I’m a sex worker…and I’m asexual
By John Ross and Zoe Madden-Smith
This story is part of our naked week coverage. Read more stories here.
Riley* always felt differently about sex but thought maybe it was because she was bisexual.
It wasn’t until she had been working in the sex industry for five years and met someone who was asexual when she realised asexuality was something she identified with.
Asexuality is the lack of sexual attraction to others, or having low or no interest in sexual activity.
Asexuality has a wide spectrum, some people may be sex repulsed or some may still crave intimacy and romance. Others might not.
“For me, I don’t hate sex. But it’s not something I crave.
“It was freeing to realise that there wasn't something wrong with me. It was just that my sexuality is different,” Riley says.
But even though Riley says she could easily live without sex in her personal life, she says working as a sex worker is the most empowering job she’s ever had.
“It's given me confidence. It’s given me connection. I've been able to afford to do things that I wouldn't be able to do if I didn't do this.
“I have no intention of leaving the industry. This is a part of my identity.”
*Riley is not her real name. She wanted to remain anonymous because of the stigma that still surrounds sex work.
More stories:
