Scarlet Alliance, Australian Sex Workers Association

Sex work is work

Today is International Sex Workers’ Rights Day Sex work is work, and sex workers deserve respect, equality, and the same rights and protections as all workers. On 3 March 2001, over 25,000 sex workers in India gathered for the Kolkata Sex Worker Freedom Festival to advocate for sex worker rights, including safety at work. Prohibitionist groups tried to prevent the festival from taking place by pressuring the government to revoke the group’s permit, but were unsuccessful. Since then, 3 March has become an important date to promote sex worker rights, highlighting the need for sex work to be recognised as legitimate work and for sex workers to be protected under the law. Recognising sex work as work is a vital step towards fighting for decriminalisation, anti-discrimination protections and labour rights.

Did you know that in some parts of unceded Australia, sex work and sex workers are still criminalised? The fight for sex work to be recognised as real work in Australia is far from over. Until all sex workers are free from discrimination, stigma and criminalisation, none of us are truly free.

But I thought sex work was “legal” in Australia? Decriminalisation removes laws and penalties criminalising all aspects of sex work between consenting adults. Sex work is then covered under existing health and safety laws. Legalisation involves laws and regulations permitting sex work under certain conditions, while all other sex work remains criminalised. Under legalisation, governments impose special regulations just for the sex industry. Sex work is partially criminalised in WA Full criminalisation in SA

On International Sex Workers' Rights Day we reiterate the importance of decriminalisation of sex work. Sex work is work! And there is still much more to do before it is recognised as such in Australia.
Read our decriminalisation briefing paper scarletalliance.org.au/wp-content/u...

sex ed sunday sex work stigma in healthcARE

Sex workers in Australia almost universally report experiencing stigma and discrimination due to engagement in sex work. The majority of sex workers reported receiving negative treatment in healthcare settings. Despite more states and territories moving to decriminalisation, sex workers still remain largely unprotected against discrimination and vilification. Source: Stigma snapshot: ‘Sex workers 2022’, ‘General public 2024’ & ‘Health care workers 2024’: Centre for Social Research in Health, Sydney, UNSW, Australia.

Whorephobia in healthcare. Discrimination is borne from stigma which shows up in negative ideas about individuals or groups of people. It can based on distinguishing characteristics, such as a health condition or occupation. Sex workers commonly experience discrimination in healthcare settings including (but not limited to): being subjected to sexual health testing that is not medically required. having presumptions made about our health risks based on misinformation about sex work. Decriminalisation, along with anti-discrimination and vilification measures are vital in changing societal prejudice and stigma against sex workers.

Stigma has real world implications for our health. 97% of sex workers experienced stigma and discrimination in healthcare settings. 88% of sex workers experienced negative treatment by healthcare workers. 92% of sex workers did not disclose their sex work to a medical provider. 91% of sex workers looked for a different healthcare service. 89% of sex workers delayed accessing healthcare, and 83% skipped follow up appointments.

Accessing affirming and non-stigmatising healthcare is a human right. Sex work stigma means we are less likely to disclose and get the healthcare we need. You can find plenty of sex worker affirming sexual health information at Red Book Online buff.ly/XbVPHbf

TODAY IS SYDNEY MARDI GRAS As Scarlet Alliance, SWOP NSW and our communities get ready to march, we reflect on the history of this event.

A legacy of resistance. Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras was born from solidarity with the Stonewall riots and began as a protest against police harassment and anti-gay laws. In 1978, when homosexuality was still criminalised in NSW, police violently shut down the first parade despite a permit being granted. They arrested 53 people, many of whom were beaten in custody. The Sydney Morning Herald published their names, addresses and occupations, resulting in people losing their jobs and livelihoods. The paper offered an apology in 2016. Following a “drop the charges” campaign and public uproar, the charges were dropped. There was an upsurge in activism and in 1979, 3000 people marched peacefully in an incident free campaign.

Ecstatic orgasmic SEX WORKERS & ALLIES FLOAT SYDNEY MARDI GRAS 2026 The 2026 Sydney Mardi Gras theme is “Ecstatica”. Sex workers’ ultimate ecstatica comes from what we deserve most: the same human rights as any other worker. As we honour our resilience and the power of our movement, sex workers and our allies come together to demand equality without exception.

While Mardi Gras has since grown into a major celebration of LGBTQI+ pride since 1978, we remember that it began as an act of resistance. That history matters, particularly as colonisation, police brutality, and discriminatory laws continue to target our communities. At a time when sex workers in NSW, across Australia, and globally are advocating for legislative reforms that strengthen protections from violence and improve safety and justice, we recognise the importance of remaining visible. We will march in that legacy of protest.

Today is Sydney Mardi Gras. As we get ready to showcase sex worker pride in the march, we remember the resistance that led to the original event and honour the legacy of those who fought for it.

A crowd of sex workers wearing red and holding red umbrellas which say Queer whore power at Sydney Mardi Gras in 2025.

The red umbrella can be seen in campaigns that call for an end to violence against sex workers, for decriminalisation, and in memory of sex workers who have passed. As the symbol of a movement, the red umbrella is today used to represent all types of sex work from street based work, to stripping, escorting, fetish, establishment work, camming, and more. The red umbrella symbolises: Solidarity with all forms of sex work together ‘under the umbrella’. Resistance in the face of criminalisation, oppression and discrimination. Pride in work that society has historically seen as ‘immoral’.

“Sex workers’ vulnerability to human and labour rights violations is greater than of others because of the stigma and criminal charges widely attached to sex work.” P.A.R.A.S.I.T.E Press, ‘Tadej Pogacar and P.A.R.A.S.I.T.E Museum of Contemporary Art 49, 2001. Background image is a protest sign with a red umbrella on it that says Free to be sluts

FAQ Friday Why is the red umbrella used to symbolise sex worker rights?

Why the red umbrella? Have you ever noticed red umbrellas at protests, in sex worker peer organisation logos, in tattoos or on signage and wondered what they represent? Why an umbrella, and why red? The red umbrella was first used to represent sex worker rights in 2001, when sex workers from around the world gathered at the 49th Venice Biennale. As part of CODE: RED, a collaborative installation created by Slovenian artist Tadej Pogačar, sex workers led performances, exhibitions and conversations that centred their own voices and experiences — culminating in the first Red Umbrellas March.

An emblem of pride, power, and protection. The Red Umbrellas March publicly proclaimed solidarity with sex workers. Participants joined local groups and marched holding red umbrellas and using loudspeakers to draw attention. Organised by the Committee for the Civil Rights of Prostitutes*, the march route incorporated the geography of the social history of sex workers from famous Venetian courtesans until the present day. *This word is now considered a slur. The community preferred term is ‘sex workers’.

Since 2001, the red umbrella has been adopted universally by the sex worker rights movement as a symbol of safety, activism, and community. The background photograph on this page, and on slide 7 features sex workers and allies marching at the Sydney Mardi Gras Parade in 2025, facilitated by SWOP NSW and Scarlet Alliance.

The red umbrella is a symbol of pride, protection, and solidarity in the sex worker rights movement. But where did it originate? Share this post with a sex worker pal or ally.

Monthly Mythbusting Australia’s online safety act will make the internet safer

What is Australia’s Online Safety Act? The Online Safety Act sets up a framework which gives the eSafety Commissioner the responsibility and authority to regulate the internet, including investigating or removing online content it considers harmful. The current eSafety Commissioner has recently mandated tech platforms to put age verification (like facial scanning and ID uploads) and filters in place which will block information relating to sex, drug use, suicide, LGBTQIA+ issues and other political issues.

MYTH Australia’s online safety laws make the internet safer, especially for children and young people. Theoretically, the Online Safety Codes and Standards which are part of the Online Safety Act, are in place to remove child exploitation material and violent content, as well as prevent under 18s viewing porn. In practice, the Codes and Standards fail to protect sexual and reproductive health education, drug harm information, contraception, consent, and sex worker support services from filtering or removal. Life saving resources will be overcaptured in the process to block ‘harmful’ material.

TRUTH The Codes and Standards increases risks for young people and marginalised communities. The Online Safety Act imposes high penalties for tech companies that fail to remove or ‘age-gate’ content, but fails to protect against over-removal. This encourages censorship of legitimate and lawful content. Other issues include: The age verification measures used have inconsistent accuracy. Platforms are given more incentive to collect people’s personal information. Sex worker advertising platforms and community resources will likely be put behind age-gates, undermining our safety strategies and reducing income.

What happens when the eSafety Commissioner's bid to wipe out online child exploitation and violent content fails to listen to marginalised communities? The censorship of vital health and safety information. Read "The impact of online regulation" at scarletalliance.org.au/library/impa...

Sex ed Sunday All about sexual health tests

A sexual health test is a medical screening to check for sexually transmitted infections (STI). Getting a sexual health test is a responsible thing for any sexually active person to do. STI and blood borne viruses (BBV) are common and can affect any sexually active person regardless of age, gender or sexuality.

How often should I get tested for STI? How often you get tested is something you should discuss with your doctor or sexual health nurse. The right testing schedule depends on your individual circumstances, including the type of sex work you do, the services you offer, your sexual health risk factors, and whether you’re experiencing any symptoms. Testing may involve swabs (vaginal, anal, penis or throat), a urine test, and a blood test, depending on risks and symptoms. The ‘window period’ between exposure and a positive test depends on the STI and the type of test that’s done.

Many STI don’t show symptoms so it’s possible to have one without knowing it. Untreated STI can lead to long-term health issues, so regular testing is important! If a condom slips off, breaks or you have symptoms, visit a sexual health centre as soon as possible. Regular testing ensures early detection, access to treatment, and is an important part of self care.

STI testing is a regular part of being a sexually active person, and as a sex worker, an important part of self care. For more sexual health information, visit redbookonline.org.au

FAQ Friday "What should I think about before a doubles or group booking?"

Bookings where two sex workers work together is often called a “double” or duo”. You may also choose to participate in a group booking with multiple workers and sometimes, multiple clients. Working with peers can be a lot of fun! However, there are some additional safer sex measures and boundaries that need to be discussed before you are in the room with the client/s.

Everyone has different boundaries. It’s important to discuss your boundaries, rates and safer sex practices before the session. If working independently, this might involve contacting the other provider/s beforehand. In an establishment, a quick chat in the worker’s room can clarify things. Discuss how you want to run the booking, especially if you haven’t worked together before. It can be helpful to agree on a word, phrase or signal to use if you need to check in discreetly during the session. You are never obligated to offer a service just because your doubles or group booking partner does.

In establishment work, it’s common for a client to request a second worker join a booking that is already in progress. If this happens, step outside with the other worker to negotiate away from the client. “I charge slightly more per hour than my doubles partner, so I ask the client to match my rate so we’re both being paid the same for the same work.” “My duo partner and I have a combined rate for our bookings, and then we split it between us afterwards!” Remember, you still have the right to end or leave a booking at any time, for any reason. Let the other worker(s) know if you’re leaving, so they’re aware and not left alone in the booking.

Working with peers in a booking can be a lot of fun. But as always, more people means more safer sex responsibilities. Visit redbookonline.org.au for more sexual health information.

Sex Ed Sunday Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) Pink background with red graduation cap Scarlet Alliance logo is in the right hand corner

Let’s talk about bacterial vaginosis (BV). BV is common, because it can show up when the natural pH balance of the vagina is disrupted. So what is BV exactly? BV is caused by an overgrowth of bacteria that occurs naturally in the vagina. This overgrowth upsets the natural pH balance and can lead to watery grey discharge, irritation, and a fishy odour. It’s different to thrush, which is a fungal infection. Testing for BV is done using a vaginal swab, and usually offered based on symptoms (not as part of a routine sexual health screening). If you’ve had BV before, it can be helpful to let your health provider know, as this can guide assessment and treatment.

How do I keep my vagina’s pH level happy? Contact with semen, lubricants, blood and soap are all factors that can change the naturally-acidic environment of the vagina, which can allow more bacteria growth. While episodes of BV can’t be reliably prevented, the following may help to keep a healthy pH level: Avoid douching (inserting water into the vagina to clean it), and don’t wash around the vagina and vulva too often. Avoid adding bath oils, antiseptics, scented soaps, perfumed bubble bath, shampoos, etc., to bathwater. Avoid scented ‘intimate hygiene’ products and scented or deodorising products, like sprays and wipes.

If you’re diagnosed with BV, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. BV can return after a few months, even if treatment was successful. BV is responsive to treatment but is often recurring. New evidence shows BV bacteria can be detected on the penis and transmitted via condomless penis in vagina sex*. *Melbourne Sexual Health Centre

For some sex workers, bacterial vaginosis (BV) can be the bane of their working life. Swipe through for some advice that may minimise BV symptoms and reduce recurrence, and don't forget to share this post with a sex worker friend. Find more sexual health information at redbookonline.org.au

IT’S YOUR BODY, AND YOU MAKE THE RULES It’s National Condom Day. Let’s talk tips to encourage condom use with clients.

Condoms are the best prevention against STI transmission, but sometimes it can be challenging to get clients to understand how important they are. Knowing what to say confidently to clients can make all the difference when negotiating condom use. We’ve got some tips from sex workers on how you can do that.

Be assertive and in control. Let them know that you’ll be doing things your way and that they’ll have fun.

Remind clients how much sex you have. It’s probably a lot more than them, and with more partners.“If I use a condom with you, you can be sure I’ll use them with others.” Keep the tone light, but remain in control and in lead of what’s happening. “Relax, let me take control. I promise you’ll have fun.” It’s a lot easier to put the condom on when the client is turned on. If they are already aroused they may not want to interrupt what’s happening. “It’s time for us to have more fun. Are you excited?”

Condoms are an important safer sex tool for sex workers, however it can sometimes be difficult to get clients on board with using them. Swipe through for some sex worker advice and find more sexual health information at Red Book Online redbookonline.org.au .

FAQ Friday How does Australia's visa compliance system harm migrant sex workers? Scarlet Alliance logo in bottom right corner

Australian Border Force (ABF) conduct “compliance operations” in Australian workplaces. ABF claims that raiding sex industry workplaces helps to detect exploitation and trafficking. n reality, these raids target Asian migrant sex workers for visa checks, visa cancellations, detention and deportation, and disproportionately impact their human rights.

Raids traumatise and dehumanise Asian migrant sex workers They are ineffective in addressing workplace exploitation, trafficking, or visa issues within the sex industry, and they isolate workers from community. Sex workers describe intimidating behaviour from ABF officers, including carrying weapons and using militarised tactics. Raids make it hard to access the protective benefits of sex work decriminalisation. Fear of police pushes workers into isolation where they are out of touch with peer support. Workers are less likely to have access to condoms, safer sex information and testing, resulting in health harms.

The evidence demonstrates raids increase vulnerability, rather than preventing harm, and should be replaced by approaches that enhance sex workers’ agency and safety.

Australian Border Force raids on sex industry workplaces target and dehumanise Asian migrant sex workers, making it impossible to access the benefits of decriminalisation. Read our briefing paper "Policing of Asian Migrant Sex Workers" buff.ly/QnDilez

HEALTHCARE ACCESS FOR ALL Are you a disabled or chronically ill sex worker? Have you experienced barriers when accessing healthcare in Australia?

Sex work can offer flexible and viable employment for people with chronic illness. So, why do we still face systemic barriers to accessible and inclusive healthcare? The Disabled Sex Workers Advisory Group (DSWAG) is collecting personal stories from disabled sex workers across Australia. The survey aims to document discrimination in healthcare and show why further advocacy is needed.

Find the survey under the ‘Participate’ tab at linktr.ee/scarlet_alliance If you are a disabled or chronically ill sex worker and would like to join DSWAG, you can email katia@scarletalliance.org.au.

The Disabled Sex Workers' Advisory Group (DSWAG) is collecting stories from disabled and chronically ill sex workers who have experienced access barriers in healthcare. Find the Disability, Sex Work, and Healthcare Discrimination survey here buff.ly/Xj2wDHc

Sex Ed Sunday Uncovered Blow Jobs (or BBBJ) Pink background with a red graduation cap. The Scarlet Alliance logo is in the bottom right corner.

Sometimes we might be in a position where we decide or need to take a risk, like giving uncovered oral sex. So let’s talk about what we can do to reduce the likelihood of STI transmission during a bareback blow job (or BBBJ). Uncovered oral sex on a penis is often called “natural oral” or a “bareback blow job”. It may include cum in mouth (CIM) or licking and sucking a client’s balls (testicles). Oral sex without barrier protection significantly increases the risk of STI transmission, but if you are providing this service there are some things you can do to reduce the likelihood of transmission.

Whether or not you offer uncovered oral sex should always be your choice. Stick to your own boundaries and resist client pressure if they push you to do any service you are not comfortable with. Remember, it’s your body and your health.

What can I do BTBJ (before the blow job)? If you can, plan ahead before the booking or before you start a work shift. Make a mental checklist (or even write down) the things to remember that can minimise STI transmission. Try not to brush your teeth for a few hours before or after the service. You can freshen your breath with mints or mouthwash instead. This helps to avoid irritation or cuts to the gums which increases the risk of STI transmission. If you have cracked lips, cuts or ulcers in your mouth or a sore throat, it’s best to avoid unprotected oral sex as these can be pathways for infection into your body.

Uncovered oral sex on a penis increases the risk of STI transmission but there are still steps you can take the minimise these risks. Swipe through for some tips and share this post with a sex worker friend. You can find more health information at Red Book Online at redbookonline.org.au

Get the best out of your... bottom How you instruct your client to prep for pegging is up to you. Some workers want their clients to douche. Others may tell clients to just empty their bowels and wash thoroughly before the booking. Ask if they have any favourite anal toys they want to bring. This can be a good warm up. Find out their experience level and temper their expectations. Some newbies might think they can take a 9 inch dildo but their eyes can be bigger than their anus. Make sure they know to communicate any pain or discomfort. If they do, stop and check they want to continue. If so, you can suggest another position, dildo size or add more lube. Positions where you can see the clients face can help, so you can notice any signs of pain or discomfort.

Things to remember: Despite prep, sometimes there is still a little mess. Be prepared! Clients with a penis have a prostate (unless removed) that can be an erogenous zone. Penetration with a dildo can stimulate this, resulting in a highly intense orgasm. It’s a good idea to keep at least one of your hands gloved, in the event you need to reinsert the dildo and need to guide it in. Make sure you wash all toys, harnesses and gear thoroughly after use. Remember to use a new condom for different body parts and partners, even when using them on a toy. If your client is going to douche before pegging, make sure they don’t do it within two hours of the booking. This gives time for excess water to be absorbed and avoids a watery poop mess upon penetration.

redbookonline.org.au The Red Book Online is our comprehensive sexual health resources made by sex workers, for sex workers. Information specific to sex work, such as sex worker skillshare and safer sex strategies. Information on symptoms, transmission, testing, treatment and prevention of STIs. Colour pictures of visible signs to help identify STIs on clients and/or yourself.

Adding strap-on anal to your service can be intimidating if it's something new to you, but with our tips you'll be pegging like a pro in no time. Do you have any tips to share? Let us know in the comments and share this with a sex worker friend. Visit buff.ly/gQs4ezp for more sexual health advice.

MULTILINGUAL SEX WORKERS Is Korean or Vietnamese your first language?

Scarlet Alliance needs peer translators for sex worker resources. We would like to add to our database of sex workers who have Korean and/or Vietnamese as a first language. Peer translators must be proficient in English, as the work may involve translating content from English into another language, or reviewing and checking existing translations for accuracy, clarity, and appropriateness for sex workers. This will also include communicating suggested changes or corrections in English. All peer translation work is paid. Translators will be added to our database and contacted on a per-project basis as work becomes available.

Are you a sex worker who has Korean and Vietnamese as a first language? Here’s how you can be part of our peer-translator database: You must be a current or former sex worker. If you are not a current or former member of Scarlet Alliance, we will need to verify you as a sex worker. We’re currently seeking translators who are fluent in Korean or Vietnamese. We already have a strong Thai and Chinese translation team, but Chinese and Thai peers are still welcome to fill out the application form if interested. We hope to expand our resources to include additional languages in the future. If you’re fluent in another language, you can still fill out the application form to be added to our database. linktr.ee/scarlet_alliance Fill out the form titled ‘Peer Translator Application’ via our Linktree to express your interest in future translation work.

Scarlet Alliance is looking for peer translators for our resources. If Korean or Vietnamese is your first language head to buff.ly/erMyxYi to fill in our Peer Translator Application form and be added to our database.

Sexual activity rules for blood donation to change from April More Australians will soon become eligible to donate blood under new sexual activity rules confirmed by Australian Red Cross Lifeblood today.

Sexual Activity Rule for Blood Donation to Change in April
This follows removal of sexual activity rules for plasma donations in July 2025, which resulted in an extra 6,437 donations and 2,709 new donors.
@icrc.org
@scarletalliance.bsky.social

Safer sex is still sexy Safer sex can still be sexy. The same strategies you use in 1:1 bookings can help keep the mood exciting. You can weave Make sure you feel as clear as possible on the dynamic between the three of you before you all get naked. your boundaries and safer-sex practices into the ‘start of booking’ chat while also asking each person about what they enjoy or their favourite sexual experiences as a couple. Including both people in the conversation and hearing from each of them can be a fun way to make everyone feel involved and included.

redbookonline.org.au The Red Book Online is our comprehensive sexual health resources made by sex workers, for sex workers. Information specific to sex work, such as sex worker skillshare and safer sex strategies. Information on symptoms, transmission, testing, treatment and prevention of STIs. Colour pictures of visible signs to help identify STIs on clients and/or yourself.

Sex Ed Sunday Couples bookings Scarlet Alliance logo in bottom right corner

“What safer sex measures do I need to take with couples?” Also known as a ‘threesome’ or ‘ménage à trois’, a couples booking typically involves two people in a romantic or sexual relationship booking a sex worker to join them in the bedroom. Couples bookings can be a lot of fun, but with more people comes greater safer sex responsibility. Clear communication about safer sex practices is best done before the booking via email or text, and then revisited again at the start of the session.

Set the boundaries early on Think about what you’re comfortable doing and not doing before the booking and communicate this clearly. Here are some quotes from sex workers: “I always explain health checks and condom use before the booking, because some couples haven’t booked a sex worker or had a threesome before.” “Listen to your gut. If one or both of the clients aren’t respecting your boundaries - you can refuse or stop the service.” “I keep hand sanitiser by the bed and build regular hand cleaning into the session.” “I bring up using barrier protection with couples by asking if they use condoms/mix fluids.”

It can be tricky to keep track of whose hands have been on what genitals. Do your best to minimise mixing fluids with methods like barrier protection and hand washing. “I tell couples that their right hand is to touch each other, and their left hand is for touching me!”

Couples bookings! How do you practice safer sex in these bookings? Let us know in the comments, and don't forget to share this post with a sex worker buddy. Find more sexual health information at Red Book buff.ly/gQs4ezp

FAQ Friday How do i perform a health check on a client and what happens if I find something. Scarlet Alliance logo in bottom right corner.

A health check is where you check the client’s body for visible signs of sexually transmissible infections (STI) and blood borne viruses (BBV). Visual health checks are just one of the safer sex tools you can use at work to protect your health along with condoms or other barrier protection methods. Health checks can be performed on all clients, regardless of their gender or body.

Tip: It’s best to do a visual health check before the client showers or uses the toilet in case any discharge washes away!Health checks can be done as a regular practice at the start of the booking or more discreetly. For example, you can get a closer look at a client’s genitals by helping them undress.

So... what exactly do I do? During a health check, you are looking out for any unusual discharge and/or smells, blisters, sores, bumps, rashes or broken skin. You can also check the pubic hair for a rash or pubic lice. Lift the penis and the scrotum/balls and look at the genital area. Pull back the foreskin and look at the tip of the penis. Look at the vulva, including between the vaginal lips. Look over mouth and lips for blisters and sores, especially if you provide kissing. Tip: ‘Milk’ the penis (gently squeeze at the base and pull towards you) and watch the urethra for any fluid - this makes any discharge more visible.

Health checks can sometimes feel awkward, especially if you're new to in-person sex work. We've put together some tips that can help make it a little easier for you. Share this post with a sex worker buddy and find more sexual health information at Red Book redbook.scarletalliance.org.au