Sex Workers' Lifestyle Sex Workers' Lifestyle_Final (1) | Seite 47

Lj: “Well, I wear casual clothes when I go to my 9-to-5 job. But, when I work as a
sex worker, I am more attractive, I show more skin, I wear high heels and make-
up, and all of that. On my regular job, my clothes are much simpler. When I do sex
work, I wear something completely different.” Female sex worker
E: “The sexiest I can possibly look in order to attract my clients.” I: “What does that
entail?”
E; “Sexy underwear, stockings, thongs, that sets them on fire, which is why I dress
that way.” Transgender sex worker
The prices for sex services are set according to the sex workers’ engagement
outside or at the place where they offer sex services, the financial standard in
the country, the season, as well as the prices offered by other competing sex
workers. In general, sex workers have adopted a standardized pricelist, which
is mainly due to their mutual communication and consultations, as well as
the conditions they have to adapt to in order to offer sex services. In certain
situations the prices are adjusted to the current living expenses and needs.
L: “You assess the way all the prices go, you assess the environment, and you
set the price according to that and come up with your own realistic price.”
Transgender sex worker
J: “Depends on what kind of arrangement I have with the client. I give my
standard price, and if they can afford it they accept, and if they can’t afford it, I try
to make a compromise.”
I: “What is your standard price based on?” J: “It’s based on the way all others have
come up with it.” I: “You mean other sex workers?” J: “Yes.” Female sex worker
Lj: “Based on the demand and the service. For me personally, for example, it is
all an agreement, right, there are people who have money, there are gentlemen
who never complain about paying 3000 MKD. It depends on how much they can
afford. It depends on the service and the people. I set the price myself, and I think
it is the right price for that kind of service.” Female sex worker
Some sex workers do believe that there is competition amongst them,
which is predominantly based on the physical appearance, the period of
their involvement in sex work, the hygiene and the quality of services.
However, others believe that there is no competition amongst sex workers
and that everything depends on the services they provide and the clients’
requirements.
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