Disability Justice and Sex Worker Rights
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Justice for sex workers is justice for people with disabilities.
Many people with disabilities choose to do sex work because it can be flexible, autonomous, better paid, and more accessible than other work. People with disabilities experience poverty and job discrimination at uniquely high rates.
In 2019, 25.9% of people with disabilities were living in poverty, more than twice the rate of people without disabilities. One major problem is that disability benefits come with income caps. 72% of people who apply for disability benefits are denied.
People with chronic illnesses and disabilities are better able to manage their own care when they have access to a flexible schedule and other accommodations. Much of today’s sex work is online, can be contactless, and allows content creators to develop recurring revenue.
The sex worker rights and disability justice movements are focused on expanding access to opportunities and also removing barriers to the services and support we all need to move our lives forward.
Clients & Providers: Disability Justice and Sex Worker Rights
Many people with disabilities choose to engage the services of sex workers.
Some clients need special accommodations to safely enjoy sexual pleasure and are able to do so by seeking out the services of professional providers. Many sex workers see clients with physical or mental disabilities, having specialized skills to adapt sessions and accommodate to a variety of needs.
These sessions with professional providers can be extremely beneficial for helping people with disabilities learn how to navigate and articulate their own needs with other partners. Intimate physical contact and conversation can be extremely beneficial for people
with chronic pain and depression.
Full decriminalization allows sex workers to openly advertise their skills and preferences, expanding access to erotic services to people with disabilities.
New Zealand, the Netherlands, and Germany all have programs to help connect people with disabilities to qualified sex workers. Policies have been removed that prohibit visits from sex workers in nursing homes and homes for adults with disabilities who require more care.
Decriminalizing sex work creates a more compassionate world for everyone.