The Rise of Sex Work in Popular Culture
In recent years, the portrayal of sex work has become a prominent theme in various forms of media. From the surge of ‘romantasy’ fiction to the success of audio erotic apps like Quinn and the phenomenon that is Heated Rivalry, there’s a noticeable shift towards celebrating the aesthetic of sex. This trend mirrors the impact of Fifty Shades of Grey, which sparked a wave of “kinky” fiction across television, film, and print media. The mantra that sex sells seems to be resonating once again.
Amid this cultural shift, there has been a growing interest in sex work itself. Shows like Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed, which centers on a divorced mother engaging with a cam boy, and the new season of Euphoria, where Sydney Sweeney’s character Cassie creates content for OnlyFans, highlight this trend. Additionally, platforms like OnlyFans are at the heart of films such as Margo’s Got Money Troubles and reality series like Turned On: Dirty Sexy Money.
After more than a decade in the industry, I’ve noticed a change in how sex workers are portrayed. They are no longer just cautionary tales; they are now depicted as funny, smart, and savvy businesswomen with home lives, relationships, and taxes. Occasionally, they even appear emotionally well-adjusted. While this representation shouldn’t be revolutionary, it still feels fresh.
Representation vs. Understanding
Turned On, which claims to “pull back the curtain on an industry shrouded in mystery and controversy,” features real sex workers but often seems uncertain about what it wants to reveal. The series focuses on the “opulent and outrageous lives” of adult content creators on the Gold Coast, following women who make significant incomes. However, the first episode appears more focused on turning sex work into a brand rather than exploring its realities.
This show is about sex work in the same way The Real Housewives of Sydney is about real housewives that live in Sydney. It’s important to note that I did not make millions on OnlyFans. I was too busy doing the kind of sex work that might make some of this show’s cast uncomfortable. This tension underlies the series, as seen in the conflict between cast members Ruby Drew and Mia Bailey, highlighting a divide among online creators who see themselves as separate from the broader sex industry.
The Complexity of Sex Work Narratives
The word empowerment frequently appears in conversations about sex work because the alternative can feel uncomfortable to acknowledge. If it isn’t empowerment or self-discovery, what is it? Sometimes, it’s simply work. In Margo’s Got Money Troubles, the narrative shifts from need to elevated self-expression, a trope common in stories about sex work. This tendency to dress up the work as something more palatable is evident in films like Pretty Woman, Magic Mike, and The Girlfriend Experience.
At its core, Margo depicts the reality of content creation and the effort required to attract attention. It also highlights the risks involved, not just from anonymous internet users but from people closer to home. The series is honest about the challenges and the risks, emphasizing the need for money, medical expenses, rent, childcare, and survival.
The Truth About Sex Work
The truth about sex work is usually far less cinematic than television would like it to be. The real story is out there, but you’re unlikely to find it on television. Sex workers have always had a major presence online, despite attempts to remove them from these spaces. Platforms like TikTok have enabled a level of storytelling that didn’t exist a decade ago. There is no shortage of voices, yet screen adaptations often focus on a very specific slice of the industry.
Shows like Turned On are selling something long before they say anything meaningful about the people they depict. The truth wouldn’t necessarily be entertainment, but the interest is absolutely there. For anyone willing to work with sex workers, rather than just observe them, the stories are waiting. And the payoff, creatively, culturally, and even financially, could be enormous.
Current Releases and Recommendations
Turned On: Dirty Sexy Money is streaming, with episodes dropping weekly, on Stan. Margo’s Got Money Troubles is streaming on Apple TV.
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