sex work is work.

students working in the sex industry to afford university and working flexibly around their studies is not a new concept. in fact, there are up to 70,000 student sex workers in the UK, and 20% of all students have considered it.  

since the start of the pandemic, popular platforms such as OnlyFans have seen a 75% increase, with up to 170,000 new users each day. we know for a fact that the past year has been enormously difficult financially for a lot of students across the country. students who relied on part time and zero-hour contracts have struggled, and so it is likely the amount of student sex workers at Kingston has risen.

often, sex workers already belong to marginalised minority groups. the stigma surrounding sex work is undeniable, and so we understand and recognise that most students will not feel comfortable sharing this part of their life with others. despite this, we want our student sex workers to feel safe and supported by us.

as an exciting part of women’s history month, the union is releasing a podcast miniseries about being a sex worker and how to be an ally, speaking to some amazing individuals and organisations with fab advice, info and resources.  the series will be continuing into April, with episodes available on all major podcast streaming platforms, such as Spotify and Apple, you can view the page here:  Union Speaks (buzzsprout.com)

while we think a podcast would help educate students and give valuable advice and insight to sex workers and allies, we think we can do more to further support our student sex workers. we are taking a stance as a union to oppose the Nordic model. the idea of the model is that the buying of sex is criminalised, but the selling remains legal - seen in countries such as Sweden, France, Ireland, Iceland etc. whilst the bill was intended to protect sex workers, the reality of client criminalisation has unfortunately done the opposite, and created a much more dangerous environment for sex workers. to find out more, check out this fab page by SWARM that explains it.

the Nordic model is due to be discussed for its second reading in parliament soon, and so as a union, we are writing to Ed Davey MP to urge him to oppose.  if you would like your name added to it, please email us.

we have compiled a list of helpful resources below that can provide support, advice and alerts to student sex workers.

advice kits

a toolkit for sex workers, written by sex workers. it includes legal information, how to work and stay safe during COVID-19, support lines and general advice.

SWARM support document for sex workers during the pandemic.

information on STI’s for sex workers.

safety advice for UK sex workers.

which websites to advertise services on, and which ones to be wary of.

members of SWARM have created a new zine ‘BLOCKED: A sex worker’s guide to stalking and harassment’. this is a 34-page PDF for sex workers on digital security, setting boundaries with clients, legal definitions of different kinds of stalking/harassment and where you can turn for help. written by & for sex workers in the UK, with most legal information and resources relevant for those based in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. if you are a sex worker and would like a copy, please email contact@swarmcollective.org  to be sent your copy.

organisations

*community for student sex workers.

*SWARM is a sex worker led collective who campaign for rights and safety of sex workers. 

*Ugly Mugs is an organisation that send alerts to its members, warning of violent potential clients in the area. it has its own reporting system and works with the police to make steps towards ending violence against sex workers. 

*Support and Advice for Escorts (but applicable to all sex workers) sharing info and advice they wish they’d known before, such as safety tips, advertising, legal advice and even how to rent.

*Information hub on prostitution, with resources and more.