Thanks for stopping by our sex worker interview series 'A Tryst With...' Today we take a Tryst with Chicago Escort Josie Qu, and chat about time management, Hiroshi Suzuki, and stretching before sex!
What’s your story? How did you get started as an escort and how’s it going?
Shortly after graduating from college, I toiled in the hospitality and medical fields respectively. I quickly realized what I needed was a life rooted in intimacy, sensuality, and creativity. Fast forward 7 years, I’m incredibly happy with my decision. I’ve built connections that nourish me and bring me joy, and have the time and financial independence to pursue my artistic and culinary interests.
What did you find was a big learning curve for you?
Time management surprisingly has proved my biggest foe. I have horrible ADHD so it’s very hard for me to stay focused at home for administrative tasks such as correspondence, bookkeeping, social media, etc. Thankfully I was diagnosed with ADHD in the summer of 2022 and have benefited from medication and the pomodoro method.
Is there a common assumption people make about sex workers that really annoys you?
I find it very frustrating whenever people ask me if I feel like I’m wasting my college degree/potential by becoming a sex worker. I would love to know what people find degrading about the sex industry. Is it somehow more virtuous for me to sacrifice my well being by working at a non profit or any other job where I’m underpaid, overworked, and prohibited from unionizing?
How has the increased reliance on social media impacted your feelings towards the job?
Social media is wonderful because I’ve connected with friends, lovers, and colleagues all over the world. However, I am disgusted by the censorship of major social media companies cracking down on sex work. The cleansing of sex workers from public spaces– whether it be physical or virtual– forces sex workers to go into hiding and work in unsafe conditions. I want to understand, why are adult services seen as “immoral”?
What are some skills you’ve developed through your time as a sex worker? What are their broader applications in the civvie world?
I’ve built my own website as a sex worker! I’m quite pleased because I’ve never designed a website prior to becoming a sex worker. I always have so much fun researching different websites to learn more about color schemes, adaptability for mobile phones, and general web layouts.
Is there anything you think the general public should learn from sex workers?
There’s so much the public can learn from sex workers. I’ve always advised friends outside of sex work, especially those who work in creative fields, that you should never be afraid to discuss your rates for your work and ask to be paid up front as much as possible. In terms of general life advice, while setting boundaries can be uncomfortable, you’ll be able to spend time with people who are better aligned with your values. Finally, take time to explore your sensuality and eroticism.
What has sex work taught about beauty standards?
While I do fit the beauty standard, I’ve struggled with the fact that sex work is honestly a very image conscious industry that is reflective of an image conscious society. I’ve learned throughout my seven years that it’s best to eat what you enjoy eating, and work out when it gives you pleasure.
What’s an aspect of being a sex worker that you really love?
I really love the wonderful people I’ve met through this world. I love the sex worker friends I’ve made who are so smart, hilarious, creative, and caring. I also deeply deeply care for the clients who’ve cared for me so generously throughout the years and continue to believe in me. I would be nothing without them.
What kind of clients seek you out? What do you find they are looking for?
I’ve really clicked well with people who don’t take themselves too seriously, are continually curious about the world, have an eye for art in all its expansive forms, an optimistic bent towards life, and wear their heart on their sleeve.
I find that my clients are looking for a romance with someone who genuinely enjoys listening to their stories, has a love of the arcane and the mundane, has a quick wit, soft curves, natural grooming, and cares about the world.
Tell us about your workspace, how do you create a specific mood?
I love the power of setting a scene. It can change your mood so quickly. I find that soft amber lighting, a whisper of a scent from a delicately aromatic candle, and the sensual compositions of Japanese American jazz trombonist, Hiroshi Suzuki.
What is a sex tip you think most people should know?
Since this is not cosmo, I will not advise you to try positions such as “cowgirl gets the first worm” or “lotus piledriver”. I am not the person for that, lol. I will instead share both my physical therapist’s sex advice and mine! Sex is a cardio act, so don’t be afraid to stretch beforehand, take breaks, and communicate whenever your body feels stress from a certain position. My advice is to take time to experiment with yourself and be curious about your desires and others.
What do you like to do outside of work? Do you have any special interests?
I have so many hobbies! I love to cook, mend my clothes, sew, read about cinema, architecture, and history, marble paper, dance, and tend to my plants.
My favorite everyday pleasure is: Walking my dog and saying hi to my neighbors.
A makeup item I swear by is: Not makeup, but I greatly enjoy my Dyson hair styler.
If you want to win my heart you must: Call for a free Palestine from the river to the sea.
If you want to buy me a drink, you could order a: A dirty martini with plenty of citrus notes.
Something that really annoys me is: The sound of styrofoam grating against each other.
My social handles are: @meetjosiequ on Twitter, @flavo.rtown on IG, @josiequ on Substack.
Want to meet Chicago Escort Josie Qu in person?
Head over to her profile! 👇👇👇
