LOS ANGELES — GoAskAlex explores the public representation of sex workers, and the importance of appropriately managing one's own schedule, in a new essay for MelRose Michaels' SexWorkCEO portal.
"It’s not uncommon for performers to receive multiple messages every month from outsiders to the industry requesting a 'media interview' or assistance with a ‘research project,’” writes Alex.
"These inquiries are more often than not submitted by students writing a paper, or journalists casting their net for a contemporary story. Intentional or not, their underlying purpose is the same: sourcing free labour for their project," she continues. "A certain amount of free labour is necessary for exposure, but it shouldn’t be the norm.”
She goes on to discuss how she is frequently contacted for sound bites and her unique perspective as a performer who manages a long-term disability. However, a busy schedule prohibits Alex from expending too many hours a day accommodating professional requests from inquisitive journalists outside of the business.
“Moving forward, I hope to see more sex workers in positions of power, controlling their own narratives in the media. Sex workers already live in the margins of society, and this is often compounded by gender, race and disability,” she notes. “We are not paid for the hours that we spend on networking, marketing, promotion and administration among other tasks, In the future, I hope media outlets across all platforms will reflect on these points before asking sex workers to volunteer their time.”
The full essay, titled "Your Time is Valuable," can be found at MelRoseMichaels.com.
Follow GoAskAlex on Twitter and find her premium social media links here.
