A Tryst with Victoria escort, Darla DeVeaux
Oh my Beloveds! It's good to see you've returned for another stimulating, scintillating, and delightful instalment of A Tryst With, our worker interview series. Today we caught up with Victoria BC Escort, the divine Darla DeVeaux!
Tell us your story, how did you get into the industry and what has your journey looked like thus far?
Thank you for asking! I would describe my journey as tumultuous — but ultimately very rewarding. My first steps into this industry occurred during a time of hardship. I approached this line of work out of necessity, from a purely survival-based standpoint. I was underage, grappling with housing insecurity and suffering from drug addiction and chronic illness. During this time I didn’t have the language or awareness to realize that what I was doing was sex work. To me, it was simply a means to an end that didn’t have a name. Back then I could never have imagined the stability and success that I currently find myself enjoying. My circumstances slowly improved and I ended up distancing myself from sex work for a few years before eventually approaching it once more at 18. This time however, I approached the industry with a sense of curiosity. I felt excited to explore sex work as a professional career, fuelled by passion and intention, with a number of personal and financial goals in mind. Throughout the years since my return I’ve dabbled in many different forms of sex work; from sugaring to content creation, agency work to independent escorting… you name it and I’ve probably done it! These days I experience the industry from an infinitely more privileged place than where I started. I do my best to use the resources that are now accessible to me for the good of my community. I am very proud of my work and deeply passionate about the role that sex workers play in the betterment of society. I consider myself a sex work activist and my mission is to strive for decriminalization, destigmatization, safety and prosperity for all sex workers!
How has the industry changed since you started?
Although the business of pleasure is constantly evolving, one event in particular stands out as the catalyst for a number of significant changes. As you may have guessed, I am referring to the spontaneous explosion of Covid-19 in March of 2020, when the world watched in horror as the virus became a global pandemic. All at once I saw working conditions dramatically differ for all face-to-face workers, competition rise for online workers as their market was suddenly flooded, and sex workers everywhere face frustration and despair as various government bodies refused to recognize their plight. Interestingly, I also witnessed societal attitudes toward sex work begin to shift, as more and more people started to view sex work as a legitimate option. Overall, I believe the extent of these changes and the impact they’ve left on our community will continue to be felt for years to come.
How has the Nordic Model impacted your work and how would the decriminalisation of sex work in Canada help you as a sex worker?
The partially criminalized nature of our industry impacts my ability to work safely, build community and live without fear of discrimination. My colleagues and I are fighting for the current laws to be struck down and for the total decriminalization of our industry, which would be a huge step towards sex work being safer for everyone involved. I always recommend the book ‘Red Light Labour: Sex Work Regulation, Agency, and Resistance’ to anyone who wishes to thoroughly educate themselves on the history and laws pertaining to sex work in Canada.
While it’s clear that the criminalization of workers (or our clients), is detrimental to the industry, I’ve had many people ask me why I believe legalization is not the answer either. My response to this is simple — that legalization would only replicate the harms of a criminalized industry upon the most vulnerable members of our community. If there are specific parameters within which it is legal to work, those who are unable to operate within these parameters would be penalized by law. Gatekeeping the industry with legal red tape will inevitably have a negative impact on our most vulnerable (such as the unsheltered, undocumented and otherwise underprivileged workers), who may find working within a legal framework inaccessible due to their lack of resources or marginalization. These workers would unjustly face the threat of hefty fines, arrest, deportation and police violence for simply trying to survive. Therefore I say, decriminalization all the way!
Obviously you have this beautiful shaved head, how have you found this impacts your life - inside and outside of sex work?
I shaved my head in December of 2017, after a lifetime of having extraordinarily long hair. I immediately knew that it was perfect for me and I’ve kept it at this length ever since! I initially shaved it for reasons pertaining to my health but these days I view it as a visible sign of my queerness and my desire to stand out from the crowd. I have definitely received negative feedback from prospective clients who don’t like the way it looks… but c’est la vie! It’s my body and my choice. I’ve found that having a shaved head draws people to me — and kids love it! My favourite thing about walking down the street is having small children tell me how much they like my haircut.
What’s an aspect of being a sex worker that you really love?
The best part of being a sex worker is belonging to such an expansive and incredible community. I feel honored to bear witness to the growth and achievements of all my peers in the industry — especially those who I’ve had the pleasure of connecting with on a personal level. Sex workers are such a vibrant and diverse group of individuals! We come from all walks of life and we are artists, activists, scholars, inventors, poets, entrepreneurs and so much more. I feel truly blessed to be included among such a talented and loving group of people.
Do you have a favorite piece of sex work art?
For as long as I can remember I’ve always been an avid reader. In this vein, I’ve spent the past few years building an impressive collection of books written by sex workers from across the globe! My top picks are typically books of poetry and personal memoirs. My favourite author is the extraordinary Amber Dawn, whose written works include two poetry books that I adore titled ‘My Art Is Killing Me’ and ‘How Poetry Saved My Life, A Hustler’s Memoir’. Amber Dawn was also an editor of a beautiful anthology titled ‘Hustling Verse’, which consists of poetry written by more than fifty sex workers. She has multiple other published works that I’m dying to get my hands on too (just in case anyone was wondering what I want for Christmas). ;) Her art is so inspiring!
How do you deal with burn out? How do you recharge or take a break?
The best advice I can give when it comes to avoiding burn out is to have firm boundaries. The services we offer are precious and the best way to honor yourself is to stand up for what you need in order to feel safe and happy while working. We are frequently tested by those who try to push our boundaries or take advantage of our kindness. Trust yourself, stand firm and feel confident knowing that you are treating yourself with love and compassion, simply by saying “No”.
In terms of recharging, I recommend devoting regular time in your schedule to activities that make you feel full. Our work can be so draining! Whether it’s quiet time to yourself, dinner with friends, a spa day or a crazy concert, always make time for the things that help you feel alive. For me, that’s typically reading by the fireplace or dancing up a storm at the gay bar. They’re wildly different activities but they both fill my cup!
My ideal date would consist of: A full day of indulgence and exploration! Let’s visit an art gallery or museum, go shopping together, eat a fabulous dinner and finally retire to the bedroom afterwards for dessert… ;)
If you want to buy me a drink, you could order a: Martini… or a glass or champagne! Or you could surprise me :P
The most exciting thing I have ever done is: Honestly, all of my most exciting opportunities and experiences have occurred as a result of returning to the sex industry. I’m grateful every day for listening to my intuition and pursuing a career in this industry, even in the face of judgement and discrimination
I get the biggest thrill out of: Being unabashedly and unapologetically myself. There is no greater thrill than choosing to follow your own path, regardless of what anyone may say.