How did you get into the industry and what does your journey look like so far?
I had tried sugaring sites on and off for a few years in my early 20s with little success, when honestly the thought of trying escorting just kind of popped into my head one day. I did about a week of research, took pictures with a tripod, threw together a website and jumped in feet first. That was 8 years ago, and in the time since I have grown and changed in an incalculable number of ways. Being a sex work feels like being a time traveler, you see the world from unique and unusual eyes.
You’re both an escort and a BDSM practitioner. How did you come to work across these disciplines, and is there a particular kind of work you prefer?
I don’t think of my BDSM work as a totally separate discipline, more like a different flavor I sometimes incorporate into my normal companionship sessions. Kink to me is about storytelling, you’re applying a structure, amping up tension, and working towards a release. Traditional companionship can also work this way, but with kink it’s essential.
Can you share some of your experiences around navigating sex work and disability? How have your experiences informed your work and vice versa?
When I started sex work, I was receiving government assistance due to my congenital physical disability. It was less than $900 a month and I knew I couldn’t live on that long term. I also have inattentive ADHD and knew a traditional 9-5 job would be very challenging for me to adopt and maintain. I had a hunch before starting that sex work might provide me with the right kind of work-life balance and I’ve been proven correct. SW gives me the autonomy over my time I need to work my best and take care of my health.
We know sex workers often experience discrimination, what have your experiences been with this?
I’ve been pretty lucky, but having to be covert about the nature of my work to get housing and use payment processors is incredibly anxiety inducing. I prefer cash but do take deposits electronically and the fear I could lose my payment processing ability at any time is a lot to handle.
Why do you think it is important for sex work to be decriminalized, not just legalized? How would it change the way you are able to work?
Sex work needs to be decriminalized because we deserve the right to work and make our money without government or third party interference, the way bakers are able to work out of their houses without needing to use commercial grade equipment or getting approved for a licsense. As I’ve stated above how this would change the way I’m able to work mostly in regard to housing and payment processing, but most importantly it would protect us from violence and give us recourse when violence happens to us. It’s really that simple.
We know from your Twitter pics that you love a good sundress and you look amazing in them too! Can you tell us about one of your favorite working outfits?
My favorite outfit to wear to work right now is probably the red plaid sundress I am wearing in my latest shoot. It makes me feel sexy yet is super comfortable and dinner date appropriate.
Is there a piece of civilian art or media you think represents sex workers well or that you like?
Honestly one isn’t coming to mind, I really would like to see media written by sex workers about sex workers. I might be working on a novel.. Stay tuned ;)
In the past, you’ve talked about being ‘good in bed’ versus being ‘fun in bed’ - can you explain the difference, and why you prefer to focus on one rather than the other?
I meant this as a joke, but also think the concept of being “good in bed” puts too much emphasis on performance and not enough on pleasure. Sex should be mutually pleasurable and fun! I try and make my time with clients as much fun as possible, which is why I especially like dinner and extended dates that leave lots of room for fun activities to ramp up the heat ;)
Is there a ‘historical whore’ who inspires you? Why?
Maya Angelou comes to mind, as a sex worker who wasn’t afraid to talk about it in her writing and activist work. It’s a shame that mainstream media has tried to erase this.
For clients visiting from out of state, what’s something fun you can do together around town?
Atlanta is a much more interesting place to live than it is to visit, you want a tour guide! A few ideas:
-Catching a play at The Fox or The Shakespeare Tavern
-Grabbing burgers at The Vortex and then browsing at Criminal Records
- Friday Night Jazz at the High Museum of Art
-Enjoy the BEST southern homestyle breakfast at Homegrown
My favorite lingerie brand is: SW+ Playful Promises
My favorite piece of kink equipment is: The brain ;)
One of my everyday hobbies is: I’m trying to get back into sewing!
The secret to getting to know me is: Reading my website and then booking a date!
One sex tip I think everyone should know is: Sex is a collaborative journey of mutual pleasure and discovery, not a performance. Focus on your partner and everything will follow.
Want to meet Atlanta escort Ava Raleigh in person?
Head over to her profile! 👇👇👇
