Sex work is an occupation perceived by judging eyes, stigmas and curiosity. Sex work can be defined as the exchange of sexual services for money or valuable things, such as exotic dancing, adult film acting, prostitution and more, according to the Human Rights Campaign. Although these jobs are constantly judged and the reasons people pursue them are often misunderstood, it should not matter to the masses what one person consensually does with their body — until the body in question is a minor’s.
Whether someone does sex work for survival, money, fame or enjoyment, the public should not shame or question why they do it. Many sex workers, especially those on the platform OnlyFans, earn millions from their explicit content. Iggy Azalea, a rapper and OnlyFans creator, makes an estimated $48 million annually on the platform. Sophie Rain, a social media personality, made approximately $43 million in her first year.
The revenue of the pornography industry is between $97 billion and $100 billion. If a consenting adult chooses to make money from the industry, the public is in no place to ridicule them for it, especially in this economy. However, once a minor becomes involved, one must question what society is doing to make them believe it is a good thing.
Everyone has the right to feel empowered, and sex workers — like all humans — have a right to be supported and protected; however, that does not mean sex work is an industry to push and pressure minors into.
A group of OnlyFans creators under the name of “Bop House” has demonstrated questionable behavior surrounding their marketing. Rain is one of the members, and she has been outspoken about the money she makes and the lavish life it has created for her. While glamorizing the pornography industry, the Bop House has invited minors such as Piper Rockelle into its non-adult content, making it a safe space for them and new adults. This subtle grooming must stop. Posting content in onesies and making jokes about inviting 17-year-old Rockelle into their adult content is nothing short of child exploitation.
As a society, there must be a balance when discussing sex work. Its narrative has changed vastly over the years; with time, there is less stigma and shame around it. That does not mean adults should encourage minors or “barely legal” adults to experiment with adult content.
Adults have a duty to protect minors and always remember that a 17-year-old is still a child. The internet can be a dark place, and the eyes and hands of predators continue to do harm from behind the screen. It is sad to see content creators — such as Jenny Popach — come into the public eye as minors, and later, step into the world of sex work at 18. One must question the content children are being fed and the environment society is creating to make this appear okay.
People grow up, explore their sexuality and choose their path; however, an 18-year-old should not be able to make such a drastic choice, especially if they have grown up in a sexually exploitative environment or have been groomed. Whether or not it is possible to raise the minimum age of adult content creation to 21, society is responsible for protecting its children. Sex work should never be pushed onto anyone, much less impressionable minors and newly turned adults.
English
Spanish