In this section you will find the advice from specialists in the erotic industries. Us at We Consent bow down to their expertise in these areas as we do not have such specific knowledge! (and defer responsibility to the author as well). Please contact the author through the forum if you have any further questions.
Advice on becoming a pornstar
Advice from porn director Anna Span
Consider the following:-
- Your images, once out, will be worldwide forever. They cannot be removed by producers at your request if you later change your mind (we sell the rights on to other companies). Do take time to think of the consequences. e.g. Will you ever want to teach children, etc?
- To be a good performer requires good looks, perseverance and a large dollop of interpersonal skills. Are you good with people, easy going and most of all, reliable (the reliable ones get most of the work)?
- A good porn star will take pride in their appearance and not just rely on being the 'new' face. This means going to the gym, keeping yourself clean, getting your hair done, etc. (this includes blokes, too).
Advice on becoming a sex worker
So you have decided that you want to become a sex worker. There are probably many reasons why you have made this choice. It’s not as easy as some people think it is, but if you set yourself up right and do your research it can be a very rewarding role, not just financially.
Firstly I would strongly suggest that you make yourself familiar with www.saafe.info . It’s a UK based support site for Escorts by Escorts. It has many articles on how to set yourself up, and a great discussion forum where you can ask questions. It also has a Warning section which you should keep an eye on.
So you still wish to continue? Ok, here are some things you need to do and to think about.
For your basic set up you will need: Work Phone/Working Persona/Work Email/Condoms and Toys/Sexy Lingerie
Here are other issues that you need to consider.
Advice for sex workers wanting to leave the industry
Many sex workers have an exit plan even before they start working in the industry, and some have decided on a plan along the way. We all have different reasons for working in the industry, and it is a good idea to consider your future in the business as well as when and how you retire from it. Going from a potentially high hourly rate of pay to a lower one does take some getting used to. Many sex workers use their high income to fund courses for career changes, buy property and invest in other businesses.
By doing this kind of thing they are thinking about and investing in their future after Escorting. Worried about gaps in your CV? Do some volunteer work, you can use this for references as well as learning new skills. You could have taken some time out to be a mature student, or to look after a sick relative.
Advice for erotic workers about working with the media
Dr Petra Boynton has organised a sexual health media resource pack for Onscenity as a guide to sexual health professionals who wish to deal with the media. The pack is downloadable from their website here.
The pack includes advice on these subjects:
WORKING WITH THE MEDIA
Working ‘with’ the media – what paths can you take? Petra Boynton
Advice for sex advisors: a guide for ‘agony aunts’, relationship therapists and sex educators who want to work with the media: understanding media coverage of sex Petra Boynton
Turning Sexual Science into News: Sex Research and the Media Kimberly R. McBride et al.
Understanding media coverage of sex: A practical discussion paper for sexologists and journalists Petra Boynton & Will Callaghan
Getting information out to the public Meg Barker
Writing for the public Charles Moser
Teaching young people about pornography
WeConsent was established as a resource for people who are happy to work in the erotic industries and to campaign on behalf of them in the media. We do however maintain that the erotic industries are designed and marketed to people over the age of 18 and that it is possible that underage use may not be a good idea. We support organisations who specialise in helping young people understand the realities of pornography and how it compares to real life sex, two of which are featured below. Both Scarleteen (US) and Bish Training (UK) have extensive experience of dealing with young people on the subject of pornography and we are pleased to have their advice featured here.
Thinking about improving sex research
The Sex Researchers
Published 16th June 2011:
Tonight sees the first in a three part series ‘The Sex Researchers’ on Channel 4 (10pm GMT). It will focus on the history of sex research, explain what sex research involves, and tackle worries the public have about sex (particularly the obligatory ‘am I normal?’ question).
I’ve been a sex researcher since I started my PhD studies in the 1990s (academic background here). It’s a discipline I find fascinating. I love working in this area and I hope it shows. Over the past decade I’ve focused on trying to explain sex research to the public through writing for the media, public science events and training other researchers and practitioners in sex research methods. I also apply my work through advice giving in print, online and in broadcast media – using the evidence I take for granted and making it publicly accessible (and most importantly freely available). I work in different country settings, and am endlessly amazed by how similar and different our intimate lives are across the world.
So any programme that showcases sex research is going to get my vote. This post reflects on how sex research (and sex science) is portrayed in the media, reflects on the Sex Researchers series itself, and includes information about how you can learn about or get more involved in sex research.
How to spot human trafficking
Human trafficking is a horrendous crime and although WeConsent are keen to campaign against all sex work done by foreign nationals being labelled and targetted as sex trafficking, we appreciate that there is a minority who are genuinely trafficked into the sex trade (around 6% according to a recent Government study) So here is a guide for us all to learn more about how we can spot human trafficking in all its guises, with advice on what to do if you suspect someone has been trafficked (in any industry). Thanks to Passionate Penny at Escort Buddies for pointing out this very useful site.