Sex Worker Support: Networks & Communities For Sex Workers

For those involved in brothel work in Sydney and beyond, having a strong support network is a game-changer. Across Australia, a range of organisations and initiatives work tirelessly to create safe, inclusive spaces where sex workers can feel heard and empowered. These actions are essential steps toward achieving full decriminalization and protections against discrimination for sex workers in Australia.

This blog highlights the incredible groups that strengthen communities and ensure sex workers nationwide are valued and protected. These organizations assist by providing support and guidance to sex workers, helping them navigate their experiences and applications. Recognizing the worth and dignity of all humans involved in sex work is crucial to these efforts.

Respect Inc.

The sex industry in Queensland is a diverse and complex community, comprising sex workers, organizations, and advocacy groups. Sex workers in Queensland face unique challenges, including stigma, discrimination, and limited access to resources and support. Respect Inc, a non-profit organization, provides peer support, education, and advocacy for sex workers in Queensland, promoting their rights and wellbeing.

Respect Inc’s services include supplies for sex work, drop-in spaces, peer support, community education, outreach, and in-person workshops, all of which are free and accessible to sex workers. By acknowledging the diversity and complexity of the sex industry, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for sex workers in Queensland.

Education and awareness are key to promoting the rights and wellbeing of sex workers, and organizations like Respect Inc play a crucial role in this effort. The sex industry in Queensland is not limited to one specific location, with sex workers and organizations operating in various regions, including Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and Cairns. By recognizing the importance of community and connection, we can work towards reducing stigma and discrimination against sex workers in Queensland.

Respect Inc’s services are designed to be holistic and inclusive, addressing the physical, emotional, and mental health needs of sex workers. By promoting the rights and wellbeing of sex workers, we can create a more just and equitable society for all individuals in Queensland.

Scarlet Alliance, Australian Sex Workers Association

Scarlet Alliance is the national peak body representing sex workers and sex worker–led organisations nationwide. Their main goal is to push fairness and equality in every area — social, legal, political, cultural and economic — while ensuring sex workers’ voices are heard loud and clear. A cornerstone of their work is peer education, emphasizing the role of knowledge in informing sex workers about their rights, health, and safety. Every year, their National Forum brings sex workers together to share ideas and build connections, inviting individuals to join and participate in this significant event.

Scarlet Alliance also focuses on the dissemination of information, providing resources and education to enhance the wellbeing of sex workers and the broader community. This includes the Red Book Online, a comprehensive resource offering clinically reviewed sexual health advice, workplace safety tips and sex worker-friendly testing options. Scarlet Alliance also represents the community in media, academia and public spaces.

Sex Workers Outreach Project (SWOP)

SWOP is Australia’s largest and longest-running sex worker organisation, dedicated to helping sex workers in New South Wales access the same rights, protections and health services as any other worker.

Funded by the NSW Ministry of Health, SWOP plays a big role in keeping rates of STIs, HIV and hepatitis infections low within the sex industry. They achieve this by bringing together sex workers, medical specialists, researchers and organisations. Whether it’s through advocacy, peer education or partnerships, SWOP is at the heart of promoting the well-being of sex workers across NSW, with a strong focus on health services. Their training sessions are designed to be comprehensive, often spanning several hours to ensure thorough understanding.

Each year, SWOP distributes up to 60,000 printed and online resources. Support services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They also run a mix of in-person and virtual training sessions, helping sex workers thrive and make informed decisions about their health.

Touching Base Inc

Touching Base is a Sydney-based charitable organisation that’s been aiding sex workers and people with disabilities since 2000. Located in Sydney, it extends its services to various cities to ensure broad geographic reach. Born from a need to break down barriers, it focuses on improving access, tackling discrimination and addressing the legal and social challenges that these often-overlooked communities face.

One of its key initiatives is a referral database that connects people with disabilities to sex workers and accessible commercial premises. This ensures clients can find experienced and inclusive providers who understand their unique needs, thereby improving their quality of life. Touching Base also trains people involved in brothel work in Sydney to properly support clients with mobility or communication challenges.

Sex Industry Network (SIN)

SIN is a peer-led organisation dedicated to championing the rights and health of sex workers in South Australia. View all our resources to explore more about our initiatives and support. Funded by SA Health, SIN offers a range of services, including peer support, education, safer spaces for sex workers and community events.

SIN is passionate about addressing critical questions surrounding sex work, busting myths, advocating for sex work as legitimate, skilled labour, and fighting for fair industrial and legislative rights for all South Australian sex workers.

Project Respect

Project Respect is an intersectional feminist organisation. They help women and gender-diverse individuals involved in the sex industry or those who have experienced sexual exploitation, including trafficking. They also observe specific days, such as the ‘International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers,’ to honor victims and raise awareness about the issues faced by sex workers.

Their approach is trauma-informed, person-centred and strengths-based, offering one-on-one support to help individuals access vital services. Project Respect also includes individuals who have previously worked as sex workers, emphasizing a sense of community among both current and former sex workers. Project Respect also conducts outreach to licensed brothels, invests in research and advocates for structural change to end sexual exploitation.

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Whether through peer education, advocacy or simply having a space to express their concerns, these networks remind us that the sex work community is skilled, resilient and deserving of respect.

If you’re looking for brothel work in Sydney that values your rights and security, consider joining our team at Claudia’s Penthouse. We offer part-time positions requiring 20 hours per week, prioritising discretion, flexibility and respect, ensuring both clients and sex workers are taken care of. Contact us now to schedule a private interview.