The conversation surrounding sex workers is gaining significant traction, especially in light of recent events in the entertainment industry. During this year’s Oscars season, the film Anora won five awards, including Best Picture, highlighting the narratives surrounding sex work. In parallel, platforms like OnlyFans are seeing their stars gain fame across social media sites such as TikTok and Instagram, where they are becoming pseudo-celebrities. As discussions heat up, it is essential to examine the underlying issues that sex workers face in the modern landscape.
This week, a feature in The Economist titled “Welcome to Bonnie Blue’s Britain” brought attention to controversial adult entertainer Bonnie Blue. The 26-year-old made headlines for a now-canceled stunt involving a petting zoo, designed to give her male fans unrestricted access to her services. This move sparked outrage among fellow OnlyFans creators, including Sophie Rain, who criticized Blue for diminishing the serious nature of their work. As the discourse around sex work intensifies, many sex workers, whether they perform in strip clubs or create online adult content, feel that their real experiences and struggles are often overlooked.
Marla Cruz, a 30-year-old sex worker, shares her perspective on the current narrative. While the phrase “Sex work is work” has become a rallying cry in progressive circles, she and others emphasize that recognizing sex work as a legitimate form of labor is just the first step. Cruz argues that the focus should be on the significant financial and legal barriers that jeopardize their safety and agency. “There are plenty of people who will destigmatize the concept that sex work is real work, which it is,” she states. “But just because you recognize that it’s real work, that doesn’t mean that you respect the worker behind it.”
The recent actions of various OnlyFans creators have raised concerns within the community. In December 2024, Lily Phillips made headlines for engaging in sexual encounters with 100 men in just 24 hours, documenting the experience for her fans. Following her lead, Bonnie Blue claimed to have had sex with 1,057 men in 12 hours. Such stunts have drawn criticism from influencers like Sophie Rain, who argues that these spectacles turn their work into a “clown show,” undermining the serious nature of their industry. Rain, a member of the Bop House—a collective of eight Gen Z OnlyFans creators—expressed her frustration over the portrayal of sex work as mere shock value.
Adreena Winters, a seasoned veteran in the adult entertainment industry, shares similar concerns. Having transitioned to OnlyFans during the pandemic after years in studio porn, she worries that sensationalism can erode trust between clients and sex workers. Despite these challenges, Winters appreciates the ongoing dialogue that is helping to dismantle the stigma surrounding sex work.
Both Winters and Cruz highlight the ongoing struggles for basic financial services. Both have faced difficulties accessing banking tools in the U.K. and U.S. due to their profession. Winters recounts her experience of being denied services by traditional banks, forcing her to use less reputable online banking options. This reflects a broader issue where sex workers often seek advice on platforms like Reddit to navigate the complexities of managing their finances.
Compounding their struggles are legal challenges that have intensified since the passing of FOSTA-SESTA under President Donald Trump in 2018. Originally intended to combat sex trafficking, these laws inadvertently disrupted essential online infrastructure that many sex workers relied upon for safety. A 2020 study indicated that approximately 72% of respondents experienced increased economic instability following the law’s enactment, with nearly 34% reporting heightened violence from clients. Cruz advocates for the repeal of SESTA-FOSTA, asserting that it is essential for improving working conditions in the industry.
Cruz's journey into sex work began at 18 as a sugar baby, and she has since experienced both the highs and lows of the industry. She emphasizes that the concerns of sex workers extend beyond societal perceptions of their work. “I need an emergency button in the champagne room. I need a bouncer by the champagne room to be there if a customer is abusing me,” she asserts, highlighting the urgent need for safety measures.
Online representations of sex work, particularly from young female OnlyFans stars like those in the Bop House, often present an aspirational lifestyle. Yet, Cruz warns that while her own involvement in the industry has been fulfilling, it is not an easy path to recommend to others. The supportive community found on platforms like “Stripper Twitter” plays a crucial role in offering solidarity among sex workers, who often face isolation in their work.
As conversations around sex work evolve, so does the need for accurate representation in media. Cruz was initially excited about the film Anora, which tells the story of a stripper. However, she felt let down by its portrayal of sex work as a romanticized consumer fantasy. For her, the film showcased sex workers through the lens of customers rather than recognizing their labor as valid and important. This disconnect illustrates that unless sex workers are involved in telling their own stories, their experiences will continue to be misrepresented.
In a recent acceptance speech at the Oscars, Mikey Madison, the star of Anora, acknowledged the sex worker community, stating, “I see you. You deserve respect and human decency.” However, Cruz feels that such gestures fall short of the systemic change needed in the industry. “Advocacy for sex workers cannot be ambiguous,” she concludes. Rather than just symbolic recognition, sex workers seek real, tangible changes that address their safety, legal rights, and societal perceptions.
