Debating Sex Work: Centering Real Experiences

I see countless videos on TikTok and YouTube saying things like “is sex work, work” or “is sex work empowering?” without platforming sex workers themselves. If sex workers respond in comment sections, content creators often block them. If they make response videos, they often get deplatformed.

I'm not a sex worker myself. But I am not trying to build a platform by speaking over sex workers for clicks and views. They are considered debate topics, rather than human beings with lived experience. This is commonplace on algorithmically driven video social media applications.

As a transgender woman, I understand the experience of having my life legislated and regulated. These actions are often based on fear and disgust, rather than the people at the center of the debate. Lawmakers should listen to those affected by the legislation and regulation.

If you're going to debate sex workers and their industry, include them in on the conversation.