Former Gold Coast stripper’s view of Queensland government decriminalising sex work

An ex-Gold Coast stripper has shared being “relieved” but “sceptical” at Queensland further decriminalising sex work. Read what she has to say and believes it will mean for the industry

A former Gold Coast stripper says she is “relieved” but “sceptical” about the Queensland proposal to decriminalise sex work, hoping it will create a safer space for workers.

The Queensland Government plans to decriminalise prostitution in the state after a Queensland Law Reform Commission review of decriminilising it made 47 recommendations.

Prior to this only two forms of sex work were legalised in Queensland, including services at a licensed brothel or when a person is working alone from a premise, providing in-house calls, outcall services, or both.

Queensland government to sign off on decriminalising prostitution in the state

Escorting agencies, unlicensed brothels, massage parlours, street workers who publicly solicit and those who work in small groups were all illegal.

A former Glitter Strip dancer who goes by Leah at Night said while she doesn’t have any experience in prostitution, she called it “a step in the right direction”.

“Common sense would suggest there is safety in numbers, safety in legality, safety from blackmail of clients, associates, friends, family and generally speaking when something is legal there is better services for damage incurred while participating,” she said.

“It gives a sex worker more room to create an environment in which they have control of, to create authentic boundaries within the space of the law.”

Queensland government to sign off on decriminalising prostitution in the state

She recalled a time when she was working in a strip club and a male client would bring escorts with him.

“This was usually very fun and we all encouraged each other (strippers and escorts) to make the most of the situation and achieve the highest income every visit,” Leah said.

“After a few visits, I noticed my new friend (one of the escorts) was starting to cower around this man, not asserting herself like she used to and was even hesitant to hustle.

“I pulled her aside to ask if she was okay and she told me he was physically and emotionally abusing her.

“When I asked why she was still offering her services she said because he threatened to report her to the police, immigration and tell her family.”

Leah said she had witnessed many times escorts struggling to safely get out of dangerous situations.

Queensland government to sign off on decriminalising prostitution in the state

“I hope this is a step in a direction that empowers sex workers to create a space for themselves doing what they are comfortable with, what they want to do,” she said.

Leah said people who suggest decriminalising sex work promotes it, “simply show what little grasp they have on reality”.

“This statement both devalues the lives and safety of the consumer and supplier in the sex industry and encourages naivety to the fact that demand outstrips supply, heavily,’ she said.

Leah said she was “relieved” but “sceptical about the announcement.

“I am hopeful but certainly not convinced this is what it made out to be,” she said.

Descriminalisation would bring Queensland in line with NSW, Victoria, the Northern Territory and NZ. Attorney-General Shannon Fentiman has said the industry needs to be regulated.

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Originally published as Former Gold Coast stripper’s view of Queensland government decriminalising sex work