While I appreciate how we are now normalizing sex work and discussions about sex, it will be dangerous to generalize all of sex work as consensual and pro-choice.

True, some feel empowered by taking control of their bodies and having a choice as to whether to engage another person for paid-sex (e.g., receive compensation or incentives for such). But in many places, young people turn to prostitution for lack of other options. Some are even coerced into doing so in order to fulfill their family’s needs or to pay debts. Some are even minors coerced into either prostitution or pornography.

So while there are some who enjoy it as a means of using their sexuality for empowerment, there is the other side, which is abuse. I hope we don’t forget about that as we celebrate normalization of sex work and pride in our choices and bodies.