Whorephobia—the discrimination, stigmatization, and hatred directed at sex workers —is deeply rooted in society's ideas about gender, sexuality, and what labor should look like. It’s an backhanded form of prejudice that goes beyond judgment about people’s jobs; it’s about dehumanizing us and seeing us as less than. Many people fail to recognize that this discrimination doesn’t just hurt those in the sex industry—it contributes directly to real-world harm. The condemnation of sex workers perpetuates the violence against us, period. The stigma surrounding sex work doesn’t just make life harder for sex workers—it actively contributes to our marginalization, vulnerability, and risk of violence. By perpetuating whorephobia, you help uphold a system that treats sex workers as disposable and unworthy of basic rights and respect.
WHAT IS WHOREPHOBIA?
Whorephobia is the prejudice against sex workers or people who express their sexuality openly. It manifests in language, behaviors, and attitudes that degrade or dehumanize sex workers. This can include everything from slurs to systemic barriers in access to resources and justice. It perpetuates the idea that people who sell sex, or are associated with sex work, are lesser-than, immoral, or undeserving of respect and dignity.
This type of discrimination doesn't just hurt those of us working in the sex industry; it affects everyone by enforcing narrow, damaging ideas about sexuality, autonomy, and worth. Challenging whorephobia is essential not only for supporting sex workers but for creating a culture that values all forms of labor and recognizes the humanity of everyone.
THE INTERSECTION OF WHOREPHOBIA, RACISM, AND TRANSPHOBIA
While all sex workers face discrimination, it’s important to acknowledge the compounded struggles that sex workers of color and transgender sex workers experience. Whorephobia is continuously interwoven with racism and transphobia, creating more significant barriers to safety, healthcare, and basic dignity.
Sex workers of color are disproportionately affected by violence and discrimination, both in the workplace and in society. Racism plays a pivotal role in the mistreatment of sex workers of color, leading to both systemic and interpersonal violence. In many cases, these workers face a dual stigma: one for their race and another for their profession. This can result in greater isolation and a lack of access to resources, including legal protections and support services.
Transgender sex workers are at an even higher risk due to the intersection of transphobia and whorephobia. Transgender individuals, particularly trans women of color, are among the most marginalized and endangered groups in the sex work industry. Transgender sex workers are more likely to experience physical and sexual violence, often at the hands of clients, law enforcement, and society at large. The refusal to acknowledge their gender identity and the stigmatization of their work creates an environment where trans sex workers are disproportionately targeted for harm.
The intersectional discrimination means that sex workers of color and trans sex workers often face a greater burden in both their professional and personal lives. Not only do they have to contend with whorephobia, but they also navigate racism, transphobia, and a lack of legal protections. Recognizing and addressing these complex oppressions is crucial in the fight for equality and justice for all sex workers.
RECOGNIZING WHOREPHOBIA IN CONVERSATIONS
Whorephobia can show up in overtly offensive language, but it’s also seen in subtle, everyday comments that sustain harmful stereotypes. Here are some common examples of whorephobia to watch out for in day-to-day conversations:
- "She's just a stripper."
This type of comment reduces a person to their job, suggesting that their value lies solely in their work rather than in their full identity as a human being. It implies that sex work makes someone less deserving of respect.
- "I’d never be able to do that job."
This statement is often paired with judgment or a sense of moral superiority. It implies that sex work is somehow inherently degrading or that people who choose or are pushed into these professions lack self-respect.
- "She’s such a slut."
Using the word “slut” to describe someone, especially when they express their sexuality freely, is a form of whorephobia. It shames people—often women—for exploring their own desires and for stepping outside of restrictive societal norms about what is “acceptable” behavior.
- "Sex work is for people who have no other options."
This oversimplifies the reality of sex work, implying that all people who do sex work are desperate or have no alternatives, which isn’t true. Many sex workers choose their profession for a variety of reasons, and many of them are in control of their own decisions.
- "I could never respect/date someone who does that work."
This attitude dehumanizes individuals who work in the sex industry, viewing them as unworthy of respect or love simply because of the job they hold. It implies that someone's worth is tied to the kind of work they do, rather than their actions, kindness, personality or integrity.
HOW TO SPEAK UP AGAINST WHOREPHOBIA
Recognizing whorephobia is the first step—challenging it when it appears is how we start to create change. Here’s how you can speak up and make a difference in your everyday interactions:
- Speak Up:
Use your voice to call out whorephobic language or behavior when you encounter it. You don’t have to be confrontational, but you can firmly challenge these ideas. For example:
“I think it’s important to remember that people who work in sex industries are just as deserving of respect as anyone else.”
“I understand your point, but the language we’re using can perpetuate harmful stereotypes. It’s worth considering how we talk about this.”
- Reflect on Your Own Biases:
We all carry biases—whether we realize it or not. Take a moment to examine your own attitudes and language around sex work. Do you use derogatory terms or make assumptions based on stereotypes? Actively work to challenge these internalized biases by educating yourself and seeking out diverse perspectives.
- Start Conversations, Not Arguments:
Talking about whorephobia might feel uncomfortable, but these conversations are essential. When someone uses harmful language or perpetuates stereotypes, instead of reacting with anger, try to educate in a way that invites learning.
“I think it’s important to understand that calling someone a ‘whore’ or a ‘slut’ isn’t just an insult—it’s a form of shaming people who express their sexuality.”
“I know it can be hard to understand, but sex work is a valid choice for many people, and they deserve respect like anyone else.”
- Support Sex Workers in Your Actions:
If you truly want to be an ally, support sex workers in tangible ways. This can include:
Purchasing from sex-worker-owned businesses.
Donating to organizations that fight for sex worker rights.
Engaging with and amplifying sex workers’ voices on social media.
- Be an Ally in the Long Term:
Fighting whorephobia isn’t a one-time event—it’s an ongoing practice. Keep educating yourself and challenging harmful attitudes in both public and private conversations. Advocate for policies that protect the rights of sex workers, including decriminalization, and fight against discrimination in all its forms.
WHY CHALLENGING WHOREPHOBIA MATTERS FOR ALL OF US
Whorephobia isn’t just a problem for sex workers; it’s a problem for everyone. It reinforces narrow, oppressive views about sexuality, gender roles, and the worth of people based on the work they do. Challenging whorephobia helps us to break free from these outdated views and create a more just and inclusive society.
When we remove the stigma surrounding sex work, we not only support those who engage in it, but we also create space for all of us to express our sexuality, make decisions about our bodies, and respect each other’s autonomy.
We all deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. By recognizing and addressing whorephobia in our conversations, we can help build a more accepting world where everyone is valued for who they are—no matter their profession or how they express themselves.