Sex Worker Resources - Australia

A collection of links to resources that may be useful to sex workers in Australia.  Many of the links are to international resources that contain general information, but the focus (At least initially) will be on resources to help Australians stay safe and understand the laws in the areas they work

[judge-her-not]

The Sex Workers Outreach Project has a program where they will send you a list of 10, 25, 50, or 100 incarcerated sex workers who have consented to receive correspondence, in this case holiday letters. I signed up to receive ten names. I enjoy sending and receiving mail. And I know that receiving mail helps the incarcerated remember that they matter while also sending a message to their fellow inmates that people in the outside world care about them. Sometimes this can save lives. So as soon as I get this contact information, I will divy up the names between myself and a few other friends and begin these new correspondences. 

If you are interested in getting involved, the SWOP Behind Bars website is a font of resources for those who want to help.

[sexworkerhelpfuls]

SexWorkerHelpfuls.com

WE FINALLY MADE A WEBSITE!

It’s an amalgam of posts from over the years from different sex workers from tumblr sharing their wisdom. We’ll continue to move over old posts as time goes on, and the website is a work in progress, so let me know if any of the posts or links are bunk. 

www.sexworkerhelpfuls.com

[arkadykoshka]

From someone who’s survived MySpace, livejournal, deviantart, and fanfiction.nets’ content purges and bad policy updates, here’s some advice on how to get through tumblr’s recent bullshit:

- don’t knee jerk delete. I know it’s tempting to peace out immediately but hang on and do the other steps first. Out right ghosting and erasing everything is how fandoms die.

- archive everything on your blog you want to keep

- tell your followers how they can archive and keep your work too. A lot of fic and art were only saved from ff.net and lj because other people saved it first. If you’re cool with other people saving your work for them to personally keep, let them know this. You can absolutely discourage reposting but I really do highly recommend you allow people to personally save fic and art they like and are worried will disappear forever. Digital Dark Ages are a real thing.

- tell people where you’re jumping ship to. Give links. Keep that info up, even if you’ve left the site.

- go through who you follow and find out where else you can follow them. Save their work if they’ll allow it. It’s tedious as hell but if you want to keep up with people on here clicking on their page to check in is the best way to do it.

- support places like ao3. This is exactly why ao3 asks for donations a few times a year. They are a 100% anti-purging, judgement free, ad free non profit run by an elected board and protected by lawyers. Places like ao3 literally save fandom so please continue to support them and other similar archives. This is exactly why ao3 is so important.

[suzirya]

For example, here’s a post that explains and links for how to back up your blog

Also, go read the source policies and official Tumblr statements in addition to user analyses and reactions. It’s important to keep abreast of developments over time; staying informed is your power in this situation. Memes and reaction posts are funny and are a useful way to vent / provide commentary, but some of them create an inaccurate picture of what’s happening and should not be taken as evidence on their own of what developments have happened.

[swresources]

Lost & Found Register

As so many sex workers are facing the sudden deletion of their accounts without notice, we’ve created a little register. Anyone can complete the form, either for yourself or someone else, and include current usernames for your different social media accounts and website links. If you need to make changes, email us or complete the form again. http://www.swresources.net/uncategorized/lost-found/ It’s a bit bare at the moment, but we will update it as soon as we get submissions.

[swresources]

We’re getting a new home!

Thanks to Tumblrs latest shenanigans, I’ve moved all of our info to a new site - https://www.swresources.net/ Still figuring out how to use it, so apologies if the theme changes 15 times in the next 48 hours! I just wanted to jump in and get everything backed up ASAP to avoid losing it all on the 15th. 

[trapcard]

scream @ “female presenting nipples”

[sexworkerhelpfuls]

tumblr is shutting everything down, not sure this blog will survive the cull

[thehungryhungryhooker]

December 17 is the day of remembrance for sex workers

[swresources]

We chose this platform to collaborate resources because it was one of the very few places we could think of that was easily accessible, free and allowed us to post relevant content without fear of deletion.

If anyone can recommend an alternative site, that allows you to network anonymously and share content as consenting adults with the right to make choices for themselves, we’d love to know!

[swresources]

Australian Sex Workers - Time is running out of you would like to opt out of the governments MyHealthRecord

Copied from Respect Inc’s Facebook page

“**DECISION NEEDED BY 15 NOV**

ALL #SEXWORKERS in #Queensland

You will get a #MyHealthRecord unless you #optout. If you don’t want a My Health Record, complete the online process by 15 November 2018.

You can opt out online at: https://www.myhealthrecord.gov.au/for-you-your-family/opt-out-my-health-record

https://theconversation.com/my-health-record-the-case-for-opting-out-99302”

[swresources]

Introduction

Hi everyone! I’m Scarlett, an admin of this blog and a full service sex worker. I’ve worked in brothels and as an independent escort. My main goal here is to offer my experience and perspective as a sex worker to make this a safer environment for my fellow workers and to reduce stigma around our practices.

- Scarlett

[swresources]

It’s a work in progress...

Hey everyone! You’ll notice that this blog has some gaps, I’m sorry!

I (Kat) am a receptionist/ manager of a brothel in Melbourne, Victoria. Full service sex work, especially in Victoria, is the easiest for me to find resources on because that’s the environment that I’m in. 

I would love this blog to be as inclusive as possible and I’m doing my best to find some more resources. If you have links to your favourite references and support groups that you would like to see included, please send them through! You can even submit your own posts.

Just as importantly, if I’ve got something wrong, please let me know - I can’t fix a problem if I don’t know it’s there. 

I have the support of some amazing sex workers who are (or will be) admins on this blog, so they can answer some questions for you too.

I’ll sign off any posts that aren’t just links as “Kat” and I’ll let the other admins introduce themselves or their posts however they feel most comfortable.

- Kat

[swresources]

DIRECTORY

Introduction Post

About this blog.

Getting Started

General tips for anyone interested in working in the adult/ sex industry

Glossary

Some of the common terms and phrases used by workers and clients

Free Guides and Handbooks

Free to download and read, a few guides and handbooks with tips and general information about different forms of work in the sex industry.

Consent

Consent should be clear and simple, but unfortunately it isn’t always. Here’s some advice on drawing those lines and how to communicate them effectively with your clients.

Personal Health and Safety

Health and safety is about more than STIs. Here are some other things to look out for.

Anatomy Overview

If you’re going to be getting up close and personal with clients’ genitals, it’s a good idea to know what you’re looking at.

Screening Clients and Colleagues

Whether it’s clients, co-workers or managers, it’s important to make sure that the people around you are safe to work with/ for. Here are some things to look out for.

Safer Sex – Sexual Health (STIs, BBVs and minimising risks of infection)

Fact sheets about STIs, BBVs, and other general sexual health information.

Safer Sex – Health Checks 

If you’re going to have sexual contact with a client, here is a guide on how to do a visual check of your clients for signs of STIs and other contagious health risks.

Safer Sex – Protection and Birth Control

Information about different forms of protection and birth control and the most effective way to use them. It’s important to know how to use protection effectively and what is best for you.

Safer Sex – Minimising the Risks When Offering Unprotected Services *Coming Soon* While offering unprotected sex has many risks, for some sex workers it’s not optional. If you’re offering unprotected services, here’s some of the ways that you can reduce the risks.

Full Service – Brothel Workers

Advice and tips for the brothel babes.

Full Service – Independent Workers

Advice and tips for the Indie workers.

Full Service – Street Workers 

Street workers face unique risks and challenges. Here’s some information to help you stay safe out there.

Adult Film/ Porn Actors

Information and tips for the stars of the pornography screen.

Massage/ Rub & Tug Workers *Coming Soon*

Dancers/ Strippers

Stars of pole, stage and private dance performance, here are some resources for you.

Setting Boundaries & Negotiating a Booking

It’s important to know what your boundaries and to stick to them. Here’s some information on how to do that, while successfully negotiating a booking.

Handling Some Common Issues in Bookings

Sometimes things don’t go according to plan. Here’s some advice on handling the common issues.

Dealing With/ Breaking Up with Difficult Clients

A regular client who no longer respects your boundaries, clients who can’t leave the fantasy at the door or clients who keep pressing you for personal information – they can be difficult to manage, but with a little preparation and communication you can make these situations easier for you both.

Violence & Assault

An unfortunate reality is that sex workers are at a higher risk of violence and assault. Here are some things to think of to help reduce the risks. Also some advice on who you can contact if you need support.

Sex Work and Burn Out

Burn out is an underrated risk for sex workers. Managing your own small business is a challenge and relying on your body for your income is stressful. Here’s some advice on caring for yourself and avoiding burn out.

Work/ Life Balance – How to Have it all, While Dealing with Stigma and Discrimination.

Information about balancing sex work with ‘civilian’ life.

Managing Money

Tips on managing money more effectively.

Specialist Services

Some providers specialise in specific areas or styles of service. Here are a few of those to give you an idea of what clients may be looking for when they ask for those services.

BDSM

Bondage, Domination and Sado-Masochism is a common area of kink, but there are a lot of risks involved. A little education goes a long way in keeping both you and your clients safe.

Toys and Tools

Toys and tools can be a great addition to your service. Keeping them clean and well maintained will ensure that their usage is safe and that you’ll get the most out of them.

Anal Advice

Tips for those wanting to try anal for the first time, or who want to learn how to enjoy safer anal play.

Clients with Special Needs and Disabilities

Clients with special needs can be great clients and reliable regulars, some knowledge will help you ensure it’s an enjoyable experience for providers and clients.

Trans Sex Workers 

Resources and support for trans sex workers.

Male Sex Workers

Tips and tricks for the lads

Decriminalisation, legislation and criminalisation 

Discussions, observations and recommendations about the best way for governments to manage and police the sex industry.

Information for Allies

It’s awesome that you want to support sex workers, but here’s a few things you should read first.

Local Resources, Support and the Laws Regarding Sex Work

Australia Wide

Australian Capital Territory Northern Territory Queensland South Australia Tasmania Victoria Western Australia

International Workers – Support and Resources

[swresources]

Handling some of the common issues that may arise.

Sex work is never simple and every day is different, but preparing yourself for some of the more common issues can help you stay calm and handle them with confidence and professionalism.

Erectile Disfunction  http://www.true.org.au/Health-information/Mens-health/sexual-difficulties

A few of the common sexual problems in relationships  http://sexualrespect.com/problems.html More aimed at those in relationships rather than sex workers, but there’s some useful information.

Embarrassing flatulence during orgasm https://www.liveabout.com/embarrassing-farts-during-orgasm-2983240

How to play with a soft penis https://www.liveabout.com/how-to-play-with-a-soft-penis-2983481

Why did he go soft?  https://www.liveabout.com/penis-goes-soft-2982801

[swresources]

Anatomy Overview

Female Reproductive Anatomy - http://www.true.org.au/Health-information/Women-s-health/female-reproductive-anatomy

Male Reproductive Anatomy - http://www.true.org.au/Health-information/Men-s-health/male-reproductive-anatomy

[swresources]

Toys & Tools

Toys may be a part of your service. Keeping them clean is essential for the health and safety of yourself and your clients.

Cleaning and Caring For Your Sex Toys https://www.respectqld.org.au/flyers-and-photos/cleaning-and-caring-for-your-sex-toys

Materials - Guide to the most common materials toys are made from and how best to care for them https://spectrumboutique.com/materials/

[swresources]

Setting Boundaries & Negotiating a Booking

Negotiating a service with a client and setting your own boundaries is important. 

Negotiating the Booking https://www.respectqld.org.au/flyers-and-photos/negotiating-the-booking Subjects in this fact sheet include: • Boundaries  • Times of negotiation  • Your advertising  • Your first conversation  • Negotiating during the booking  • Negotiating a difficult situation  • Negotiating extras  • Things to remember

Yes/ No/ Maybe, a sexual inventory checklist http://www.scarleteen.com/article/advice/yes_no_maybe_so_a_sexual_inventory_stocklist This may be aimed at teenagers and not directly related to sex work, but it’s a useful checklist when you’re starting to think about what your boundaries may be a sex worker. It’s easier to think about this before you’re at work than to make decisions in the heat of the moment. It’s not a comprehensive list, but it is a good starting point for those choices that you will need to make.

[swresources]

Safer Sex - Health Checks

Health checks are a physical examination of your clients genitals to see if there are any obvious signs of and STI. Here are some links for full service and massage workers on what you should look for, how you should explain health checks to your clients and how to handle things if you have concerns. If you work in a brothel/ parlor/ other business with colleagues, you can always ask someone you trust for a second opinion. If you have the choice, trust your instincts and decline any booking you’re not comfortable with.

Checking a male client - https://www.respectqld.org.au/flyers-and-photos/checking-a-client Fact sheet written by Respect Inc, Qld. Checking a female client - https://www.respectqld.org.au/flyers-and-photos/female-clients Fact sheet written by Respect Inc, Qld.

[swresources]

BDSM

Bondage, Dominance and Sado-Masochism is an area where knowledge, consent and skill are particularly important to keep you and other participants safe. 

Beginners Guide to BDSM http://www.the-iron-gate.com/essays/8

Consent in BDSM  https://dominantlife.tumblr.com/post/120711809760/fortheloveofasub-consent-is-mandatory-and http://www.the-iron-gate.com/essays/259

Getting Started and Setting Boundaries in BDSM

SSC (Safe, Sane, Consensual) and RACK (Risk-Aware Consensual Kink), the BDSM mantras

   https://www.lifehacker.com.au/2014/06/learn-the-ssc-and-rack-mantras-for-safer-risk-conscious-kinky-sex/

SSC Vs. RACK http://www.the-iron-gate.com/essays/23

Detailed checklist for participants in BDSM play http://www.the-iron-gate.com/essays/61 A very detailed checklist. You may never use anything this extensive, but it certainly gives you an idea of the things you may need to think about if offering BDSM play as a part of your services Offline/Online BDSM Safety Rules  http://www.the-iron-gate.com/essays/233

Aftercare

https://adultsmart.com.au/blog/aftercare-sex/

BDSM is a whole lot more than spanking and bondage. Educating yourself about aftercare is important for the health and safety of both you and your clients.

Introductory Guides to Some BDSM Experiences

Breath Play http://www.the-iron-gate.com/essays/59 Cock and Ball Torture, an introductory essay http://www.the-iron-gate.com/essays/198

Guide to figging (inserting ginger in the anus) http://www.the-iron-gate.com/essays/70

Safe, healthy breast bondage http://www.the-iron-gate.com/essays/288

Using Gags http://www.the-iron-gate.com/essays/73

Vaginal Fisting http://www.the-iron-gate.com/essays/318 http://www.the-iron-gate.com/essays/49

Floggers http://www.the-iron-gate.com/essays/260

Clamps http://www.the-iron-gate.com/essays/9 Nipple Clamps - https://www.passionfruitshop.com.au/blogs/news/8-ways-to-enjoy-nipple-clamps-that-may-surprise-you

Wax Play http://www.the-iron-gate.com/essays/97 http://www.the-iron-gate.com/essays/30

Safe words and setting limits http://www.the-iron-gate.com/essays/87

Bondage - Choosing the right rope http://www.the-iron-gate.com/essays/250

Electro Play http://www.the-iron-gate.com/essays/257

Spanking http://www.the-iron-gate.com/essays/140

Needle Play http://www.the-iron-gate.com/essays/34

Spreader Bars https://www.passionfruitshop.com.au/blogs/news/spreader-bars

[swresources]

Porn Actors

Porning Your Way Through College https://connerhabib.com/2014/10/03/porn-ing-your-way-through-college-101-a-syllabus/ Screening tips for adult film/ porn performers https://redlightchicago.wordpress.com/screening-tips-for-adult-filmporn-performers/ 

How to be an Ex-Pornstar  https://connerhabib.com/2015/04/07/how-to-be-an-ex-porn-star-10-tips-on-taking-a-break/  Tips for porn workers on taking a break 

Porn 101 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hCTVWoLE0A Produced by the Adult Performer Advocacy Committee in 2014 (TW: One of the featured performers is James Deen. The information in the video is still useful, even if the person delivering it in this instance is problematic)

Working with your period https://www.respectqld.org.au/flyers-and-photos/working-with-your-period