Welcome to this week's sex worker interview! In this series we chat to sex workers from around the world to help you better understand the complexities of sex work, which policies are causing harm and what sex workers actually want.
This week we chat to Vancouver escort Jay Juniper about how she got started, the failures of the Nordic Model (aka the entrapment model!) and how clients can better support trans sex workers.
Tell us your story, how did you get into the industry and what has your journey looked like thus far?
My story is actually unfortunately pretty common. I moved in too quickly with a new partner at the time and found myself owing a bunch of people a large sum of money. Initially, it wasn’t much of a choice. I wouldn’t say I was “forced” into it, it was more of a decision of practicality. I could keep working my job in food service management and spend an entire year of my life living with my parents digging myself out of the hole I created, or I could finally take the plunge and learn to do the thing I thought about doing for a long time leading up to that point. I had always thought about escorting, but I was too afraid of the HIV risk, especially being a trans provider. Access to PREP in Canada became more common around the end of 2018, and the miracle drug became a part of my life in 2019. Things were no longer a roll of the dice between life and death, which made the decision an easier one. I’ve taken some breaks since 2019, but for the most part, it’s been a consistent part of my life, and I’ve been thankful for it. Access to shared workspaces gave me much more safety and stability, and I am very much thankful for their existence. The people who run shared workspaces deserve credit; they provide essential services and safety nets for people entering the industry.
What was something you didn't expect going into the industry?
I didn’t expect I could find this level of stability in my work. I had a perception that the industry was always risky and dangerous, that substance use was always something that was going to happen, and that all workers essentially lived their lives in fear. I never knew that this line of work could be safe, rewarding, substance free, and even inspire my happiness, as well as the happiness of others. Like many other lines of work, over time, I learned that this work is often what you make it. There are of course differences in privilege, and I have been very, very lucky in many ways. But I haven’t always had this level of safety and security. I, with the help of others, built that security for myself. I never knew it was possible but I will always be grateful for it.
Canada is under the Nordic model or equality model, how has this impacted your work and what are some ways you feel this law has failed sex workers?
I think the continued criminalization of clients is still a pervasive problem within the industry. For consenting adults, it is inappropriate. Obviously there are exceptions, human trafficking specifically being the easiest one to pinpoint. I think that the criminalization of clients promotes more violence and hostility towards consenting private workers in the industry. I’ve seen it first hand, especially in my earlier days. People can be suspicious, agitated, nervous - it can put a damper on what is supposed to be a relaxing, fulfilling experience. A major part of this work, to me, is providing much needed physical touch and release for my clientele. It can be much more difficult to accomplish that if a client comes in and feels stigmatized or concerned because of the perceived risk they feel from law enforcement agencies.
Are you out as a trans sex worker and if so what was that process like?
Yes, everyone close enough to me knows. I’ve had genital reconstructive surgery (aka I have a vulva) and actually started advertising myself as a cis worker. It was unnecessarily dangerous, and believe it or not, I actually made less money advertising myself as such! Since then, my work has felt much safer and more comfortable. If someone isn’t okay with me being trans, I don’t want to work with them anyways! As far as family goes, they did not accept me at first, but now that my work has stabilized and I’ve been doing this for three years, they’re supportive. Those sort of things can take time and I think the best thing someone can do is not rush it. Thankfully my friends and family have always been supportive of my transition.
What are your top three tips for someone just starting out in the industry?
My first tip would be to not antagonize your clients. They’re the ones paying your salary! Like any other job, most people aren’t excited about going to work in the mornings, but that isn’t the fault of your clients! It is very easy to have a bad day at work and paint all your clients with the same broad brush but it is much more useful to see them as what they actually are: individuals, all with different needs, backgrounds, and personalities.
My second tip would be to be yourself. You’ll be most comfortable and most successful taking on roles that come naturally to you. I started out as a dominant provider but it just wasn’t me! There is a market for just about everyone and so there is no need to put yourself in a certain box just because that’s what you think people want from you. Be you, and the work will come. It doesn’t happen overnight, but in time, your efforts will pay off.
My third tip would be to have fun, whenever possible. Escorts are supposed to be the fun part of your clients life - never forget that. It’s not fun to be a debbie downer or bring your personal problems into work. In many regards, you are giving an intimate performance. You’re an entertainer, and part of being an entertainer is being a fun, exciting person to be around. Having a positive carefree attitude pays dividends. It also puts your clients at ease, and when they’re having a good time, you probably will too.
What’s something you enjoy about online work and/or in person work?
I always love pillow talk. It’s a very special treat for me to get a special look into things my clients are interested in. People see my style and usually know I like anime and video games, that is fairly apparent. But I’ve had some excellent, captivating conversations about cars, sports, travelling, personal goals, you name it. Especially during the pandemic when I wasn’t seeing many clients and didn’t have as many chances to socialize. I was surprised to find out I share interests with so many people I’ve worked with!
What is something clients can do to make you feel more comfortable as a trans worker?
I think avoiding a lot of the personal questions about surgery, transition, family, etc. Quite honestly, it isn’t any of your business. When a worker advertises themselves as trans, you should know what you’re getting into. If you don’t, there is a wealth of knowledge available on google. Whatever broad questions you have on transgenderism or surgery have probably been answered before. Just treat us like any other human beings. We’re not freaks or charity cases, only humans existing. We face challenges but in my opinion, dwelling on it only perpetuates the cycle of marginalization. Just enjoy the time you spend with us. You don’t need to know when we started or how we got here. Take pleasure in the moment and forget about the rest.
What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?
I love playing video games, and I’m a huge cartoon nerd, both adult and children’s animation. I almost never watch movies or TV that aren’t cartoons. I’m also a big sports fan, it comes from being an athlete prior to transition! Sometimes I’ll shoot hoops or skateboard around, although I haven’t been trying to learn new tricks in a while because I broke my wrist back in august of 2020. I have a passion for reading and I’m always checking books out at the library. My favorite genre is science fiction but I never pass up a good romance story. Makeup has been terrific for me, both as a form of self expression and a hobby I consistently feel a desire to improve at. I really do appreciate the opportunities working on my own schedule has given me to spend time on my hobbies.
Is there a book, blog, tv show or movie that you’re into at the moment?
Right now I’m still working on finishing Bob’s Burgers. It never fails to make me laugh! Tina is my favorite character and I relate to her occasional social awkwardness. It’s a great show.
My favorite thing to be gifted is: flowers
My ideal date would consist of: dinner & drinks followed by gaming at the casino
If you were to buy me a drink at a bar, you should order a: gin and tonic
The dorkiest thing about me is: everything
A social cause I care about: Cancer Research
The way to win me over is: make me laugh lol
Want to meet Vancouver escort Jay Juniper in the flesh? Head over to her Tryst profile! 👇👇👇
