We all want perceptions to change, and while it should’ve happened long ago, it never will until sex workers learn to be authentic with the public and themselves. You are responsible for how you present yourself and your stories to the world. You’re excusing your stated policy of misrepresentation with some nebulous fear that the truth will be used against you, when in fact, turning your painful experiences into jokes has done exactly that!

Again, you’re responsible for how you present your truth. How people react is out of your control. It’s both pointless and disingenuous to react to their reaction before it’s even happened. There is nothing honorable or courageous about cowering in fear by catering to sex worker stereotypes. I’d say the opposite is true and your jokes do more harm than good. Isn’t Zola’s story a perfect example of that?