Posted on by Amanda Brooks

10 signs a very professional hooker is staying at your hotel

#1 She has no life
#2 She never leaves the hotel
#3 Her room is pathologically neat and the bed is always made hotel-style
#4 She drinks gallons of water
#5 She goes through an enormous amount of towels (but they’re all accounted for when she leaves)
#6 She has no personal toiletries out
#7 The “Do Not Disturb” sign is always out
#8 She settles the bill in cash — all large bills or a huge collection of mid-size notes — all in perfect order
#9 She always knows when the Internet goes down
#10 She knows the maids’ schedule and tips them well

Okay, maybe the title should be amended to “10 signs Amanda is staying at your hotel.” Ladies, feel free to add to this list! It’s just a starter list. 🙂

Posted on by Amanda Brooks

the economist debate

I’ve started reading The Economist during my travels. Fairly regularly but not like I’m a subscriber or something. Imagine the rush when I discovered they were holding an open debate on legalizing prostitution!* It has long closed, but the comments are open reading for all. I hope they include this in an upcoming issue.

Gotta say that I’m still grinning over the public trouncing Melissa Farley got. Her moral-panic shit plays fairly well in the US but internationally — does not hold water. Thank you, rational people, for showing up.

Given that this is The Economist, I sort of figured the comments would be good. And I was right. I haven’t read all of them but two from the closing arguments struck my fancy (the first one is flippin’ brilliant).

The oldest profession know to mankind followed by sailors — fisherman (food and souls) and politicians. Of these only politicians should be required to register with law enforcement as to their purpose, integrity and honesty — I already know what a prostitute does.

Why should prostitution be considered “a demeaning activity?” It is only demeaning if you come from a religious perspective or you hold to some romanticized notion of sexuality. It is only demeaning if you care what other prudes think about you. Healthy self-respect comes from within, not from without.

*Those of us who were informed argued for decriminalization instead of legalization. This is simply how The Economist chose to phrase the question, in common vernacular.

Posted on by Amanda Brooks

married clients

Something has slowly dawned on me since I’ve been out of the US. It seems a lot of married clients suffer the delusion that I’ve never encountered a married client before. Let’s get rid of these delusions immediately.

Married clients make up the majority of any sex worker’s business. If it weren’t for marriage, the entire industry would collapse in a week — worldwide. With the exception of small towns full of men and few women, married men make up 90% or more of my clientele. I’m a big, big fan of marriage. I think everyone should do it.

However…

Read more

Posted on by Amanda Brooks

finding perspective

Whenever I’m dealing with the authorities, I try to remember what Hannibal Lecter said to Clarice Starling after she was suspended from the FBI: “I have followed with enthusiasm the course of your disgrace and public shaming. My own never bothered me except for the inconvenience of being incarcerated, but you may lack perspective.”

No, haven’t been arrested or anything, just sharing a musing that has often helped me find perspective in many situations.

Posted on by Amanda Brooks

desiree alliance 2010 — register today!

Today is the last day to register for the Desiree Alliance 2010 conference. If you want to come to and melt with us in Las Vegas for a week you won’t forget — register now!

Sex workers and allies are welcome. If you’re an ally, you will have to give a bit more detailed explanation of your interest. Genuine supporters are very welcome. I know a couple of blog readers have already registered and I can’t wait to meet ya’ll!

Here’s what you’re going to get:
Dr. Joycelyn Elders
Norma Jean Almodovar (personal hero of mine)
Nina Hartley
Dr. Brooke Magnanti (yes, her)
the one and only Robyn Few
Carol Leigh
plenty of other industry luminaries
moi
Vegas Vegas Vegas
the most amazing people you’ll meet having the time of their lives
lots of love, support, acceptance

You’ll leave with:
tears in your eyes
100+ new best friends
a head full of ideas for business and life

More of the details:
Registration Fee = $250
Student Fee = $200 (Must provide proof of enrollment for school (student ID)

Registration fees for the conference include: Attendance at any or all of the workshops, presentations and sessions; name badge and registration packet; Welcome Reception with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres (July 25, 6pm); Continental breakfast (July 26-29); Lunch (July 27 & 29); Farewell Brunch with keynote speaker (July 30); and a significant discount on lodging (please note that this location will not be disclosed until registration is complete). You can make the lodging discount more significant by room-sharing.

Registration fees do NOT include: transportation; lodging; lunch on July 26 and 28, dinner; Fundraiser After Party (you will have the option of purchasing a ticket during registration); dinners, souvenirs, extra-curricular activities or personal expenses.

Please note: If financial trouble is the obstacle that stands in your way of attending this conference, please contact Susan Lopez at Susan@desireealliance.org. Desiree Alliance is more than happy to think “out-of-the-box” in terms of finding ways to help those who would be able to volunteer their time in exchange for partial deductions (i.e. registration fee or a possible room-share arrangement so that the cost would be $12.50 per night plus tax and fees).

Needless to say, if you want to support but don’t want to go (or can’t), then donations are always welcome. Donations will go to helping others get to the conference and paying for the conference facilities.