Kayla Jade, an Australian-based sex worker, has amassed over three million followers across TikTok and Instagram, becoming one of Australia's most recognized sex workers. What started a year ago as an outlet to "vent" about client experiences unexpectedly exploded into a full-blown social media phenomenon. Her content, a mix of candid sex work discussions and typical influencer fare like beauty recommendations, consistently garners millions of views.
Jade's audience is drawn to her openness about her life, including her feelings toward clients, booking experiences, and daily routines. Despite some client loss due to her online fame, a significant divide exists between her social media following and her clientele. "Ninety percent of my following is female... they're not usually my clientele," she explains, noting many male clients discover her through other platforms like OnlyFans, unaware of her TikTok presence.
Jade isn't alone in her social media ascent. Other sex workers, like Seattle's Ari Kytsya with over four million TikTok followers, and the collective Bop House (41 million combined followers), have also found immense online success. These creators navigate TikTok's strict content policies by employing slang and self-censorship.
Jade believes this rise in visibility is destigmatizing sex work and fostering greater acceptance. She's even secured brand deals, a rarity for sex workers. "I'm glad that I'm sort of breaking down those walls," she states, acknowledging the slow but steady progress.
Despite this, sex workers in Australia face widespread stigma and discrimination. A 2022 UNSW survey found 95% of sex workers experienced stigma or discrimination within the past year, impacting their mental health and leading to fears of disclosure. Mish Pony, CEO of Scarlet Alliance, Australia's peak body for sex workers, confirms that stigma can deny workers housing, employment, and healthcare. While acknowledging the destigmatizing power of public profiles, Pony notes that this visibility is often limited to a "privileged few." Social media also provides a vital space for sex workers to build supportive communities.
Jade, however, recognizes the ethical complexities of her platform's accessibility to young audiences. She's stopped posting videos flaunting cash, concerned about misrepresenting the realities of sex work. She emphasizes the dangers of the industry, stating she wouldn't recommend it and actively discusses its downsides to counter any glamorized perceptions. Pony adds that social media often fails to capture the mundane aspects of sex work, as "audiences aren't attracted to mundane content."
The legal landscape for sex workers in Australia remains complex, with sex work not decriminalized across all states and territories. Pony advocates for sex workers' right to choose how and where they work, free from legal restrictions.
Jade herself doesn't foresee a lifelong career in sex work, citing the emotional toll of balancing it with a public persona. She's also faced online cruelty and privacy breaches, including the unauthorized sharing of information about her children. As she expands her social media presence, including launching a podcast, Jade continues to encounter vitriol, hoping to break down preconceived notions about sex workers. "Never judge a book by its cover," she advises.