Male sex workers

Sex work laws differ in each Australian state and territory. In Queensland, sex work has been decriminalised and is no longer a crime. The Queensland Police Service no longer has a role in regulating sex work. 

There are no sex work specific advertising guidelines or fines, although it is no longer prohibited for you to describe your services. 

Sex workers still need to adhere to the same advertising rules as any other industry. The rules or codes indicate that all advertisers must not use sex, sexuality, or nudity in a harmful way. Ads must use these elements with the audience in mind, and avoid the use of overly sexual images in areas that are visible to the general public.

It is important to note that individual platforms have their own rules when it comes to advertising. For example, most dating apps don’t allow soliciting as a sex worker, even though the work is legal. 

Discrimination and vilification

Being treated unfairly because of your sexuality, or because you are a sex worker, is discrimination. Discrimination can occur in a variety of situations, for instance at work, in education, when engaging with goods and services, seeking accommodation, and in the provision of superannuation and insurance. If you have experienced discrimination on the basis of your sexuality or because you are a sex worker, you can make a complaint to the Queensland Human Rights Commission. 

If somebody commits a public act that incites hatred, serious contempt, or severe ridicule towards you because of your sexuality, it is considered to be vilification and you can make a complaint to the Queensland Human Rights Commission. If you have experienced vilification which has also included a threat of physical harm made to yourself or property, that is considered to be ‘serious vilification’ and is a criminal offence.

New consent laws in Queensland

In September 2024, new consent laws commenced in Queensland. These laws follow an affirmative consent model which requires free and voluntary discussion and agreement in order to take part in a sexual activity. If someone agrees to pay for a sexual service and does not provide the payment or reward, it means that there was no consent, and it is considered to be sexual assault or rape. Additionally, if you agree to a sexual activity on the basis that a condom is used and the other person does not use a condom, removes the condom, tampers with the condom, or becomes aware that the condom is no longer effective but continues with the sexual act, that is also considered to be sexual assault or rape. 

If you experience any of these things, or you would like assistance when dealing with the police, Respect Inc can support you. 

Many diverse gender expressions and sexual orientations exist among sex workers. Trans men, intersex people, and non-binary folk in particular make up a significant minority of workers.

We can each choose how we present and what kind of work we do. Some of us might work as ‘women’, especially if we have not medically transitioned or are in the early stages of transitioning. Some of us might openly work as our authentic genders or even advertise as though we are cis men. 

Unfortunately, as in all parts of life, we have to be aware of the risk of transphobia from clients. If you need to talk about any problems, from rudeness to dysphoria, or discrimination, from clients or the broader community, you can contact Respect Inc.

You can choose what work you do, based on your circumstances and preferences, whether it is offering full service or other services like massage, blowjobs, or BDSM. You can also choose how much you want to charge for your services and tailor your prices to reflect each unique situation or client. It can be helpful to use the pricing of other sex workers who are similar or work similarly to you as a guideline if you’re unsure, but you certainly don’t have to hold yourself to these guidelines if they feel limiting. Be aware that the market for trans guys and other gender diverse sex workers is generally smaller than it is for cis women. If sex work is your main form of work, you may need to consider other options to supplement your income. Respect Inc’s Career Development Program can help you develop skills in different areas of sex work or other industries depending on your interests.

If you’re having issues such as working out your gender or coming out, we can help you talk it through and put you in touch with other services that could assist if you wish. All Respect Inc staff are trans friendly and would love to chat with you.

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Sex worker friendly and LGBTIQ friendly clinics

All of these South-East Queensland clinics are sex worker friendly and LGBTIQ friendly. Each of them specialise in sexual health, and some of them also offer GP services. 

We also have a list of regional clinics around the state. If you require a clinic in an area that hasn’t been listed, please contact Respect Inc and we can help you find the best place to go.

Counsellors, accountants, and more

If you would like to speak to a counsellor, accountant, lawyer, or utilise another service, we can help you get in touch with someone who is sex worker friendly. Please contact us for assistance.

Respect Inc provides information and support for male sex workers.

• All the staff at our offices are sex workers, including other guys, who can talk about work with you.
• We have three offices with hangout spaces where you can meet other workers, use our computers and wifi, chat over a coffee, or take time out.
• We sell cheap bulk condom and lube supplies, but we also have freebies if you’re broke or just getting started.
• We can give you information on many topics, from legal support to mental wellbeing. 

We are run by sex workers for sex workers. We are not associated with the government or the police. We will always work with you to protect your information and privacy. 

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Scarlet Men – a historic look at male sex work in Australia 

Laws 

Advertising 

Chemsex 

Sexual health 

Friendly clinics in South-East Queensland 

Regional sexual health clinics 

Respect Inc contact – give us a call or email about anything