Sex Work Is Work
Today, Tuesday, June 2nd is International Sex Workers Day. Some people don’t agree with sex work. People generally like sex. Work is generally encouraged. For some reason though, combining the two is something some people are against. For an increasing number of people though, sex work is work.
Sex work can take a variety of forms: prostitution, cam performances, porn, domination, and more. Some people engage in more than one form of sex work. Just like any other business in the market, there is competition, innovation, and people can choose what to consume, while service providers can choose who to serve.
Challenges Sex Workers Face
Many people conflate legitimate sex work with human trafficking. The difference between the two though is immense. Human trafficking is a form of slavery. It takes away people’s right to choose and is maintained by force. Legitimate sex workers are voluntarily engaged in business where there is a code of conduct and consent is vitally important.
Because of stigma and legal issues life can be difficult for sex workers. In addition to everything they normally face, sex workers have been hit especially hard by the economic downturn spurred by the COVID-19 Coronavirus. Chase Tkach, who is also known as Molly Smash, has discussed some of the challenges sex workers are facing during the COVID-19 Coronavirus Pandemic in the video below. Chase is also active politically and has worked to decriminalise and de-stigmatise this work. In 2019 Chase ran for county legislature. One of the campaign’s themes was decriminalisation. Chase also serves as the secretary of the Libertarian Party Sex Worker’s Rights Caucus and has been featured in international news discussing her efforts.
The Politics Of Sex Work
Each state naturally has different laws regarding sex work in its different varieties. Some are more oppressive than others. Of the national political parties, the Libertarian Party is the only one that advocates decriminalization of sex work.
The Libertarian Party supports the decriminalization of prostitution. We assert the right of consenting adults to provide sexual services to clients for compensation, and the right of clients to purchase sexual services from consenting sex workers.
Libertarian Party Platform 2.10 “Sex Work”
Libertarian Presidential Nominee, Dr. Jo Jorgensen has been quoted as saying she looks forward to fully decriminalising sex work if she is elected. The Life, Liberty, And Pursuit Of Happiness likewise supports the rights of consenting adults to work, to provide whatever products or services they wish. Market principles of supply and demand should govern the business of sex work, just like any other business. Government should not infringe on the market or more importantly on people’s rights. Sex work is work.
Garrett Leeds is the founder of the Life, Liberty, and Pursuit of Happiness Project
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