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Independent Street-Based
A sex worker who finds and negotiates with clients independently in public spaces without the involvement of a manager, agency, or third party.
Independent Indoor (Online Ads)
A self-employed worker who arranges appointments independently, typically through advertising websites, social media, or personal networks, and works from private premises or hotels.
Co-Operative Brothel Work
Two or more workers sharing premises and resources while retaining control over their own schedules, clients, and earnings.
Managed/Pimp-Controlled Street-Based
A street-based worker whose activities are organised, supervised, or controlled by a third party who may arrange clients, locations, pricing, or security.
Managed/Agency Indoor
A worker who obtains clients through an escort agency or management company that handles advertising, bookings, and administration in exchange for a fee or commission.
Managed Brothel Work
A worker operating from a venue owned or managed by a third party who oversees bookings, premises, staff, and business operations.
Sugaring
A form of compensated dating in which financial support, gifts, or other benefits are exchanged within an ongoing personal or intimate relationship.
Couples Services
Providing services to couples, including shared experiences, exploration, or relationship enhancement.
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Sexual Surrogacy / Surrogate Partner Therapy
Sexual surrogacy (more commonly called surrogate partner therapy) is a therapeutic practice in which a trained surrogate works alongside a licensed therapist to help a client address difficulties relating to intimacy, relationships, touch, communication, body confidence, or sexual functioning.
Unlike most forms of sex work, surrogate partner therapy is usually framed as a therapeutic intervention rather than a commercial sexual service. Programmes typically involve structured goals, regular sessions, and collaboration between the client, therapist, and surrogate. Depending on the country and practitioner, sessions may involve exercises ranging from conversation and eye contact to touch, sensual experiences, or sexual activity.
Requirements vary significantly by jurisdiction. There is no universally recognised qualification, but many practitioners undertake training through organisations such as the International Professional Surrogates Association. In countries where surrogate partner therapy exists, practitioners often receive training in counselling, boundaries, consent, disability awareness, trauma-informed practice, and sexual health.
Disability Sexual Services
Disability sex work generally refers to sex workers who specialise in working with disabled clients. Unlike surrogate partner therapy, it is usually not connected to a therapist, but sex workers may undertake training classes or specialised education to provide services to a variety of more complex disabilities. Others may specialise without formal education, using lived experience (of their own disability for example) to inform their practice.
The work may involve adapting services to accommodate mobility impairments, chronic illness, sensory disabilities, intellectual disabilities, communication differences, or the use of assistive equipment. Sessions can involve sexual services, companionship, intimacy, education, touch, body exploration, or assistance navigating sexuality and relationships.
Specialist providers often develop additional skills in:
Some workers undertake formal disability support training, healthcare qualifications, first aid certification, safeguarding training, or care work experience, though requirements vary considerably.
Tantra & Sensual Services
Services focused on sensuality, intimacy, touch, or erotic energy, often drawing on tantric practices.
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Club-Based
Performing erotic or nude dance within a licensed venue such as a strip club, lap dance club, or cabaret.
Travel Dancing
Working sporadic shifts while travelling between cities, regions, or countries, often performing in multiple venues over short periods.
Online Stripping
Providing live striptease, pole, dance performances, or audience interaction through webcam and livestreaming platforms. (Especially popular during the pandemic)
Private Parties
Providing dance performances for private events such as stag parties, birthdays, or corporate functions.
Live Performances & Music Videos
Performing as a dancer, model, or erotic entertainer in stage productions, concerts, music videos, exhibitions, or similar events.
Burlesque & Erotic Performance
Performing choreographed erotic or sexually themed acts for live audiences, often in theatres, festivals, or cabaret settings.
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Mainstream Studio Porn
Adult content produced by large commercial companies with professional crews, distribution networks, and established brands.
Indie Studio Porn
Adult content produced by smaller independent studios operating outside the major commercial pornography industry.
Studio BDSM
BDSM-focused content produced by professional studios using hired performers, crews, and dedicated filming locations.
Indie Studio BDSM
BDSM content produced by smaller independent companies specialising in fetish and BDSM media.
Indie Porn
Self-produced adult content created and distributed directly by performers without a studio or production company. (eg. Onlyfans, Camming, Clip Sales)
OnlyFans & Subscription Content
Adult content produced by creators who distribute directly to subscribers through fan platforms and membership websites.
Indie BDSM
Self-produced BDSM content created and distributed directly by performers or small collaborative groups.
Webcam Modelling
Performing live interactive content for viewers through streaming platforms.
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Professional Domination
Providing consensual BDSM domination services, this can include or exclude sexual contact depending on the provider. Many Pro Dom(mes) only offer domination in which the extent of the sexual contact is often pegging (male submissive (client) receiving anal penetration using a toy), but lots of Full Service Sex Workers also offer Domination services that may include sexual contact and penetration.
Fetish Provider
Providing consensual fetish services, this can include or exclude sexual contact depending on the provider. Examples include: Giantess, Fetish Wrestling/StrongWoman, Wet/Messy Play (WAM)
Professional Submission
Providing consensual submissive roleplay or fetish experiences as a paid service.
Financial Domination (Findom)
A fetish dynamic in which clients derive gratification from giving money, gifts, or financial control to a dominant provider.
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