The lives of 19th century women are known to us today mainly through their letters and writing, but also through the then new (black-and-white) portrait photography, and the vivid paintings, pastels and watercolours of impressionist artists.
Whenever my job is mentioned in newspapers, blogs, or magazines, the same tropes tend to pop up: moral panic, drug abuse, violence. Journalists quote us selectively, so that it sounds as if we’re living out the sex-negative, whorephobic stereotypes the public are used to consuming.
Whether you’re a sex worker who’d love to specialise in BDSM or an enthusiast hoping to monetise your skills, there’s a steep learning curve when it comes to mastering the breadth of knowledge required for a career in professional BDSM.