Peer Support

 Hey Friends!

One thing I'm really passionate about is peer support and education. 

I've had a few people come to me recently to see if I can assist them to enter and re-enter the industry. Of course, I was more than happy to help get them started. 

I've been around for a long while, and it's crazy how the industry keeps changing! There are new ways to advertise, new ways to screen, new ways to pay, and even new ways to work - like Onlyfans! It can be hard to keep up with the changes, especially if you used to do something one way years prior, but it's not as effective now - or worse, not available (think Backpages).

I've discovered a bunch of tips and tricks over the years, in many different areas of sex work. I can't list them here for the obvious reason that this blog isn't only read by sex workers or future sex workers. A lot of our knowledge is tightly held secrets, this is important for our own safety and security. There are things that sex workers absolutely shouldn't share with civvies (or non-swers).

I see women on Twitter who call themselves "mentors" and charge for this information. It's something I have considered and I've been told I should think about it. In a lot of ways, I feel like I am a natural teacher. I tend to know a lot about a few things, lol, and I can rant and rave for hours about these topics! 

I don't think I could ever charge for mentoring. I see a lot of this as just being peer support and something that should be common and normal within the community; sharing information and experiences, being able to ask for help and advice with no strings attached.

I think back to when I first started working. The girls who were at the establishment with me were great, they taught me a lot; decoded things for me like 'Greek', 'BBBJ' and 'DATY',  I had no idea what all these acronyms meant! Luckily, that information is pretty easily available on the internet (I still need to look up a few!) They showed me how to do health checks, body slides, how to turn a condom into a cock ring, and what to do if a condom broke. The list goes on. And I feel like a lot of these things aren't even really thought about until you're in a situation where it's brought up, or you suddenly need to have this information. This is why I love having conversations about work with other workers (or future workers), because there is so much information to share with each other. Even though I offer my thoughts and ideas to others, I often get information and ideas back from them.

I would love to get involved where I can with our industry organisations and support networks, and I think that is where my 'end goal' is leading. People often say you can't do sex work forever, and what will you do next? I plan to work for as long as I can. And I plan to support others, advocate and teach. I'm not sure how or where or when, lol, but I know the opportunity will arise at some point.

My friend said to me today; "but Ellie, don't you want to knock out your competition? What will it do to your business if you give away all your secrets and bring others into the industry? It seems like you're shooting yourself in the foot by offering this to your competition!" 

I totally get that, I know where she's coming from. But I don't see other workers as people to compete with at all. We're all really different; our personalities, what we offer and how we look. There are clients for everyone, and each have different preferences. Even if I were to lose a long-term, well paying client to another worker, I would be glad she has the work and the money. Even though it isn't ideal for me, I would prefer that than him dropping off and seeing no one!

Networking with peers can be really beneficial. I encourage new escorts to befriend other workers. Not only is sharing helpful info great, but it's important to also share information about potentially dangerous clients, and also simply have someone who you can talk to, or vent to, about this type of work. A great deal of sex workers do it in secrecy and can't talk to their friends and family about what goes on; sometimes it's nice just to have someone to listen! 

Having a connection to the community also means you can reach out for practical help too - if you suddenly need a lift, run out of condoms, get your period on the job and can't get sponges, or have a client request a double. There's so many benefits to stay connected and have each other's back.

I am always available to chat with other sex workers, for any reason. If you need advice, help around finding your niche, emergency supplies, help accessing websites and advertising etc. 

Feel free to reach out for a chat any time!