Not at all. 

In the South Asian context, the history of performing sexual or erotic services for payment can be traced as far back as the Arthashastra, dated between 350-275 BCE. It has detailed descriptions of how such professions are to be governed by the state, including payment of taxes, in order to ensure fairness for all those engaged in the trade. This is only one among many ancient sources. [Read More] 

It was during colonial rule in the 19th century that  the British government enacted regulations and laws that criminalized various forms of sex work in the South Asian region. These include the Vagrants Ordinance of 1841 [Sri Lanka] Contagious Diseases Act of 1868 [India], and numerous Provincial acts such as the ‘Prevention of Prostitution and Immoral Trafficking in Women and Girls’. [Read More] 

Sex Work is defined as provision of sexual services by adult women, men and transgender persons for money, goods or other benefits in a commercial context.

Prostitution on the other hand, mostly refers to women exchanging sexual services for money. The word has come to denote decadence, immorality and sexual exploitation.

In the 1970, the sex workers’ rights movement began to reconstruct the practices associated with prostitution. Sex Worker rights advocates then unravelled the term `prostitution’ which was focused solely on the `activity’ of prostitution and went on to create a term that focused on the workers who provided the service. Prostitution was thus reframed as sex work and prostitutes as sex workers. 

Yes. 

The COVID-19 virus has been found in saliva, respiratory fluids, urine and feces. More research is currently needed to determine if the virus can be transmitted sexually via semen, vaginal fluid and anal mucus.

General Recommendations therefore include: 

1.     Wash hands regularly with plain soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds or use alcohol- based hand sanitizer with at least 70% alcohol content. Antibacterial soap is NOT required. 

2.     Cough into your elbow or cover your mouth and nose with a disposable tissue when you sneeze. Immediately dispose of all used tissues in an appropriate waste bin and wash your hands right away.

3.     Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.

4.     Do not share food, drinks, unwashed utensils, cigarettes, vaping devices, joints, or bongs.

5.     If facilities are available, encourage clients to shower. 

6.     Use condoms, dental dams, gloves and masks. 

7.     Avoid in-person sex work; kissing, saliva exchange; mouth contact on skin; putting objects in your mouth (including your fingers) that have touched the client.

8.     Try instead web-based, phone-based, or text-based services; erotic massage; strip-tease; positions that minimize face-to-face contact

9.     After a Date wash and dry sheets and towels in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Use the warmest possible water settings. Dry all items thoroughly.

10.  Update yourself on the evolving science around COVID 19.

1.     Someone who is not cruel or violent. 

2.     Someone who pays the agreed fee. 

3.     Someone who respects and values sex work.  

4.     Someone who regularly accesses services.

5.     Someone who enjoys being with a sex worker.