MYTH	Sex Trade Workers sell themselves because they love their work.
FACT	Most Sex Trade Workers do not enjoy sex at work and have a hard time enjoying sex within a relationship as a result of their work.
MYTH	If a person puts themselves out on the street and at risk; they are asking for what they get (i.e. violence, STI's, AIDS).
FACT	Just because a person is selling sex or sexual services does not mean they expect to be treated with anything but the respect they deserve. A Sex Trade Worker is not asking for abuse or sexually transmitted infections.
MYTH	Sex Trade Workers abused at work enjoy it and find it sexually stimulating.
FACT	A Sex Trade Worker who is abused finds it as traumatic and stressful as any other person. Violence, whether it is sexual, verbal or emotional is not acceptable behavior and should not be directed at anyone.
MYTH	If someone really did not want to work in the Sex Trade they would just quit.
FACT	After working as a Sex Trade Worker for a period of time they often feel inadequate or unqualified to work in any other field. They also feel a sense of belonging with their community. Quitting is not an option due to social stigma or economic reasons, being controlled by another person or having substance abuse issues.
MYTH	Most Sex Trade Workers do not have a 'pimp' or a 'man'
FACT	Street territories are marked by which pimp you are with and it can be almost impossible to work without one. There are Sex Trade Workers that do not have a man or a pimp but they are not the norm and may have negative consequences. The terminology of 'pimp' is not gender specific. It could be a wifey, man, boyfriend or a drug dealer.
MYTH	Most Sex Trade Workers have a couple of drinks and/or abuse drugs so that they can relax and enjoy their work.
FACT	Some Sex Trade Workers use substances because they cannot work without a drink, snort or toke first. Alcohol and drugs has a numbing effect and helps to desensitize the emotional trauma, low self-esteem, and social stigma associated with working in the Sex Trade.
MYTH	Educated middle class people do not become Sex Trade Workers.
FACT	Anyone can become a Sex Trade Worker. The industry does not discriminate against size, gender, race, sexual identity, age, or religion.
MYTH	Most Sex Trade Workers practice safe sex.
FACT	Not all Sex Trade Workers practice safe sex. Some johns prefer sex without a condom and have been known to offer extra money for this service. If it means turning a trick or not some Sex Trade Workers will engage in unprotected sex.
MYTH	Most Sex Trade Workers practice safe sex.
FACT	Not all Sex Trade Workers practice safe sex. Some johns prefer sex without a condom and have been known to offer extra money for this service. If it means turning a trick or not some Sex Trade Workers will engage in unprotected sex.
MYTH	All male Sex Trade Workers on the street are gay.
FACT	Although male Sex Trade Workers usually turn tricks with other males they are not necessarily gay. It is a matter of servicing the customer.
MYTH	Sex Trade Workers make lots of money, can buy anything they want and live a glamorous life.
FACT	The nature of the Sex Trade creates an illusion for many Sex Trade Workers that financial resources are unlimited. However, due to the lifestyle the industry creates, many people have difficulty spending their money in a way that will ensure financial stability.
MYTH	All Sex Trade Workers are open about their lifestyle and are proud of it.
FACT	Some spend much of their time hiding because of the social stigma attached to their work. They often disassociate from family and friends in attempting to conceal the shame they feel.
MYTH	Many Sex Trade Workers find a permanent relationship while on the job.
FACT	The relationship they enter is based on fantasy and power and control. This does not enable a healthy relationship and most are not successful.