Sex Work 101

Unless you work as a sex worker or are a frequent client, you’re probably unfamiliar with the term “provider.”

The term “provider” was developed by clients of sex workers (also known as “hobbyists”) who write detailed stories of their experiences with sex workers on discussion-oriented websites known as Review Boards. The term became commonplace in the adult world, replacing terms like sex worker or prostitute because the activities involved were not as simple as, “sexual services given in exchange for money”. The term also gave the industry a gender-neutral term to describe all sex workers; as sex workers can be male, female, couples and /or transgender. They can also be straight, gay or bisexual.

Providers fulfill a variety of sexual needs.  Often these sexual needs are not even sexual in nature, except for the person who has the need.  For example, services such as foot fetish, BDSM, tantra, role-play, sensual massage, et cetera, don’t have entail penetration and may not even include sexual release.  A provider offers sexual relief for their client who is unable to attain sexual fulfillment any other way.

–Callie Simms