Toggle High Contrast Toggle Font size. NOTE: Some names have been changed to protect the identities and privacy of the parties involved. Over the immersive two-hour session, I laughed. Teared up. I walked into that session with an open mind, and walked away with some valuable lessons about sex, love and empowerment.
Sex work is a legal, regulated profession. However, the sex workers of the Red Light District are often perceived as weak, pitied, reviled and judged. Gudowski says most of that judgement comes from other women. Since My Red Light is run by former and current sex workers, the women who rent rooms at the brothel are treated as what they are β entrepreneurs β instead of productized or marginalized.
But when you put your preconceived notions aside, sit down and have a conversation β listening, asking questions β it gives you a window onto other worlds and expands your worldview.
Because it says so much more about us than the person we are judging. Look beyond her smile and put aside the labels that society has been taught to put on her for her choice of profession.
And try to understand why. I thought I had an open mind but becoming friends with these women has helped me to go deeper, still. Sometimes, those needs are sexual in nature. But often, male clients simply want to talk. To be heard. To feel seen.
