Chicago – Rising adult model and content creator Cinthya LaRose is offering a different perspective on sex work as this once-derided career choice gains legitimacy – and millions of new supporters, thanks to celeb-studded fan platforms such as OnlyFans – in the wake of the COVID pandemic.<\/p>\n
\u201cSelling sex has always come armed with negative connotations and stereotypes, and, make no mistake, many parts of the business harbor instances of victimization, degradation and violence,\u201d says LaRose. \u201cExploitation definitely exists, and it\u2019s important to acknowledge this. But if this is how people primarily view sex work, then they are only seeing part of the picture.\u201d<\/p>\n
One crucial element that is often missing from the story of sex work is the positive and supportive relationships with fans, followers and clients. \u201cI remember women asking me, \u2018Aren\u2019t you afraid that men won\u2019t respect you and only use you?\u2019 For me personally, this has not been my experience. Instead, I have attracted more men interested in serving me. I know it\u2019s a hard idea to grasp, especially when you\u2019ve been in a relationship where the woman is seen as subordinate.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople don\u2019t believe me when I say I\u2019ve had men send me money\u2026 just because. I remember this one guy once gifted me more than $8500 because it was just something he was into. In gratitude, I let him rub my feet and do chores!\u201d LaRose adds that \u201cothers send me luxurious gifts and call me a goddess and ask how they can be of service. I love waking up to extra cash, gifts and sweet messages, and the attention is very flattering. It definitely outweighs any negatives.\u201d<\/p>\n
LaRose clarifies that while the social & cultural stigma surrounding sex work is easing and becoming more acceptable, she doesn\u2019t feel the need to call it \u2018empowering\u2019 either: \u201cI chose this career of my own free will and I happen to enjoy it – it offers me freedom and gratification on many levels. There are positives, there are negatives, there are people who think I\u2019ve got a great job, there are people who look down on me because of my job. I don\u2019t really care; at the end of the day, it\u2019s still just a job. In the past I\u2019ve felt the need to defend it, but I don\u2019t anymore. Why bother?\u201d<\/p>\n