Blog

Since the beginning of the evaluation of the law that governs our careers and bodies (ProstituiertenSchutzGesetz), sex workers have nervously awaited news of the new government’s intentions for us.

The wait ended in April.

The Koalitionsvertrag states:
“Germany has become a hub for human trafficking. Almost without exception, the victims are women. In light of the evaluation of the Prostitute Protection Act, we will make improvements as needed with the support of an independent commission of experts.”

On International Whoresday, we have a few things we would like to point out.

We are deeply gratified that the coalition will wait for the data before making policy choices,rather than–as we feared–stating a flat-out intention for implementing the Nordic Model in Germany, as many of us had dreaded. It is also an excellent sign that “experts” will be contracted to interpret the data and draft any changes to the law deemed appropriate. We hope and assume that sex workers will be among those experts.

However: It’s time for a fact check...

Lesbian visibility day ( April 26th) and week is an important moment for us to collectively acknowledge the wonderful lesbians in our lives. Mar Amargi, one of the newest members of Paramour Collective has generously shared some of his thoughts for this day. 

It is often difficult for trans, genderqueer and non-binary people to find escort agency representation in sex work.  Paramour Collective is proud to be a welcoming community for all people who want to provide sexual services and it is very important to us to promote inclusion in the sex industry with our work.

The 31st of March is International Transgender Visibility Day and we have asked one person from our collective to share their experiences as a trans person in the world of sex work with us. Thank you, Jamie, for sharing your thoughts and words with us.

By Ernestine

In response to the San Francisco Chronicle article “San Francisco residents sue the city over thriving sex trade.”

Dear SF Chronicle,

‘I’m a physiotherapist you know. I’ve been touching people all week long but this is the first time I am receiving touch’

My client is about 40, fit and lean. He is visiting Berlin and has dropped into the massage parlour before heading to see the football game later in the evening.

‘I’ve needed this so much, I didn’t even realise’

‘I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself’ I reply and pause for a moment; ’what do you think the world would be like if health insurance covered one erotic per person every month?’ I query.