Howdy y'all. I recently had a friend have a very negative experience with her doctor and I wanted to tell everyone how I deal with hostile medical personnel.

Note: I'm a very assertive person, I know it is difficult to advocate for yourself. I also know that there are people on here who are ashamed of their FSSW, that's ok. You shouldn't have to be ashamed, but if you are, I'm going to give you some tips for crafting convincing lies that will help you get the care a SWer needs without admitting to sex work. (To some providers this may seem obvious, that's ok, I just know I've had questions from friends who are also in FSSW so I wanted to address it here.)

First: I will say that I have had great experiences with women's health clinics like Planned Parenthood. When I told them I needed Truvada for FSSW they asked if I was safe, liked my work (YES she did use the word WORK ❤️) and if I wanted to continue that work or if I'd like some information on organizations that could help me transition out of FSSW. They also always give me as many free female condoms as I want because I am allergic to latex. Southern Nevada Health district in Vegas has also been very kind, though less tactful.

So, how do you get care you need?

Option 1: lie. Don't want to reveal your SW? That's fine, here are some good techniques for crafting helpful lies.

I had knee strain about 2 years ago. My healthcare provider wanted me to stop wearing heels. I told her I couldn't because I was a stripper. She gave me alternate options and my knee strain is gone.

Find a profession or hobby where you are likely to be injured in whatever specific way you are, pole dancing, Aerial silks, and other circus work often have similar foot, hip, back, and knee problems as we do.

Do you want to be prescribed Truvada or some other PrEP or PEP? You can say that you have risky sex (what I did before I was out) and leave it at that, or, you can say you volunteer with HIV patients or IV drug users. Lying about volunteer work may feel skeezy, but you need what you need.

Do you need an STI test? Your partner has been cheating on you. Or, you have an open relationship and agreed to testing every few months for safety.

Keep getting UTIs or Yeast infections? Just legitimately tell them you have NO idea why it's happening. You might find out (like I did) that you're allergic to latex, or that there is some other underlying, work or non-work related cause.

Have you been injured, dru*ed or rped by a client or manager? "It was a blind date" "I don't know what happened" "I do (or do not) want a rpe kit" "I do (or do not) want a drg screen" "I do (or do not) need PrEP" ( Note: if you have a manager or boyfriend or partner or mentor who is hurting you, there are people who will help you if you want it. There is no shame here, only love. Love shouldn't hurt)

Option 2: Don't lie, and be prepared to fight for yourself and your rights, and in the process help other FSSWers.

You have a right to medical care, as much as any non SWer does. I tell doctors about my FSSW now, sometimes it is a fight to get what I need after that, but I'm willing to advocate for myself, and to report doctors who treat me badly. I have had healthcare providers assume I am stupid (so giving me medication that caused brain damage, Topamax, was fine 🙄) I have had ones that assumed I was pimped, or depressed, or suffering from drug addiction.

I'm in a position to be the anti-stereotype for doctors. I'm incredibly well educated, work legally, a bit of a teetotaler, and I am NOT a timid woman. I'm not what they think of when they think of a FSSWer, but I SHOULD BE. If you're like me, if you're able to safely be out and proud to use the talents you have, try to change a healthcare providers mind every time you meet a new one.

*Be willing to threaten healthcare providers I hate to be THAT bitch, but fuck it. I will lean into the "white lady who leaves bad yelp reviews" stereotype if I have to. Find the number for the licensing board for your state, if you have a problem with a healthcare provider, report them. Discrimination against Sex Workers IS sexism, whether reformist feminists want to acknowledge that or not. Nothing may happen, but doctors are informed when complaints are lodged against them, and maybe knowing they're being watched will make them act better. * As a caveat, I have amazing insurance. If you cannot afford to shop around or alienate healthcare providers I suggest you go with option 1 and lie.

A special note on mental health services I have had good luck straight up telling a therapist that; "I am a FSSWer, I do have (my mental issues) but I've always had them and they are not related to my work. My work is not now nor has it ever been my problem"

Happy Hoeing loves.