Part 5/10:
This perspective highlights a crucial point: criminalizing or stigmatizing sex work often worsens the lives of those involved. Removing access to such work or punishing participants does not eliminate the desire or need for sexual expression; it merely pushes it underground. For many women, sex work offers financial independence and agency, contrary to the narrative that it is inherently damaging or degrading.
The Dual Faces of Online and In-Person Sex Work
While she champions the positive aspects of sex work, Aella acknowledges that online work tends to be more dehumanizing than in-person interactions. The asymmetry of online exchanges—focused on maximizing arousal and tips rather than genuine connection—can strip away intimacy and compassion.