So often as sex workers we find our stories manipulated, fabricated and told by those who have never walked in our shoes. We think that all sex workers deserve to tell their own stories without filters, so each week we take a deep dive into their lives to learn about the industry, their experiences and how you can help. This week we chat to Las Vegas escort Aiko Chimera and learn about her journey into sex work, her love of circus arts and why the decriminalisation of sex work needs to be prioritised.
Tell us your story, how did you get into the industry and what has your journey looked like thus far?
I bartended for 3.5 years when I lived in California. I started in a Michelin star restaurant, then went onto nightclubs, then strip clubs, and lastly concert venues. It was very draining work and conducive to an unhealthy lifestyle that conflicted with my circus training. I decided to change my line of work when I moved to Colorado. I wanted to get into the sex work industry, but after having bartended in strip clubs, I knew stripping wasn't for me, so I googled escorting. I ended up working for an agency for 7 months - which I learned a lot from, but didn't like because the owner had no respect for any of the women working for him. He did very little to ensure our safety and it was clear that money was much more important to him. I ended up quitting and starting my own business as an independent escort in January of 2020. Since then, I have been so much happier - to be able to set my own rules, set my own prices, choose the types of clients I'd like to see, and be in charge of my own safety and well-being. I LOVE my job now so much more than bartending because I get to connect with each client on such an intimate level emotionally, intellectually and physically whereas with bartending, I just had very quick and superficial interactions with hundreds of customers each night.
What are some of your hobbies and interests outside of work?
I am very physically active and train in circus arts. The apparatus I train on is called aerial straps and it is very similar to gymnastic rings. I started 6 years ago with no upper body strength and couldn't do a pull-up. For the first few years, I learned static trapeze to build foundational strength, and then I switched over to straps which is the apparatus of my dreams. My goal is to perform professionally. Other activities I like to dabble in are Krav Maga and dance (ballet, hip hop, jazz, contemporary).
What do you think the public should know about the sex industry?
Sex work is work. Sex workers provide a service that is essential, and I'm not talking about purely sex. One of the biggest lessons that I've learned from escorting is that as an escort, you get to fulfill fundamental human needs that are essential to someone's wellbeing. I have seen clients who don't have family or many friends and just wanted somebody to share dinner with, somebody to listen to their stories, somebody to sit with and get to know. I've seen clients who haven't been touched or embraced intimately in over a decade and the moment I placed my hand on their arm, they shuddered with relief. Escorting for me has been an observation in what it means to be human.
Is there a book, tv show or movie that has had a major impact on your life? What was it and what did it teach you?
I read the book "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coehlo 2 years ago when I left everything I had in California to move to Colorado. This book taught me to pursue your dreams and listen to your intuition. I got a lot of pushback from family and friends when I wanted to move and uproot my life, but I trusted my gut, and this book helped reinforce what I was doing.
Why do you think it is important for sex work to be decriminalised and how do you think it would affect the way you work?
Decriminalization makes sex work safer. Criminalization creates an environment where sex workers are more likely to face violence (such as rape, robbery, assault, bribery) by clients and even by law enforcement. In such a situation, it can be too scary for sex workers to seek legal action because of how the sex work industry is stigmatized and shamed. Decriminalization would provide sex workers with basic human rights - like the right to justice, legal protection, dignity and equality.
What are some of your guilty pleasures?
I don't feel guilty about my pleasures :)
As sex workers, we face a number of challenges in our line of work. What is one issue you care about and how do you think your clients can help sex workers?
Safety is a major issue in this line of work. That is why I and other providers have put into place certain processes for screening new clients. I appreciate when clients respect these processes and provide the appropriate information that is requested in order for us to move forward with booking a date. Clients can also keep in mind that every provider does things differently - for example, some providers accept references whereas I don't. Clients can respect these differences and honor the rules that each provider has in order to help that provider feel safe. Building a foundation of safety and trust sets the stage for a more enjoyable, fulfilling date.
Do you have any advice for workers just starting out?
Don't let a client pressure you into doing anything you don't feel comfortable doing. Don't be afraid to turn down a client if you don't feel safe. ALWAYS listen to your intuition/gut. Your safety is more important than money.
How would you describe your dream date?
I LOVE being taken out to yummy restaurants! I love dinner and I also love brunch. For an evening date, I would love to be taken to a sushi restaurant or steakhouse and then ending the night with a soak in the hot tub. For a daytime date, I would love to be taken to brunch and then go for a hike or walk somewhere and maybe stop into a bakery because I LOVE bakeries as well :). The best way to butter me up is with food :)
My favorite scent is: the smell of freshly baked bread or pastries as I walk by a bakery
My favorite restaurant is: don't have one right now; I love to try new ones instead of frequenting ones I've already been to
My favorite thing to be gifted is: a night out to dinner
If you were going to buy me a drink, you should buy me a: bottle of sake to share at a nice sushi restaurant.
Want to meet Las Vegas escort Aiko Chimera in the flesh? Head over to her Tryst profile!
