Sex workers — empowered, or victims? (with Melissa Broudo)

1. Base Policy on Averages

When evaluating social issues and making policy, prioritize evidence from meta-analyses and averages rather than individual anecdotes, as personal stories cannot be universalized to create effective policy.

2. Oppose Nordic Model

Oppose the Nordic model of sex work regulation (criminalizing clients) because it increases harm and danger for sex workers by making clients more secretive, leading to increased assaults and stigmatization without reducing demand.

3. Evaluate Arguments, Not Credentials

When encountering new information, focus on evaluating the soundness of the arguments and evidence presented, rather than relying solely on the speaker’s credentials. Build trust over time based on a reliable track record of sound reasoning.

4. Engage in Altruistic Activism

Approach activism with the core value of doing good deeds for others, especially those with less privilege, focusing on supporting marginalized groups to create a more equitable world rather than seeking personal experience or validation.

5. Differentiate Private vs. Business Regulation

When considering regulation, differentiate between private, consensual exchanges between adults (like individual sex work) which may not require external involvement, and formal businesses (like daycare facilities) which warrant heavy government regulation.

6. View Clients as Potential Allies

Shift the perspective on clients of sex workers to view them as potential allies in the fight against human trafficking, rather than inherently exploitative, as many clients do not wish to see anyone harmed and may even assist those in distress.

7. Embrace Sexual Agency

Shift from viewing sexualization as something to resist to something women can embrace and benefit from, recognizing that women can take control of their sexuality rather than seeing it as a weapon against them.

8. Use Precise Language

Avoid using emotionally loaded terms like “pimp” and instead use precise language such as “manager” for non-exploitative third parties or “trafficker” when discussing exploitation, to avoid emotional sway and promote clarity.

9. Recognize Sex Worker Expertise

Understand that sex workers often have a very high rate of condom usage and are experts in sexual health in their professional lives, often more so than the general population.

10. Recognize Labor Exploitation

Be aware that significant labor exploitation, including house fees, misclassification, and sexual abuse by managers, can occur even in legal sectors of the sex industry like strip clubs, often exacerbated by stigma and lack of worker bargaining power.

11. Avoid Faux Oppression Claims

Do not leverage brief or temporary engagement in sex work to claim a particular oppression or world experience that you do not genuinely have, as this can be offensive and disingenuous to actual sex workers.

12. Acknowledge Stigma’s Toll

Understand that societal judgment and the fear of ostracism for one’s actions, regardless of the activity, can take a huge psychological toll, impacting self-perception and well-being.

13. Avoid Savior Mode

Do not assume what is best for other people or adopt a “savior mode,” as this can be deeply problematic and externalize one’s own experiences onto others, especially when making policy.

14. Reframe Objectification

Recognize that being sexualized or objectified can be empowering if it is not historically linked to violence, abuse, or exploitation, allowing for a more adult and processed perspective on such experiences.

15. Use MindEase for Anxiety

If feeling stressed or anxious, use the free MindEase app (mindease.io) for iOS, Android, or web, which offers scientifically proven exercises to relieve stress and anxiety in under 10 minutes.