In the latest installment of our sex worker interview series 'A Tryst With', New Orleans Escort Zora Kelly chats with us about pleasure, Girl 6, and the illusion of beauty standards.
How did you get into the industry and what does your journey look like so far?
I’ve always been fascinated by the sex work industry, even from a young age. It seemed so simple and relatively easy. When I found my first opportunity, I jumped at it. My introduction came through a Craigslist classified ad. Initially, I was just looking for a part-time job, but while browsing the infamous personals section, I decided to give it a shot.
I started with no pictures, just a photo of a lady’s eye, and posted it. The response was surprising — so many people wanted to connect. For my first appointment, I was very nervous, but that quickly faded when I realized how pleasant most of my clients were and how happy they were to be around me. It was a great confidence boost, and I was hooked from then on.
Over the 15 or so years I’ve been in the industry, my experiences have been mostly positive, with very few negative encounters. I’m very thankful for that. Being in the industry has given me the security to live life on my own terms. I can travel across the country without worrying too much about finances. It’s incredibly liberating to be able to go into any town and find work. This flexibility has allowed me to focus on personal endeavors, like developing my off-grid farm and dedicating time and resources to my next big project: building my own home.
What's one change you would like to see happen within the sex industry?
One thing I’d love to see change in the industry is getting rid of the review board culture. It’s not as common as it used to be, but it still affects how providers operate. I get that people want to verify a provider’s legitimacy, but breaking down and categorizing every aspect of a person is dehumanizing. It’s just wrong to judge if someone meets one person’s expectations. Plus, review boards can pressure providers into offering services they wouldn’t normally do, or give future clients a false impression of what to expect. Thankfully, reviews don’t make or break a provider’s career as much anymore.
In short, moving away from review boards and promoting direct, respectful communication and mutual respect would be a huge win for the industry. By focusing on transparency and ethical practices, we can create a more supportive and empowering environment for all models
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?
The criminalization of sex work acts like a shadowy cloak, enabling those with ill intentions to operate without consequence. Decriminalization would not only enhance safety but also serve as a beacon for prosperity. The criminalization and stigmatization of sex work create numerous obstacles. Primarily, victims of assault would be more likely to report perpetrators without the fear of being criminalized themselves. This would reduce the targeting of sex workers by violent individuals. Decriminalization would help sex workers navigate the world more easily, as proving legitimate income is often necessary for basic needs like housing and benefits. Additionally, it would allow sex workers to live without the fear of their profession negatively impacting other aspects of their lives, both personal and professional. Many people are deterred by the illegality of the profession rather than the nature of the work itself. Civilians often sever ties to avoid the risk associated with a criminalized profession, leading to feelings of isolation among sex workers who cannot share their daily lives with loved ones.
Has your work influenced your sexuality or the way you view sexuality?
My work has definitely influenced my sexuality and how I view it. When I first became sexually active, most pleasure was focused on the male partner. It wasn't until I started sex work that I started having encounters where the main focus was to pleasure me – my pleasure was a priority. It was very eye-opening and liberating to know that my joy and pleasure was also a source of joy for others and that I could indulge in my own satisfaction without feeling selfish.
What are some skills you’ve developed through your time as a sex worker? What are their broader applications in the civvie world?
My time in the sex work industry has equipped me with numerous valuable skills. I’ve become more straightforward and clear about what I want, which has boosted my confidence in commanding what I deserve. For instance, I’ve learned effective negotiation techniques to ensure fair compensation for my work. Additionally, I’ve honed my ability to market myself in creative and engaging ways, such as developing a strong personal brand and utilizing social media to connect with a broader audience. The industry has also taught me resilience and adaptability, as I’ve had to navigate various challenges and maintain a positive outlook. These skills have not only enhanced my professional life but have also contributed to my personal growth.
What has sex work taught about beauty standards?
What I’ve learned from sex work is that beauty standards are an illusion. Initially, I believed that a specific look was necessary to achieve success and command high rates. However, I’ve come to realize that success in being a provider is about embracing your unique appearance with confidence. There’s always a client out there searching through countless profiles, looking for someone just like you. Don’t let the popularity of certain aesthetics deter you from being your authentic self.
Can you share a little about your experience of being a Black sex worker? What's it like for you at those intersections?
My experience as a Black provider has been a journey of personal growth. While I’ve encountered occasional negativity, such as trolls resorting to racial slurs, these instances have been rare. Over time, I’ve come to understand that I deserve the same opportunities and respect as anyone else. Initially, I felt pressured to conform to a specific aesthetic to succeed, fearing that my authentic self wouldn’t be profitable or seen as deserving of high rates. However, embracing my unique identity has been incredibly liberating. This growth has empowered me to confidently advocate for greater representation and inclusivity in the industry. Freeing myself from the constraints of others’ expectations has allowed me to thrive and contribute to a more diverse and accepting sex work industry.
What’s the most important thing that potential clients need to understand about you, your identity, and the experiences of Black sex workers?
I believe it’s crucial for clients to understand my identity and the challenges I’ve faced in battling the notion of being undervalued due to my background. Navigating predominantly white spaces, especially as an escort, adds a layer of complexity to my experience. Often, I find myself having to listen to clients express ideologies that are harmful to people with backgrounds similar to mine. This can be incredibly disheartening and requires a great deal of emotional resilience. Additionally, being hyper-aware in upscale or predominantly white venues can make me feel out of place, despite my professional role as a paid companion. These experiences have taught me the importance of representation and inclusivity in the industry. By sharing my story, I hope to foster a more understanding and accepting environment where everyone feels they belong and are valued for their unique contributions.
What’s an aspect of being a sex worker that you really love?
What I love most about being part of the sex worker community is the incredible support system it offers. For the most part, the community is very supportive and can quickly come together to uplift fellow providers who might be going through a tough time. There’s a strong sense of camaraderie, with everyone offering reassurance and validation. This collective spirit not only helps us navigate the challenges of the industry but also fosters a sense of belonging and mutual respect. One reason I’m so thankful for the vast social network of providers is that it helps us connect more, especially in an industry that can be very isolating. Even if you do solo work, it’s great to know that you’re not the only person who’s experienced certain situations. For instance, I’ve seen models rally around someone who faced unfair treatment at a shoot, offering advice and emotional support. Another time, the community came together to help a model who was struggling with mental health issues, providing resources and a listening ear. These specific instances of support highlight the strength and solidarity within our community.
Is there a piece of art or media you think represents sex workers well?
A piece of media that significantly impacted my perspective on sex work is the movie Girl 6, directed by Spike Lee. This film provided my first direct insight into the world of sex work, revealing both its highs and lows. It opened my eyes to the freedom that comes with financial independence, as well as the potential dangers, such as clients becoming overly attached. The movie highlighted the contrast between the illusion and the reality of the industry, teaching me the importance of staying grounded and having a strong support network. This deeper understanding has shaped my views and reinforced the need for community and resilience in navigating the complexities of sex work.
What’s your favorite way to relax and recharge after a long week?
My favorite way to recharge after a long week is to immerse myself in the vibrant energy of New Orleans. I love cruising on my longboard through the historic French Quarter, accompanied by some great tunes. I then find a fantastic spot to eat and unwind, savoring the local cuisine. To cap it all off, I reflect on my week while sitting by the Mississippi River, taking in the serene views and the gentle flow of the water. It’s the perfect blend of activity and relaxation, allowing me to reset and rejuvenate.
A lot of sex workers are known to be perpetually online, can you share one of your favourite clips/websites/memes/meme accounts?
In my opinion, sex workers are some of the funniest people on Twitter. I love how we can share our experiences in the industry and find humor in them. It’s amazing how models can take mainstream memes and adapt them to our unique experiences. They have a great ability to poke fun at themselves and satirize personalities that might take themselves too seriously. This sense of humor and camaraderie makes the online modeling community a really special and supportive place.
A social cause I care about is: combating exploitative child labor and labor trafficking of all forms.
My favorite scent is: Lancome's Tresor Midnight Rose.
The most beautiful place I’ve ever been is: a hot springs at the Umpqua National Forest.
My of my everyday hobbies are: gardening, longboarding, and pilates.
My favourite album is: Hiss by Megan Thee Stallion.
Want to meet New Orleans Escort Zora Kelly in person?
Head over to her profile! 👇👇👇
