Maintain healthy boundaries – they are a client, not your boyfriend or girlfriend. Respect that they have a life outside of you.
Do not treat clients with contempt because of their appearance, their age, their race, their penis size, or the length of time it took them to reach orgasm.
If you treat clients well with all your heart, they can feel it.
Know your own personal boundaries and communicate these clearly to your customers. Do not let customers persuade you to go beyond the boundaries you have set for yourself. Do not let other workers' personal boundaries influence your own behaviour.
Do an interview to find out his interests or if he has disabilities (joint problems) before the session starts and let him know your protocol – meaning how you will behave.
Make sure your client has a safe word or hand movement if gagged.
Be personable. Sometimes they want to talk.
Don’t clock watch.
Be conscious of the cultural traditions of your clients, when possible.
Treat your client with honesty as far as what is consistent with the entertainment and fantasy aspects of the service.
Do not call them tricks or marks or other demeaning terms.

Seduction Techniques

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Sex industry work is all about selling a product. The more pleasant, engaging, and attractive you are, the more likely the customer will come back. Here is some useful advice from Trade Secrets contributors for attracting and keeping customers:

Look at what other workers are doing, and try to improve it in a low cost way. Make yourself unique, but don’t spend a ton of money doing it.
Eye contact is an amazing trick with customers. If they feel that you are dancing strictly for them, the money pours out.
Utilize what works for you, find your niche and you’ll be able to work it.
Confidence is one of the biggest techniques. Know you are ‘the shit’ (exactly what they’re looking for) and they will think so too.
Treat them like they are lovers that you chose and that you’re privileged to be with.
If you work in your home, make sure the place is clean and that the room you work in has everything you might need (towels, lube, condoms, music, lighting, toys etc.)
Keep notes on your repeat clients so that you can express appropriate interest in them as people.
Smile.
Provide excellent services and be patient with clients.
Tease, tease, tease …keep them wanting more!
If you take off your clothes, take a long time undressing, doing it slowly and seductively.
If you are a contact sex worker, engage in lots of foreplay.
If you massage, give oral, etc, use your breath on their skin.
Lots of “looky no touchy” works well to turn them on and keep them squirming.
Learn about YOUR body and what angles, clothes, lighting, expressions, and poses, look good on YOU. Practice in front of a mirror, camera or a friend to get all your looks just right.
Develop your own style. What do you specialize in? What sets you apart from your colleagues?
Ask your customer what he/she wants. Take the time to find their special turn-ons. Everyone is different.
Really listen to their words and body language. They’ll appreciate you for this on more levels than just sexually.
Be knowledgeable about current news and events.
Dance like everyone watching is important.
Be professional, learn pole tricks and sexy moves.
Monitor your alcohol intake.
Get some super sexy photos for your ads.
Keep a spreadsheet with info about clients so you can remember details about their lives.
Keep a positive attitude and provide excellent customer service.
Make the clients worship you!
Have impeccable posture, exude confidence, don’t be defensive or ever feel the need to explain yourself, and walk and move very slowly and deliberately.

Conflicts with Clients

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“All of the conflicts were arguments over what sexual services I would not offer, and also because I refused to give out personal information (phone number, email, etc) or meet my clients outside of work.”

“I created a ‘fictional life’ for my companion persona. I always use those stories. If excessive questions are asked, I usually say, “Why are you asking?” I keep turning the questions back on people who ask questions.”

Conflicts with customers are inevitable, as they are in any service industry. Some customers will pester you for services you don’t offer, try to talk you down from your price, or try to control you in some other way.

If you show up to a date and your booking person misguided him about your appearance, you are about to experience a conflict. If a guy from front row yells obscenities during your first song, you are about to experience a conflict.

Learn to anticipate potential conflict so you are ready to respond quickly and decisively.

You can also reduce conflicts for other workers. Remember that it is not necessary to return the slander a customer spews out. There is a sex industry worker coming after you who may receive the blunt of it.

If you work in more than one area of the sex industry, try to keep them separate. For instance, don’t offer hand jobs under the guise of exotic dancing. Or if you do, ensure the men understand not to expect that of other exotic dancers.

If you find yourself in a conflict with a client and you are having trouble getting control of the situation, ask the client to stop the behaviour in question. If you work in an establishment with security, have the client removed. If you are working alone and the client is drunk or abusive, end the session and leave immediately.

Be very alert as to how you are treated. If you can see that a customer is trying to disrespect you or demean you, end the session and leave immediately. Say, “I am unable to proceed with this appointment.” If you work for an agency, request not to see that person again. Network with other sex workers to inform each other of “bad dates.”

Web cam work frequently results in being verbally abused online. The free chat option allows haters unlimited access to sex industry workers. The best thing to do is to ignore them and stay smiling. Nicer clients will surely come to your defense, or would rather book a show.

Don't waste your time with the jerkasses. And, make sure you can debrief with someone, as verbal abuse against sex workers is a hate crime and can be very demoralizing.

Talking to Customers

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The way we talk to clients is very important and can impact our experiences. Try not to say “no” or use words that make the client feel judged. Avoid conflicts that stem from a client’s guilt or shame. For example, instead of saying “no” to anal intercourse, say something hot and cliché like “I want to feel your cock in my pussy.”

Figure out what services you’re comfortable with and make sure you know how to communicate this in an assertive, but non-aggressive way.

Clients don’t like hearing “no” or seeing that a worker is uncomfortable or tense. It creates stress, and stress between a worker and a client can lead to violence. Try to firmly lead the client to a comfortable service experience.

Of course, it doesn’t always work since for some clients, conflict is what they are actually seeking.

Drugs and Alcohol

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Working with clients while they are high on drugs or alcohol can be very challenging. Many sex industry workers refuse to work with clients who are intoxicated. In some areas, such as liquor-licensed strip clubs, you don’t have much choice.

Managing someone who is drunk or high takes a lot of patience and a sense of humour. Behaving in a caring but firm manner will sometimes work. However, if the client is clearly out of control, your best bet is to hightail it out of there pronto.

If a client comes to you with coke-dick, try to suggest something other than intercourse, such as a hand job. Make jokes like, “Maybe you shouldn’t have done that last line.” Say it playfully, especially if he’s trying to blame you as the reason he isn’t hard.

What Your Clients Want You to Know

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“Have a good show. Variety and originality are good. Be clean. Be attractive. Have fun or act like you’re enjoying yourself. Comedy is a must. Talk to patrons. Circulate the crowd. Come back again. Maybe the patron just wasn’t ready.”

Customers want you to know:

They like comedy and personality.
Body language is very important.
Clients like you to communicate your limits and expectations.
Good clients want you to enjoy your experience too.

Surprisingly, most customers would rather pass on business advice to you than tell you how to do your job. Clients advise you to save your money, create a future, and don’t waste money on drinking or drugs. Keep your appointments. And remember that repeat business is good.

Chapter 4 - Intro

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This chapter explores getting started in various areas of the sex industry, what you make and what fines or fees you may be subjected to, negotiating pay and contracts, tips to make more money, and advocating for change. (Chapter Nine – Our Businesses – explores increasing your income potential more deeply.)

Adult Film and Modeling

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“Workers must be sober when signing contracts and be well enough to perform. If someone is not well, they cannot work with us as it could lead to legal issues.”

"Some of the female models get breast implants but generally it reduces the amount of work that they can get, as natural breasted women are thought of as sexier."

Getting Started

Many models and actors get recruited into adult film and photo work through their friends or by transitioning to it from webcam work. But there are ways to get into it without knowing someone. You can occasionally find listings in newspapers or on adult entertainment websites and classifieds sites like Craigslist.

During an interview, you are sometimes required to sign contracts, have a few naked photo shots taken, and provide ID. Before commencing work in adult film, you are also usually required to produce recent STI test results.

Some modeling gigs have an online form-based application with picture uploads which begins the booking process. That may be followed by a phone interview and hopefully leads to a booking.

Legal Age

To ensure models are legal age, companies usually require two pieces of government issued photo ID. They will file copies of your ID with your photo(s) and the contracts you signed.

Job Requirements

Adult Film companies often require mandatory STI testing. Some adult film companies will pay models extra if they get their test results, but will still work with them at a lesser rate if they don't have their papers. Adult film always requires ID.

What Employers Expect

Employers prefer working with friendly, professional models and actors, who have good attitudes during a shoot.

Rates

Modelling – Usually about $100/hour
Adult Film - Anywhere from $250-$1200 per shoot (1-6 hours). Softer-core film gigs start at $100 an hour.

Negotiating Contracts

Most contracts for adult film and modeling work are pre-written. Most of the negotiation room you have is to agree or disagree to your pay, and list the sexual acts or poses you are not willing to do.

When you sign these contracts, you are waiving all rights to the images. You also waive rights to when, where, and how your images will be promoted, portrayed, or published.

If you are ever unsure of your rights, an entertainment lawyer can advise you.

Actors (and sometimes models) are required to sign production release forms at the close of the shoot day.

Contract work is very tricky. You sometimes find that what you’re expected to do, is different from your interpretation of the contract.

BDSM / Fetish

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“We only hire Dommes with prior experience, but can train certain activities when clients are not around.”

Getting Started

Like most other sex industry workers, BDSM and Fetish work can be found on the Internet, by placing ads in adult sections of newspapers and magazines, and also through fetish cultural activities.

You may be required to produce ID if you are working for an employer. Part of the interview process may also involve you posing for photos in the positions required for your particular clients. This is done to make sure you are capable of doing the work.

Regardless of how you get into this work, you must remain open-minded, non-judgemental, and expect to see some strange things. And know you’re doing a great and important service for your clients.

Equipment

If you truly have power over your clients, you don't need extensive equipment. However, ambience and equipment make for better and more diverse sessions. BDSM and fetish cover endless varieties of unusual and bizarre activities. Adult toy stores, leather shops, grocery stores, and drug stores all have stuff you can buy to make your dungeon exciting.

The free sections of classifieds websites are also a great place to find stuff to start up a dungeon. The hardware store will become your best friend to buy chains, o-rings, clasps and other stuff. You should buy a power drill. Remember, anything can become bondage or suspension gear in a few easy steps.

Suggested equipment:

Vibrators
Dildos
Rope
Handcuffs
Sexy fetish costumes/shoes
Sissy gear - make-up, girly clothing/shoes and accessories in men’s sizes
Adult baby gear - diapers, crib, bottles etc
St. Andrew's Cross
Medical table
Medical supplies - enema bag, catheter kit, speculum etc
Bondage bed/chair
Plastic wrap for immobilization
Cages
Stocks
Canes
Gags
Hoods
Blindfolds
Whips
Crops
Floggers
Paddles
Straps
Strap-on
Spanking bench

...and the list goes on.

At the beginning you may have to get creative if a client asks for something, and you don't have the equipment. For instance, if you don't own a ball gag, stuff the client’s mouth with panties. Wrap pantyhose around his mouth and tie it at the back of his neck. This reduces the initial costs when first starting up.

When purchasing equipment, look for high-quality, well-made items that won't break, stain, or come untied. You can also find supplies at clothing stores that cater to fetish or Goth wear. Or why not have a submissive make your gear for you! Especially great if you need crosses, stocks, tables, and cages.

If you're just starting out, you can easily start a bag of tricks for cheap:

Go to your local hardware store and pick up some O-rings and D-rings and clasps, rope, clothespins or clamps, duct tape (and scissors for the removal). Burn or glue the ends of the rope so it won't fray. The D-rings will be used for wearable restraints; the 0-rings can be screwed into furniture or your wall.
Go to the pharmacy for some latex gloves, surgical masks, enema bags, etc
To make your own wrist and ankle cuffs and collars, you can get leather at a sewing or craft store, or some hardware stores. Line it with fur or silk so it's soft on the inside. Use D-rings to make the connectors. Fasten with snaps or ribbon/ leather laces (which also come in handy for cock and ball torture (CBT). If you're into recycling or on a limited budget, you can also make many types of restraints using old bicycle tubing.
Saran wrap or tensor bandages are fun for bondage and fetish play.
Pet store leashes are cheaper than sex store leashes. But never use a pet collar on a human.
Do not share items made of leather or other porous materials that cannot be completely sanitized as they can transmit bacteria.
Get a first aid kit.

Training

You can access workshops for BDSM and seduction through local sex shops. However, much of your learning will be on the job, as well as the much-appreciated advice of more experienced workers and clients. You can also get a lot of information on the Internet.

Rates

Rates vary from worker to worker. But in general, it works like this:

Domination and/or Submission - $150 - $400 / hour
Cost to rent a dungeon: $50-$100/hour

Exotic Dance

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“I expect that they stick to their commitments and that they present themselves as professionals. I prefer they pay back money they borrowed and/or repay any pre-paid ticket money if they cannot finish a contract. This is not enforced, but is well received and well respected if they do. Also, I don’t proceed with legal action against them if they don’t. It’s more of a “moral obligation”, which I hope some will have enough integrity to adhere to. I also expect that they use logic and adhere to the law.”

“Be respectful of the other girls and try not to get in their way or act superior. Dancers see a lot of rookies come and go and are not always accommodating and patient with new girls, especially new girls with attitude. It's best to be respectful, quiet, and take their advice when appropriate.”

“It takes time to get a feel for the club and learn what works for you. Understand that making money takes time and investment. But make sure you're making more money than you're spending. This is a job, not volunteer work.”

Getting Started

Training and getting started depend on where you are and what type of dancing you’re looking at.

You can contact an agency or a club. Clubs that book independently sometimes publish job ads for exotic dancers in newspapers or exotic dancer magazines.

They will ask you to meet them in person, or email a photo of yourself and a copy of your photo identification (ID) to them. They may ask you to fill out a short form regarding your contact information, age, physical attributes, and social insurance number (SIN).

When you go to a club for the first time, bring your photo ID in case they want to see it.

To audition, you may be required to compete in an amateur contest. You should expect to be paid for being in the contest. Winners will often be paid more.

VIP dancing doesn't require any training either; just a good attitude, a hot look, and a hiring club. Take care of auditions or licensing ahead of time. You should be ready to work, have your ID on you, and bring a couple of sexy outfits. Some clubs have VIP girls on shift, most have drop in with house fees. Find out what the protocol is for the club you want to work at. Ask the DJ, other dancers, or manager ahead of time. Make sure you look sexy when you enquire.

Find out about fees, shifts, hours, payouts, tips, and contact rules. Ask about contact expectations, as well as laws (these are not always the same).

Training

Many entertainers learn pole tricks and dance moves working in small towns with hardly any customers. Others prefer to practice walking and dancing in heels in their own homes.

If you're booked at a club for a Sunday, see if you can practice on the stage before the club opens, or if there are no customers in the bar. On Sundays, clubs usually open later. It is also the one day a week that clubs will book dancers just for the day and usually the day off for dancers who’ve worked Monday to Saturday.

Pole dance lessons are becoming more available. Check around to see if lessons are available in your area.

Licensing

In some cities, you are required to get a license. Make sure you arrive with enough time to purchase your license before starting your gig. That means getting to the licensing office, standing in line, paying for your license, and getting back to the club in time for check-in. You will need to be extra early if the club has morning meetings with their dancers at the start of the week.

Licenses usually cost between $100 and $150. In Calgary, your license is good for a year from the date that you bought it. In Edmonton, your license is only valid until the end of December, so your best bet is to purchase early in the year. Licenses are also required in Toronto and Vaughn, Ontario.

Phone the licensing department of the city you’re working in to find out more.

What Agents Are Looking For

Agents and club owners are looking for a healthy, polished appearance, and a smile. They prefer professional, reliable entertainers who have realistic expectations, and get along with others.

What To Look For in an Agent

The best agents are kind, understanding, and supportive when you’re going through a crisis. They acknowledge when your show has improved by offering you a higher show price. They defend you and your show price to club owners. And they tell it to you straight when there’s a problem. The best agents do not lie to you.

Because being an agent can be extremely stressful, they are sometimes quite pushy on the phone. If you find that an agency is not treating you well, or that your bookings keep falling through, find another agency to work through until the storm passes over.

Rates

Approximate pay for female striptease artists in Canada:

Stage shows- $20 - $150 per show
Private shows- $25 - $60 per song
Massage- $5 - $15 per song
Lap dance- $10 - $60 per song
Stags- $200 - $500 for 4 songs or more

The following may be deducted from dancer's pay depending on location:

Agency commission – usually 10 - 15%
GST on agency commission
SOCAN/KPAC – music royalties
Floor fees – fees to the house for doing private shows
Service charges – accommodations, housekeeping, phone/cable, etc.
Fines – Dancers may be fined for missing shows and other infractions

Other Expenses:

“Tip out”- bouncers, bartender, DJ
Driver fee- depends on the distance and usually is around ½ the comparable taxi fare

Stage $$ Tips

Stage tips range from zero to $250/day across the country. Alberta tips more. Manitoba, not at all. Ontario and Quebec tips involve interaction that includes having customers on stage. In Alberta and some parts of BC, customers participate in the "loonie toss" where a performer offers posters and other incentives for customers to win.

Pay rates for Male Striptease Artists:

Between $150 and $300
Additional tips from audience are common

Your Contract

Most dancers are VIP dancers and don't have a contract at all. They make their money from selling dances. They may have shift pay, hours scheduled, or drop-in.

Stage dancers have a weekly contract.

If you book through an agency, your agent will negotiate the terms of the contract with the club. Mostly, your ability to negotiate is restricted to saying yes or no to the gigs offered, and there may be some room to negotiate your show price. If you say no to a gig, you risk getting blacklisted by that agency (that is: not getting work through them for a while).

Your contract is pre-written. If you want a higher show price, you need to haggle your show price before the contract is developed for a particular club. The more professional clubs will have you sign your contract at the beginning of your week’s work. However, most of the time you will receive your contract at the end of the week when you’re getting paid. Basically, you are signing it in return for your earnings.

The problem with this is that your contract may not show the same show price you originally discussed with your agency. You’ve done all your shows and now you’re short a few hundred dollars.

Occasionally, if you are diligent with the agency, you may get your money back through a higher show price at another gig to compensate for the money you lost. But more often, you won’t receive the amount you had agreed to in the first place.

Before agreeing to a club booking, ask your agent if there are any added costs for working at that club, for example, accommodations. Ask what the rules are around mandatory floor time and private show quotas. Mandatory floor time involves dressing sexy and being in the bar at set day and evening times to do VIPs. A private show quota is the minimum amount of private shows you are expected to perform each week. If you do not perform the minimum of private dances and consequently tip out the amount for each show that you are expected to tip out; the remaining tip out amount will be deducted from your pay. Also, find out about club fines.

Negotiating Your Pay

Exotic dancers use many different strategies when asking for a higher show price. Use these suggestions from other dancers or come up with something creative on your own.

Go into the agency office with new promo, a great tan, and a flattering outfit.
Start turning down the bookings that are lower than what you want to be paid, unless it’s a booking you really want and you’re willing to take the cut.
Remember that the agency works for you, but they also have to fit you into the budget of the club.
Radiate confidence. Agents can smell insecurity.
Ask the agent to come by the bar and see your show. Phone them mentioning that they haven’t seen you in awhile and that you’d like them to come to the club to see your current skill level. Ask if you can buy THEM a drink. Keep it friendly, light and casual,
Make an image for yourself – a brand – and use gimmicks to increase your popularity and make a name for yourself.
Have your promo done professionally by talented photographers.
Get a website.
Buy big theme costumes and put lots of effort into your shows.
Take photos of yourself wearing all your costumes, list all the gimmicks you have and any training or certifications (fire, poi, etc), and take photos of some of your more difficult moves (flexibility, pole work, etc). Write a small bio with your stats, titles, and put it all together to give to agencies.
If a club owner was happy with your work, ask them to mention your shows to the agencies.
Buy club owners a drink and ask if they’d request you back.
When working, sit with customers and sell private dances. Emphasize to the agents that you hustle between shows. The money you make for the bar doing VIP’s is a strong justification for a raise.
Pale complexions can make you look sick under stage lights. A tan will help you look more healthy (spray-on or booth).
Dye your hair blonde.

Sex Work In-door

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Getting Started

To find work through an escort agency or in a massage parlour, you need only look for adult ads in the back of the newspapers or online at one of the popular classifieds sites. The employer may ask you to email photos of yourself.

Your in-person interview will be focused on how the business operates and what services you are willing to provide. You will likely provide your stats and your work name. You may have to identify any physical ‘flaws’ you have.

Employers usually ask you to provide proof of age (sometimes two pieces of ID) and/or proof of legal living/working status in Canada. You will probably find out that day if you’re hired, if you’re not told during the interview. You may even start work that day.

Training

Your employer will usually train you on how to charge for extras and what ever else you need to know for working with the company. Seduction techniques, performance skills, and health and safety education is not normally provided.

You will learn these things from other sex workers. Many things you will learn the hard way from experience.

Licensing

In some cities, individuals must be licensed to work for a massage parlour or an escort service. Be aware that you may be denied a license based on prior criminal convictions. Phone the licensing department of the city you’re working in to find out more.

Working for an Employer or Agency

When you work for an agency, the agency takes a cut of the money you earn. In return, the agency maintains the suite (if applicable), books the jobs, and takes care of the advertising and promotion.

Massage parlour work is run in a number of different ways. You may work for tips. You may get a percentage of the call. Or you may get paid only for extras beyond the cost of the massage.

Rates

Here is an example of a pay scale at an escort agency:

You get $180 for in-house with $65 going to the agency. Your first call of the day includes a book-on fee of $10. Some agencies also charge supply fees such as a $10 per month condom fee.

Agencies usually have a frequently used fining system too. You can be fined for a missed shift ($100), a missed call ($50), or having your phone turned off when you’re on-call ($45).

Workers generally report earning anywhere from $2000 to $4000 per month.

Independent escorts earn between $150 and $500 per hour depending on the services they offer, who their clientele tend to be, and what their expectations are financially. You have the benefit of setting your own rates but it’s wise not to undercut other escorts by charging substantially less than them. Undercutting can lead to a reduction in pay for everyone, if clients start expecting lower rates.

Sex Work Street-Based

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Getting Started

Street workers can work as independents or under the control of a pimp. (Under the law in Canada, a “pimp” is considered to be a person who “lives wholly or in part on the avails of prostitution of another person.” In theory, this could describe your boyfriend, your son, or even your grandfather who you are caring for because he has Alzheimer’s.)

If you work for someone who has control of your earnings, you may or may not like the arrangement. If he or she provides security, protection, and a decent roof over your head, you might feel good about the relationship. If he or she abuses you, keeps most of your earnings, or otherwise exploits you, you probably don’t like it so much. (See Chapter Two - Our Coworkers for information on how to leave an abusive pimp.)

If you decide to start working the street, try to befriend another worker so he or she can share their block with you and introduce you around to others. (See Chapter One – Our Workspaces for safety tactics when working the street)

Rates

Rates vary depending upon service and individual price setting.

High Track: $100 - $600
Mid Track: $60 - $200
Low Track: $3 - $60 ($50 for full service)

Another description of the pay has been: $20 / $40 / $60 / $80 depending on service performed.

Webcam

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Getting Started

There are many different ways someone can work on the Internet. You can use an external pay site, where the business takes care of all the advertising, promotion, and bookings. You just book on for certain hours and get a paycheque.

You can work at a video site where you tape the performance then send it to the web company; or shoot the videos with the company and they upload them to the site.

You can get your own webcam and website, and/or set up a chat site (interactive). Or you could set a camera up in your room all day and night (or certain hours) for subscribers to check in anytime while you just do what you normally do (voyeuristic).

Be warned that anything you put out there will potentially be in cyberspace FOREVER. So be careful, decide on your own boundaries, and stick to them. If you don't want to show your face or otherwise disclose your identify, there are tons of creative ways around it.

It takes time to build up a fan base with webcam work, so don't get discouraged if it seems like you're not busy at first. There are a lot of sites out there, so do something to set yourself apart. If you have a certain thing that you like to do or are good at, that will help. The more you tease and draw out the performance aspect of your work, the more worked up your customers get (and the more money you make).

Be aware that because you are on the internet, you may be subject to laws in other countries. For instance, one performer worked with a webcam company that required that there was no self-fisting allowed because the clients were all American and fisting was illegal to do on webcam in that country. "So we could put four fingers in, but couldn’t stick in our thumb too."

Increasing Your Revenue Potential

Do your research. What's hot right now? What are the current trends out there that are getting lots of hits? Bubbles and balloons? Superheroes? MILFS? Take advantage of them, or create your own new ones.

If you're artsy, get creative with lighting and angles. What's your sexiest body part? Play it up! Appeal to that really kinky fetish your viewer didn't even know he had. Deep down, everyone's fantasies are kinky. Personalize your online character, so your fans will keep tuning in to see what you’re up to. Have fun with it.

If you are a live Internet sex worker who engages with your customers in a chat room or cam2cam (the client is also on a web cam so you can see each other); be aware, some of your viewers will try to get freebies from you. You can use this to your advantage, but use it sparingly so you’re not giving it all away for free. You don’t want to lose your audience too soon.

In a chat room, don't spend too much time chatting. Try to get them to buy shows right after they tell you what they want.

If they can see you and chat with you before they pay, focus the camera on your cleavage. They may not get turned on just seeing your face.

Another tip is to cover your feet. There are many foot fetish clients. If they can see your bare feet for free, they have no reason to buy a show.

Rates

Pay rates are usually by the minute, and there are different rates for video feed or live chat. You can also go with a membership, where the customer pays once, or it comes off their credit card monthly.

If you work for an external pay site, you book on for certain hours and get a paycheque.

For many companies, if you are doing a duo, the shows cost the same so you end up sharing the daily wage. Check this out beforehand for sure.

Webcam work usually pays about $60-$100 an hour

Advocating for Change

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"I had the opportunity to be one of the first dancers in several overseas strip bars. We set the precedent. This particular bar told us we were not allowed to consume alcohol while on shift. I knew this upon entering the contract with the Macau bar owners. When I arrived, I brought up this concern with the owners and was successful in convincing them that alcohol was a part of our coping with customers and getting naked. I asked him to do it sober and he laughed and said “Ok drink then!” Hahah. So speak up!"

Advocating for change in the way you are treated by agents and employers can be hard. You often have to be very thick-skinned, determined and consistent. While some of us are very good at creating change by ourselves, it is good to gain the support of other workers. After all, our co-workers are dealing with the same problems.

History tells us that the best way to get businesses to improve the way they treat us is to stop working for them until they make the changes that will bring their favourite entertainers back. This worked in the late 90’s when strip clubs across B.C. started requiring one free a show a day from their dancers. Within two years, as the dancers worked less and less in those clubs and started moving out of the province for work, the clubs were forced to end the era of mandatory free shows.

If you are working for an employer who does not ensure minimum health and safety standards or has unfair practices, let other entertainers know about it. It allows them to make informed decisions about working in those establishments.

Try to avoid reporting businesses to enforcement agencies outside of our industry, as that may result in them getting closed down, which may also mean that they may not be able to pay you what they owe you. With so many sex industry businesses closing around us, we do not want to jeopardize the workspaces we have left.

Reporters Want News that is Sexy

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If a reporter approaches you for an interview, get the reporters name and where he or she works (most legitimate reporters carry business cards).

Talking with a reporter presents both an opportunity to be heard and the possibility of being harmed. For example, if your friends or family see your name and/or picture associated with sex work, they might become angry or embarrassed and take out their feelings on you.

Furthermore, you can become the target of people who are opposed to the sex industry or who are abusers or stalkers. You are taking a risk by allowing someone else to interpret and publish your commentary and picture. This is true for anyone who appears in the media.

You are under no obligation to talk to a reporter. It’s your choice. Reporters can be extremely persistent when they want to talk with you.

Don’t bother telling them why you don’t want to talk to them – they have heard it all and they will have answers for all your arguments. Just continue to say, “No thank you.” If they won’t give up, move off or hang up, or appeal to the club owner for assistance. If you hang up, don’t be surprised if they call you right back. Just say, “no thanks,” and hang up again.

If you are not concerned about anyone identifying you, keep in mind that the media often misrepresents sex workers. Reporters see the world through their own discriminating perspectives. Even when a reporter is trying to fairly represent your views, there is always a danger that you will have your words twisted.

Feel free to ask the reporter not to portray you in a stereotypical way. Most journalists feel a duty to provide accurate news. However, they also have a tendency to sensationalize our issues.

The most important things to remember when talking to reporters are:

Ask the reporter to explain to you what the story is about and who else is being interviewed.
Know what you want your message to be and stick to the message, no matter what questions are asked.
Stand tall and look the reporter in the eye. You have an important perspective and a right to be heard.

We are often disappointed with the story in some way. We may have thought it would be a longer story that included everything we said, or that the reporter would really focus on what we thought was most important. If and when these things happen, you may feel upset or, depending on the story, you may even feel extremely violated.

Whenever you feel that a reporter has misquoted or misrepresented you or your issue, you should call that reporter to discuss your concerns (that’s where getting the business card comes in handy). As with clients, one of the things you are trying to do with reporters is build a relationship. A better relationship means better coverage of your concerns in the future.

When you call, be polite, but firm and talk about the specific things that are inaccurate or unfair. Most reporters will give you a hearing and treat your concerns with respect. If they are rude or disrespectful, you have the option of speaking with their editor. Building a good relationship with a reporter means that you will be added to their contact list. They will phone you for comments on other stories related to your work.

If a certain reporter is clearly biased against sex industry work, refuse to work with him or her. You don’t need the abuse.

Learning Media Skills

If you decide you want to speak to reporters and feel more confident when you do so, contact an organization you respect and ask them to arrange a media training session for sex industry workers or community members.

Researchers in the Neighbourhood

2009-11-13T21:30:00.000-08:00

When researchers come into your workspace offering you money in return for your wisdom and expertise, you have a right to benefit from the research beyond the monetary payment. Ask them what they will do with their research to further the rights of sex workers.

You should receive your compensation up front. Do not be held hostage by the money. If you really believe in the project, you will most likely stay for the entire session. If you leave because you change your mind part way through, for whatever reason (it’s taking too long, you start feeling ill, you don’t give a shit), that is also your right.

Do not feel obliged to give personal information that could identify you. Ask the researchers if the information they collect is confidential and how they are ensuring this. If some questions seem very personal, ask what the purposes of those questions are. You can refuse to answer any question at any time.

If the questions you are asked trigger or upset you in any way, make sure you have a resource to turn to for support – whether it is a good friend or an organization. Try not to do anything unsafe or self-destructive following a trip down memory lane. Plan for self-care once the interview is over.

Quotes from Employers

2009-11-13T21:27:00.000-08:00

“Be very professional and don’t mix business with pleasure. Be on time, do your job and do it well. You will be more respected in the adult media industry for being well prepared and doing a great job and it will get you many referrals and future gigs!”

“Follow safer sex practices, assert you boundaries, maintain a positive professional attitude, read contracts thoroughly, and familiarize yourself with your rights and the laws.”

“Advance your skill sets. Maintain a professional appearance and a personal approach. Be dedicated to your job.”

“Educate yourself before starting up the business. Have a lawyer. Keep positive relationships in your life.”

“Get a website! It's the cheapest and best way to advertise / promote yourself. Stay in touch with your clients (as well as garner new ones). Constantly keep your website updated with new information as well as having a newsletter to remind them to come back. On the web you can be easily and not to mention quickly forgotten as there is so much adult content that the average surfer cannot stay focused on one web site when they are force fed so much all at once.”

Chapter 5 - Intro

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This chapter focuses on us. It focuses on our emotional health and how our jobs impact our feelings about our lives.

Sometimes we feel compelled to minimize the exploitation that occurs in our industry so that the straight world doesn't exclude us as much. We notice that the more we legitimize our work by focusing on the positives, the more respect we are given.

But in reality, services in exchange for money IS work. We should not have to legitimize our work by denying exploitation. Exploitation in this industry is a direct result of others looking down on us and denying our labour. It is because of this exclusion of our work as work that we feel obliged to hide the negative aspects of the industry.

We admit the hardships in this chapter. There are aspects of our work that we do not like. We are entitled to feel both good and bad about sex work. People in straight jobs hate their jobs as much as we do sometimes. (If you've ever had a straight job, you know it's true.)

This chapter is not a confession of exploitation in the sex industry. It is a realistic summary of the emotional complexities of sex industry work. For those who read our words looking to justify abolitionist views, please do not use our painful moments against us.

What Stresses Us Out

2009-11-13T19:46:00.003-08:00

“On the whole most clients are great and the hour is easy as pie. Sometimes though, I get clients who want to work me to the bone for the entire hour. It is difficult to maintain energy, enthusiasm, and interest when you're trying to suck off a 400 lb asshole who keeps telling you to ‘suck harder.'"

“The most stressful aspect of stripping for me is having to lie to friends and family about what I do for a living.”

“I supported my addiction and the addictions of other guys I hung around with. We kind of took turns with this role depending on who had the dates and how much each of us was pulling in. It was very stressful not knowing how you were going to survive minute to minute, hour to hour.”

“For me, the hardest part of the work was “playing dumb." I’m a well-educated feminist and it was very hard for me to have my clients believe I was a nymphomaniac bimbo.”

Interestingly, most adult entertainers feel that working in other common occupations, such as retail or hospitality, is far more stressful because of the low pay and poor treatment.

However, sex industry workers have unique stresses not experienced by mainstream workers. They worry about people finding out what they do, how their parents feel about their jobs, and what their friends and families back home are saying about them.

More things that stress us out in the words of Trade Secrets contributors:

Uncertainty of confirmed work.
Lack of professionalism.
Not making any money.
Standing out there where everyone can see me. (on the street)
Fighting with other workers.
Fighting with clients.
Working outside in the cold.
Wondering if I am going to have a safe night.
The stress of always keeping thin, looking hot, and having a deep enough tan line.
Pressure to perform.
Competition.
Hate crimes.
Internalized homophobia (my own and clients).
Health.
Emotional and mental health issues.
Shame and stigma.
Not knowing if I’m going to get busted for solicitation.
Gay bashing on the street.
Knowing that the residents do not want us working on their streets.
Being asked personal questions by clients.
Fear of getting caught doing sex work in my own home.
Fear of using public transit late at night while coming or going to outcalls.
Aging.
Language barriers.
Not having enough clients.
Robbery.
Police and building manager.
I am afraid of no money at the end of a day.
The long hours.
Physically and mentally strenuous nature of performing and interacting with customers.
The preferential treatment of some dancers, and not getting paid what I know I'm worth.
Threat of violence or arrest.
Witnessing drug use, violence, and other destructive behaviours.
Talking to and sharing emotional experiences with clients.
Negotiating rates.
You can’t predict whether it's going to be feast or famine.
Fear of losing my children.
Fear of losing my straight job if found out.
Fear of my children finding out and how they might react.
Constantly answering the phone.
Consumers who just call and waste your time or even book an appointment and no show.
Having things thrown at me when I'm working on the street.

Burnout

2009-11-13T19:45:00.001-08:00

“I have felt burned out and not wanted to deal with horny men before. I keep other square jobs that I work on-call on the side in order to take a break from time-to-time.”

“I remember long stretches of time, like years, when I thought the job was easy and safe. But I could go from feeling comfortable to burnout very quickly.”

Burnout is a common health hazard in this profession. If you are working all the time, hustling for a living, or taking on too many clients, you’re sure to experience it. There is only one cure for burnout – taking a break.

Depending on how bad your burnout is, you may need to take an extended vacation from entertaining. Turn to your closest friends and family. Do what you need to do to have a break. To reduce extreme burnout, take breaks often. Whenever you feel yourself beginning to hate life, take a break. Don’t wait until you’ve convinced yourself life isn’t worth living anymore and you’re two months behind on rent.

If it is not financially possible for you to take a break, at the very least, try to cut down on your hours or clients. In between work - eat, sleep, and exercise. Cut down your personal life obligations until they are as minimal as possible. Veg out between work engagements and don’t feel bad about it. Your health is number one.

How We Feel About Our Jobs

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“Satisfied. I only take one or two calls a week. This way I can eat well and not worry about money. Student loans don’t give enough to live on.”

“Overall, I'm very satisfied with my job. I love dancing on stage, doing my makeup and wearing beautiful costumes. The freedom to take time off work whenever I want is another fantastic aspect of the job. Stripping has done wonders for my personal development. It's made me far more assertive, more adept at thinking on my feet, and more efficient at deflecting criticism. Developing the athleticism and strength to dance and do pole work, and seeing my body become more lean and toned as a result, has also done a lot to boost my self-confidence.”

“I love my job. I love the costumes. The high pay. The freedom of time. I do have to worry about my appearance a lot, and keep in great shape. When I feel bloated, or I am having an off day, this affects my self-esteem just like with anyone else.”

“It wasn’t until after 10 years of working that I became dissatisfied for I then wanted to form a relationship with just one man. So I quit and went back to school.”

"I feel like I am providing a very healthy and helpful service to people. It can be hard when I get the clients who don’t appreciate that, but I try to focus on the ones that do. Usually when the clients are disrespectful, it’s a reflection of how they feel about themselves, not me."

Adult entertainers, for the most part, consider their work creative and empowering. Other benefits include freedom of time, increased confidence, and becoming more open-minded sexually.

However, this work is not always beneficial for our souls. It’s easy to become dependent on the praise and love given by our customers. Then when we are away from the work, we feel inadequate and invisible. Then there is the added complexity of having lovers. (Explored more in Chapter 7 – Our Relationships.)

This business enables us to fend for ourselves financially, work flexible hours, and support our families. But, like any job, it can sometimes be bad.

“Sometimes it feels disgusting. I think I’m as lonely as they are.”

“It depends if I have money or not. It changes from day to day.”

“Unsatisfied. I got raped and I quit. It was too dangerous. I was really scared. Before that though, I always had good food and nice clothes.”

“At the time I was doing sex work, I was not sexually functional due to childhood abuse issues. Sex work (having sex when I wasn’t sexually aroused and faking arousal) was no different than sex in an intimate relationship was for me. I had my first orgasm with another human being at the age of 40, nine months after exiting the sex industry.”

“I feel like because I am a part of the sex worker rights movement that there isn’t a lot of room for me to talk about how shitty it sometimes was. That I have to maintain a strong face, and never appear to be the victim.”

“I know today that I used my body to get what I wanted. I believe that the work contributed to my low self-esteem and sense of worthlessness. I still feel a lot of this now that I am no longer in the trade. I found participating in degrading acts has left me with this sense of emptiness, this disconnect, guilt, shame, and remorse.”

Maintaining Boundaries

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It is very important to maintain your boundaries in this work. You may test them once in awhile and find that you do not like the outcome. Go back to the old way until you’re ready to try something new again. If the old ways are tried and true – find ways to be more creative with them, rather than crossing boundaries to turn up the spice.

Forgive yourself and forgive others. Forgive the people who have harmed you. And forgive yourself for any harm you have caused. That is the only way to emotional liberation.

Emotional Clients

2009-11-13T19:38:00.000-08:00

“It’s just a part of the job, seeing clients who are paying you to brighten up their lives. So many of our clients carry heavy emotional loads. It can’t help but affect us.”

“I experienced a lot of internalized homophobia from dates who took out their own anger/frustration/shame on me. This ranged from cold/unfeeling quickies to rough/violent episodes.”

“There were days when I thought of myself as a counsellor. I felt that clients actually left feeling less guilt and shame than when they came in to see me. Other days I was just numb.”

As sex industry workers, we are on the front lines often dealing with people who are looking for solace, some kind of respite from the pain of their lives. There are many techniques entertainers use in different situations. Here are some suggestions from contributors to this guide:

If your client is experiencing extreme emotions, the best thing to do is listen.
I have never experienced an angry customer. And if I did, and he was angry towards me, I would probably leave.
I leave if it’s too much.
Talk to them and help them through it.
Distract them with sex.
People with disabilities- be compassionate, support them, this is the noble part of our job.
I feel bad for them but I have to let it roll off of me.
It is better that there is no emotional connection whatsoever.
I have done a lot of studying of psychology. I'm not exactly a therapist, but I can relate and understand.
This rendezvous is based on fantasy and illusion. If too much reality gets in, I remember it is his life and it doesn’t have to affect me personally.
I respect his sensitivity that he felt comfortable enough to talk about it with me.
I always have the power to redirect the topic of conversation.
With some of my clients, listening was the primary activity during a date.
I ignore customers who project their anger or other frustrations onto me and I try not to give them much thought, so as to not take on their negative energy.
I massage the customers and then clap my hands three times to dispel negative energy. A plant in the room where you work will dispel negative energy too. Crystals can absorb also.

Confidence and Body Image

2009-11-13T19:37:00.000-08:00

“I have never understood what other people see in me or even believed them when they said I was beautiful. And so when complete strangers pay ME for sex, they CHOOSE me. It’s a huge ego boost.”

Being in this work creates an interesting relationship with our bodies. Sometimes we are more confident about our bodies and our sexuality (as well as our ability to seduce our way to financial freedom) once we become adult entertainers.

One sex worker said she felt better about her body when she realized that women with big hips and cellulite were the top bookers. Another woman had been insecure about her small breasts until she started dancing and realized that her body was just as appreciated by customers as her “Double D” co-workers.

It can also work the other way, making you feel less confident. If you get fired for having small breasts or told by an employer to lose weight, this can have disastrous effects on your performance.

When we don’t feel good about ourselves, it impacts our ability to do our jobs well. The spark just isn’t there. We feel it. The customers feel it. It sucks. That’s why with confidence we have to fake it till we make it – at all times.

The pressure to be thin really affects confidence. It can lead to eating disorders and threaten your very life. Develop a thick skin. Try not to take anything that anyone says to you personally. You are not going to be ideal for every client or employer. But there are clients and employers out there that think the world of you. Focus on the people in your life who bring positive feelings into your world and forget about the ones who impact you negatively.

Growing old is particularly difficult for adult entertainers. We rely on our beauty for an income, so when our ass(et)s start to sag, it’s not only depressing, it’s financially hazardous. Plastic surgery is always an option, but exercising, eating right and wearing sun block will actually slow aging.

Aging can be slowed, but it cannot be stopped. And so, as the days go by, so does the ability to make it in this industry.

Find things to be good at that don’t involve looking beautiful. Nurture your interests outside of work. This will help the transition from entertainer to retiree when the time inevitably comes.

Take heart. As we age, we also become savvier. With all our years of experience, we can do anything. We can start our own adult entertainment businesses – and run them ethically and responsibly to honour our own histories. We can join the straight world and wow them with our entrepreneurial skills and charm. We can do anything because we are strong, resilient, creative, and self-driven - common traits among us.

Our Sexuality

2009-11-13T19:36:00.004-08:00

“It has had a mild impact on my sexual relationships. Because I've really found what I enjoy in sex, it has been difficult to go back to traditional vanilla relationships. But not impossible, I just really need to be truly enamoured with the person.”

“I would use my sexuality to boost my confidence. I would take men home for a few hours, then kick them out when I was done with them. I still have issues with my sexuality, trying to find the balance between housewife and stripper, as well as what I really want from a sexual relationship.”

"Sexually speaking, performing in an adult film is not satisfying at all and can be quite frustrating as the sexual performances are only for the purpose of other people's enjoyment"

"Stripping for eleven years was an amazing experience that freed my mind from the constraints most people feel about their sexuality. Being naked in front of hundreds of people was sexually empowering and not a bad way to meet guys. Yet finding a significant other that loves you for who you are instead of what you look like is difficult as a stripper."

"My job is my personal sexual relationships; when I am horny, I go to work!"

Being sexy is the job, so it goes without saying that the job impacts our sexuality. Inhibitions have a lot less power over us. We become more secure in and comfortable with our sexuality.

We talk quite freely about sex and all things sexual. There is a rare comment that makes us blush.

Sometimes we are sexually drained from work, and so neglect our lovers. Sometimes we respond in the opposite way. Watching other men seek services when their wives are withholding sex inspires us to meet the needs of our partners more consistently.

It is sometimes difficult for us to be sexy for our partners because it feels fake. We do it so often for money, that it can seem insincere doing it for the people we love.

All of these are normal feelings that are felt by many sex workers. Do what feels right for you. When it comes to sex, there are no right or wrong answers. Isn’t that what we’ve really learned in this business anyway?

(See Chapter 7 – Our Relationships, for more information about managing personal relationships in this industry.)

How We Fit Into The World

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“For the longest time I felt I did not fit in though now I am out of the trade, it is easier because I can talk about what I do for work.”

“I feel like a normal person who goes to work and does their job, just like anyone else. At the same time I'm acutely aware of the fact that I lead a double life. I have a 'real' life that revolves around me stripping, and a 'fake' life I create as a front for family, friends, and others who don't know I dance. Maintaining this 'fake' life is highly stressful and causes me to feel extremely detached and alienated from many people.”

“I don’t like being around people who have it all, like jobs and no violent past.”

“I pass for normal.”

“In the beginning it was like I was doing a bad thing but I continued to do it because I enjoyed the attention from men. In the end I felt like a cockroach of society.”

“Outside. Condemned. Oppressed. Ostracized.”

It’s easy to assume we just don’t fit into the world. We are treated as outcasts and deviants. We are equally pitied, hated, and worshipped. While we are at work, it all seems quite fine and comfortable. But out in the “real” world, people try to shame us and force us to change.

However, the reality is that we are neither worse, nor better than any other person in the world. “I am not better than anyone” is easy to follow. But “no one is better than me” can be difficult for people who’ve consistently been treated as the lowest class of humans.

Yet, we all have inherited the earth. No one person has more right to being here than any other person. We all shape the world we live in by how we outwardly behave and react. If we avoid places where we feel inferior, we are depriving the world of our greatness - a greatness that every single person in the world has.

Nelson Mandela said,

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?

“Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking, so that other people won’t feel insecure around you.

“We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

You do not have to believe in God to know these words are true. You just have to believe in yourself.

Some ways to feel more connected to the rest of the world are:

Remember that you are equal to every other person in the world.
Reject any suggestions – personal or societal – that make you feel of low worth.
Join groups you are intimidated by (Parent Advisory Council, board of a charity, etc) – you’ll soon see that everyone else is just as intimidated by you!
Don’t identify yourself by what you do for work. We are not our jobs. This is just one of the ways we make a mark in our lifetimes.
Volunteer with charities that are meaningful to you to feel like you are contributing to something important.
Realize and remember that what you are offering through your work is also an important contribution to the world and nothing to be ashamed of.
Spend time with other industry workers where you feel free to be yourself.

Quotes from Sex Workers – How We See Ourselves

2009-11-13T19:31:00.000-08:00

“I am a facilitator, artist, healer.”

“I am a good person, independent, intelligent, doing a good job to support myself.”

“I am straight-forward and compassionate but I won’t take any crap. I have a big heart but it is sometimes guarded. I am easy-going. I care about people. I don’t like to see people suffer. I don’t believe in religion. I believe in spirituality.”

“I think of myself as a single individual in my community. I’m just another person on this rock floating around a star in space.”

“I'm a professional providing a service. I'm no better or worse than anyone else.”

“I provide a service that is a healthy outlet for people. Healthy, that is, if all of our companion rules are followed.”

“I am a pioneer. I am an entrepreneur. I am an exciting person who is ever-evolving with the ever-evolving, changing world.”

Substance Use as a Coping Mechanism

2009-11-13T19:30:00.002-08:00

"I rarely drink at work, but frequently smoke marijunana before or at work. It makes me more sociable. I consume GHB at work sometimes too. It has the same effect. I usually have an Ativan (lorazepam) in my purse in case I get an anxiety attack, but that has only ever happened at one club, twice."

Many people use substances to cope with the stresses of life. Whether it is a glass of wine in the evening or a doobie in the morning, substance use is a common coping mechanism.

If you find that you are using substances to cope, it is good that you are at least aware of it. Try to monitor your substance use to reduce its harmful effects.

If you notice you are increasing your use or binging, you could be experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma or PTSD. This is when you should be most attentive to yourself, using self-care strategies and/or seeking therapy.

Attempt to find ways other than substance use, or in conjunction with less substance use, to stay sane. (See "Staying Sane" in this chapter.)

One very good coping mechanism is to phone someone you trust and debrief with him or her on a regular basis, especially if you’ve had a disturbing experience. If you can do this in person, that’s even better. Sharing your experiences with another person you trust is very healing.

(See Chapter 6 - Our Bodies – for more information on substance use, their effects, and self-care strategies for substance users.)

Staying Sane

2009-11-13T19:27:00.001-08:00

There are many ways to maintain your mental health. Avoiding burnout (by taking breaks) is a big one. Other good ways to feel better mentally are:

Have a hobby – painting, scrapbooking, something creative that will allow you to express yourself.
Try therapy. Many entertainers, because they are creative, prefer art therapy or other alternative therapies to more traditional ones. There are community-based counselling and therapy options that are low cost or free, although many may have waiting lists. Check with your doctor or a community health clinic for more information on free or inexpensive services.
Do things you’re good at that are separate from your work. You may be an incredible pole dancer, but what can you do off the pole? Are you a chef? A mechanic? A website designer? Nurture an identity of yourself that is separate from your role as a sex industry worker. We are not our jobs, after all. (Although it can sometimes seem like it in this field.)
Take long walks, get out of your workspace, and get fresh air. Go bike riding or swimming on occasion.
Redecorating your play space can be therapeutic.
Spend lots of time with your friends.
Sing karaoke or go dancing.
Take days off to visit family.
Write an anonymous blog.
Write poetry, paint, or make sculptures.
Listen to music.
Lift weights.
Run.
Watch inspiring movies.
Beading/ crafts
Crocheting / Knitting / Sewing
Have a sense of humour.
Give yourself time to heal.
Structure your life to include a balance of a little bit of everything.
Access services.
Put yourself next to happy people.
LAUGH!
Stretch.
Keep a journal and write down your thoughts. Get what’s in - out!
Yoga.
Honey and salt body washes once a week.
Take art classes.
Read a novel.
Entertaining can make us relax. Making friends is another good way to relax. (Some clients can be our friends.)
Eat well, exercise, and get lots of sleep every day.
Debrief with a friend after particularly stressful situations.

Be Strong

2009-11-13T19:25:00.000-08:00

“Stick together, work together, find solutions, create a positive environment, treat others with respect, work as a team, be responsible for your own actions, fight for your rights, earn respect, and always present a positive image to your community and the public. Have confidence and be proud of what you do and who you are.”

“I no longer use drugs or booze. I keep a journal and attend a 12-step program. I swim and go for long walks. I forgive myself and understand the choices I made in the past were the best I could at the time.”

We are resilient, aren’t we? We are able to withstand almost anything. We are very strong individuals. In fact, sometimes when we leave the industry, we start to become vulnerable. Then we recall how strong we can be, and revert to our tougher selves. This is a power we all have within us. It’s just that adult entertainers use it regularly.

We all have moments of feeling weak, and that's okay. It is part of being a strong individual - to allow ourselves to be vulnerable (when it is safe to do so) - as that allows us to be honest with our processes and our selves.

While retiring or once retired, we sometimes experience feelings of sadness, guilt, grief, shame, fear, or anger about the life we’ve left and the constant survival mode we existed in. We may need to separate ourselves from the work and criticize it for the painful experiences that we feel it brought upon us.

This is not only normal; it is extremely healthy to experience these emotions. They are part of the healing process. Just be sure to carry them out to their conclusion – which is the safe, healthy, and well-rounded human being you see in the mirror.

Even in the worst circumstances, we develop skills in this work. We become mentally prepared for anything. We learn to have a backup plan. We learn survival techniques – we practically invented them. We are resourceful, resilient, and revolutionary as a community. And we have absolutely nothing to be ashamed of.

Online Resources

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Medical assistance
www.aim-med.org

Trade publications
www.Avn.com

Sexual health and pleasure
www.goodvibes.com

Reviews, resources, FAQ's
www.rame.net

Stopping Child pornography
www.thecpac.com
www.asacp.org
www.antichildporn.org

Network of Sex Work Projects
http://www.nswp.org/

Sex Workers Outreach Project-USA
http://www.swopusa.org/

New Zealand Prostitutes Collective
http://www.nzpc.org.nz/

International Prostitutes Collective
http://www.prostitutescollective.net/

Durbar Mahila Samanwaya Committee
http://www.durbar.org/index.html

Tai Empower Foundation
http://www.empowerfoundation.org/

Coyote LA - Call Off Your Old Tired Ethics
A Prostitutes' Rights Organization
http://www.coyotela.org/

Scarlet Alliance - Australian Sex Workers Association
http://www.scarletalliance.org.au/

Red Thread (Rode Draad) - Netherlands
http://www.rodedraad.nl/

The Naked Truth
http://www.nakedtruth.ca/home.php

Exotic Dancer Net
http://exoticdancernet.com

Canadian National Coalition of Experiential Women
http://www.cncew.ca/
489 Owens Rd.
Victoria, BC, V9C 2C3
Telephone: 250.298.6376
Fax: 250.590.9376
Email: m-r.fournier@shaw.ca

BCCEC-BC Coalition of Experiential Communities
http://bccec.wordpress.com
604-671-2345

WCCSIP- West Coast Cooperative of Sex Industry Professionals
www.wccsip.ca
604-671-2345

CERF- Canadian Escort Review Forum- free ads, reviews of workers, Private Ladies only Lounge, blacklist, health information
www.cerf.ca

PERB- Pacific Escort Review Board- Paid ads, lots of traffic for ads, reviews of workers, health information, neighbourhood watch
www.perb.ca

CERB- Canadian Escort Recommendation Board- free ads, private workers only lounge, escort recommendations. health information
www.cerb.ca

TERF- Toronto Escort Review Forum- paid ads, lots of traffic for ads, reviews of workers, health information
www.terf.ca

MERC- Montreal Escort Review Community- paid ads, lots of traffic for ads, reviews of workers, health information
www.merc.ca

BARRB- Best of Aggassiz Regional Review Board.- free ads, reviews of workers, health information
www.barrb.ca

STELLA- Montreal
www.chezstella.org

The Youth Recovery Coalition
www.youthrecoverycoalition.com/

FIRST - Feminists for Decrim
http://www.firstadvocates.org

Chapter 6 - Intro

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“‘Selling our Bodies’ is a slang term used by many people who oppose our industry. But for many of us, we do not feel we are selling our bodies. No one purchases and walks away with our bodies (or our souls). We are not commodities – our services are what we sell.”

Information in this chapter was taken from contributors to Trade Secrets, the BC Centre for Disease Control STI/HIV Program, Stella’s “Dope Guide,” and Stella’s “Dear Client” handbook.

Our bodies are very important in this business. How we look and even our ability to do this work depends upon us caring for our bodies. This chapter will cover common issues and their remedies, STI’s and condom use, genital health, working with bodily fluids and wastes, accessing health services, alternative health, beauty secrets, plastic surgery, and drugs and alcohol.

Prevention and Rehabilitation

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“I try to stretch at least once a day and drink lots of water, especially if the bar is hot and I'm sweating a lot, to keep muscle stiffness to a minimum. I also try to wear track pants when I'm hanging out in the dressing room to keep my muscles warm.”

A good thing to have on hand at any place of business is a first aid kit. It’s even better if some or all workers have taken a first aid course. Make sure there is always a phone nearby in case of emergencies.

To prevent many illnesses, wash your hands frequently with soap and water. Antibacterial cleansers are okay but they dry out your skin. Use clean towels and linens.

Diet

Buy food before anything (clothes, drugs). A full stomach helps us make safer, more logical choices.

Stay away from fast food and excess starches and desserts. Try to eat mostly fruit, veggies, and meat with a little dairy. If you like alcohol, white wine and vodka are leaner choices than beer or sugary cocktails.

Try to cook your own food as much as possible. Drink lots of water. And take vitamins.

FiberOne products are a popular and healthy choice for when you're in a hurry. Steamed non-fat milk is a good low-calorie drink.

Bring a blender and green whole food smoothie powder on the road. Always carry oregano oil in case something is going around.

Sleep

Try to ensure you are getting regular and adequate sleep. It not only makes you look better when you’re rested, but your body heals faster while you’re sleeping too.

Exercise

Your body needs to stretch and use its muscles. Some of your muscles are overused in this work. Stretching not only helps ease and prevent overuse injuries, but also promotes a leaner frame, more flexibility, and increased peace of mind.

Cardio exercise promotes better circulation, stronger muscles, and increases endurance. Resistance training builds muscles, slows and even reverses the decline in muscle mass, bone density, and strength that come with aging.

Common Issues and Remedies

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No matter what area of the sex industry you work in, your body is at risk of physical injury. So, it is very important to take precautions against injury that could leave you unable to work.

Common injuries for sex industry workers are: over-use disorders, water on the knee (from kneeling and crawling), foot problems (from wearing stilettos), accidents that happen from exertion (popping a hip out), carpal tunnel syndrome, back problems, and pulled muscles.

You should stretch before and after work. Use ice on sore, bruised, or swollen body parts.

When you are hurt or sick, take time off work, if possible. If you’re an exotic dancer, do lazier shows. Stick to positions and services that do not aggravate the illness or injury. Learn ways to perform your services without re-injuring body parts that are susceptible.

Bursitis/water on the knee comes from putting too much pressure directly on your kneecaps. If this happens to you, keep your knee wrapped tightly in a tensor bandage and elevated as much as possible during the day and in bed at night. You can also apply a product called Traumeel (a topical anti-inflammatory cream, available at health food stores) to help the healing process.

Staph Infection

A staph infection is a bacterial skin infection. It can give a person crusty, oozing sores on the skin. Staphylococci are very common bacteria found all over the place and very often on healthy people's skin, in their noses, etc. But, when a person's immune system is run down, or they have a wound or break in the skin, staph has an opportunity to grow and cause problems.

Many staph infections clear up on their own or can be easily dealt with through a course of antibiotics. There are some staph bacteria that are resistant to most antibiotics, called MRSA, and they are harder to treat. Good handwashing/ showering can help prevent staph. So can covering any cuts or sores before skin-to-skin contact.

Allergies

Allergy to latex is often developed through repeated exposure. So if you used to be fine with latex condoms, but you aren’t now – you may have obtained the allergy from using them.
There are hypo-allergenic condoms made from polyurethane that offer the same protection against STIs as latex condoms. Some are produced by Durex and called “Avanti." Trojan also has a line called “Supra." You can find them at most pharmacies.

The same applies for gloves made with Nitrile. They will not cause an allergic reaction. Ensure that the gloves you use do not have too much powder as this can cause friction and irritation.
If you suspect you are allergic to lube, check for spermicide. It is very common for spermicide to cause allergic reactions. If there is no spermicide in the lubrication, try to stick with water-based lubricants, which are least likely to cause irritation.

Many people are also allergic to massage oils. Natural oils and powders are preferable in these instances.

Symptoms of Allergic Reaction to Condoms, Lubes, and Sex toys

Skin irritation
Itching
Swelling
Redness

Feet

Keeping your feet looking beautiful can be a challenge when you’re stuffing them into stilettos every day. It’s even more important to keep them working properly, so you can still use them when you’re done this job.

Here is some advice for taking care of your feet:

Wear heels only when working.
Try to wear comfortable shoes.
Put lotion on them with your socks overtop to soak the moisture in. Lube works too if you don’t have lotion.
Soak them in Epsom salts.
Pedicures for calluses.
Wear runners when you’re not working.
Use pumice stones and Johnson’s Foot Soap.
Buy the right size shoes; never settle for a size too small. It will give you more time on your feet.