Shhh! It's a secret...?

[Guest031715-1]

Originally Posted by Bob McV

Seriously thought, I applaud your stance, even thought I personally find it very risky to do so. I see a big difference between being discrete and living in fear. Change in the sex work industry will happen, but I question if standing up and shouting "I'm a prostitute" will do much besides get you arrested.
.

You're right, there is a big difference, but I don't think we should have to choose between either. We shouldn't have to be discrete because it shouldn't be illegal. We need more rights, we must demand more rights. But before we can do that, we need to show the country that we are here and we are NOT MONSTERS and that WE WANT PROTECTION. WE WANT RIGHTS. WE WANT RESPECT. I am sick of it being "shut your mouth or go to jail." So if I go to jail at any point - fine. I'll write a book while I'm in there and use the other ladies to help sell my story once I get out. I'll use getting arrested and going to prison to further push our culture to give us our rights. I've put plenty of thought into both my hopes and my fears that may be met with this decision.

Note: I'm not meaning for it to seem like I'm yelling at YOU in particular, I'm not yelling at all. Just...passionate, I suppose

Everyone has their right to agree or disagree with my choice to publicly advocate for our world and our rights. I respect y'all's opinion, though I wont always agree with you, and I will most definitely tell you when you when I think you're wrong. I hope no one takes that as me judging them for having different opinion than mine. We are all different, but we are all in this together.

[Bob McV]

Again, I respect your choice I truly do (and I didn't feel I was being yelled at) You have obviously put a lot of thought, and effort into coming to this decision, more than I (and I am guessing most other people here) have. So while you are leading the charge you will have to give the rest of us a lot of time to figure out to what extent we are willing to back you and your efforts.

As far as choosing between being discrete and living in fear I'll use myself as an example: I am vague with what I do for a living, because while not expressly against any corporate rule, it is frowned upon to disclose the name of my employer. I have no fear of being fired but I am discrete because I don't the conversation that often follows.

[HELL YES 76]

It's social suicide...

[Guest031715-1]

Bob - Let me stress, I understand and respect the ways other people share or don't share their hobbies. I totally understand your situation and why you choose to stay discrete. I respect that.

"So while you are leading the charge you will have to give the rest of us a lot of time to figure out to what extent we are willing to back you and your efforts."

EXACTLY! That's why I'm doing this. It gets people talking, but it also gets people on BOTH sides THINKING. That's all you need, the spark. If one provider hears that podcast and decides to follow HJ and Amy in their pursuits to lead an *open hobby life, it will have been worth it.

Again, I stay a closed lipped enough to protect my valued clients and I do take many other precautions outside of keeping my hobby life private to keep ME safe.

[Guest031715-1]

Originally Posted by HELL YES 76

It's social suicide...

You know what? I most definitely had a mini panic attack before we went on air. I had doubts out the ying yang about what I could be doing to my social life. I was already not very well liked in the comic world (esp by comedians) and I was not respected at all.

After the radio show last night and another podcast we did that will be out in a week or two the feedback I got was amazingly positive. I got comics I never talked to messaging me to tell me they respected me MORE because of the interview. I had people I knew telling me they were proud of me and commended how brave I was. I had one of the hosts of the show - a seasoned Austin Comic - say he thinks the interview will "do a lot to change [my] online persona." Remember: my online persona in the comic world before yesterday = AWFUL. I was hated and mocked.

The woman who did the evening podcast was actually one of the female comics that particularly wasn't fond of me. I heard last night that both her and the host of the radio show "talked about how eloquent and intelligent" I was. I actually GAINED respect by not only people who already knew and liked me, not only strangers, but people who originally thought anything I had to say was trash.

For some, yes, it could be social suicide and I totally understand that. Others have much more on the line than I do. I'm just sayin'....it's doesn't always have to be social suicide.

[HELL YES 76]

My female coworker once told me how she had sex in the back of a police car Since then every time we talk I can't help but think about her getting railed in the back of a police car. Once you open Pandora's box there's no taking it back...

[Toyz]

Maybe this will work wonders for you both personally & professionally, I can't say one way or another. "Early press" is positive. But guard against the celebrity intoxication
Factor.

Thats it...not my business but you are a good person and I'd hate to see you as a poster child for local LE sting.

[Listener]

Originally Posted by Toyz

EFN, PLEASE don't take this the wrong way.

Maybe this will work wonders for you both personally & professionally, I can't say one way or another. "Early press" is positive. But guard against the celebrity intoxication
Factor.

Now....you are public.
Like it or not...this is an illegal business.
Don't...be a LE publicity target.

Thats it...not my business but you are a good person and I'd hate to see you as a poster child for local LE sting.

Like she said it's a sacrifice she's gladly willing to make for her personal cause.

Considering this is the bible belt and it is the combination of lawmaker's wives and churches that hold sway over them I'm thinking there are going to be some serious hard lessons ahead.

Hooking isn't a right any more than any other illegal activity is. It's a chosen profession not to be confused with or compared to gay civil rights. No one is born a prostitute. Nor is this a civil rights Rosa Parks sitting in the front of the bus type of comparison.

Who knows? It is legal in some states so maybe God fearing Texas will come around. Good luck with that one.

You might do better to start a signature petition and submit it than to do something illegal and shout from the rooftops "Hey I'm breaking the law and tough shit if you don't like it".

It may change your life considerably but somehow I don't see it as making quite the change you're hoping for in spite of all the back patting you're getting. Let's see if those same people stand by you publicly if and when you are made an example of.

Then again you could pull a Joan of Arc and say you were instructed by an angel or even God in a dream to provide for all men (Yes you can use that in your comedy routine). Let the courts and lawyers fight it out regarding the literal translation.

[Guest031715-1]

I think you guys need to do a little more research into the topic instead of just telling me what YOU, men who are not providers, would do.

I don't mind suggestions, but it's a tad annoying when they're obviously almost strictly opinion based with little factual information, references or experience to back them up.

Thank you for sharing your opinion, but please try educate yourselves a little more before telling me what I should do instead of just talking out of your ass. I'm not offended or upset, but it's hard to take y'all seriously when you don't seem to care enough to get your facts straight.

It's time to stop living in fear, and it's time to stop thinking that SAFETY = LIVING IN FEAR.

"Hooking isn't a right any more than any other illegal activity is"

You're right, but sex work is work just like any other work is, and we have a right to have our work be legalized.

"You might do better to start a signature petition and submit it than to do something illegal and shout from the rooftops "Hey I'm breaking the law and tough shit if you don't like it"

Oh really? I might? Why do you think that? Do you really think a measly little petition that I'd get people to sign with NO education behind it is going to spark change like Prostitution being legalized in America? I can advocate for our rights without saying I'm breaking the law just like I can post an ad without advertising that I'm breaking the law.

[Guest031715-1]

How rude of me! Gettin' on y'all about not doing your reading but not providing anything for you to read!

http://www.coyotela.org/what_is.html#who_gets

[mastermind238]

COYOTE (call off your old tired ethics) had its heyday in the late '70's and isn't much of a force today. Good info on their website, but more vigorous advocacy today can be found here:

http://sexworkersproject.org

[Toyz]

I hope I am totally wrong, but I think you've voluntarily brought attention to yourself in a business where a level of UTR is not only suggested, its mandatory.

[FloridaShark]

Reading the comments I can't help but wonder whether there's a legitimate concern for the OP's well being or more of a resistance to the idea of a provider being open about her profession.

The risk, in my view, is more from a social standpoint than from LE. I think the majority of men who frequent providers, deep down, feel like it's a tawdry, low-class activity that should remain in the shadows. That it's something to be ashamed of. That's too bad.

Every person's situation is different but I applaud what Kate and other providers are doing. It's pretty condescending to criticize her choice. She's the one dealing with the consequences.

[Fratelli]

Interesting. While driving to work this morning, the Depeche Mode song "Policy of Truth" came on, and I couldn't help but think of the hobby:

You had something to hide
Should have hidden it, shouldn't you
Now you're not satisfied
With what you're being put through....

That said, I have nothing but respect for those, most especially those providers, who are willing to stand up unashamedly for what they believe and do. I couldn't do it. But this is how change starts. One drop at a time until suddenly, it seems, there is a tidal wave. It won't happen during your providing career. But one day, seemingly overnight, attitudes will shift and sex work will become accepted. The relatively recent acceptance by American society of homosexuality and gay marriage, after decades of fear and rejection both moral and legal, is a good example.

But early advocates tend to pay a heavy price. Be prepared.

[Toyz]

Originally Posted by FloridaShark

Reading the comments I can't help but wonder whether there's a legitimate concern for the OP's well being or more of a resistance to the idea of a provider being open about her profession.

The risk, in my view, is more from a social standpoint than from LE. I think the majority of men who frequent providers, deep down, feel like it's a tawdry, low-class activity that should remain in the shadows. That it's something to be ashamed of. That's too bad.

Every person's situation is different but I applaud what Kate and other providers are doing. It's pretty condescending to criticize her choice. She's the one dealing with the consequences.

Well don't wonder, because you are dead wrong about my intentions...weak spin in my opinion...

Pot meet kettle on the condescension angle FS? Tell me what we are doing is legal and you win your argument...I always love it when someone makes something up like this... "I think the majority of men who frequent providers, deep down, feel like it's a tawdry, low-class activity that should remain in the shadows. That it's something to be ashamed of". Then emphasizes their make believe by drawing a conclusion to it. "That's too bad".

You should go on with EFN in the next podcast & stand up in representing the Johns. Stand up for what you believe in. Put your name out there. Let your friends, family & co-workers know that you are in the hobby. Show us your belief in the cause FS


Come back and debate facts...whether you, I or EFN think this SHOULD be legal, the facts are it is not.

EFN is a big girl, she can well do what she wants. This is a CHAT board, to exchange opinions. I'll expect you to make her bail if she is targeted as an example...