READY is an honest portrait of contemporary queer sex work emerging out of my own relationship to it. This series offers a window into our reality – the elation and self-actualization, as well as the struggles and stigma we experience. In a world where sincerity and candor seem elusive, these narratives offer a raw authenticity that seeks to bridge understanding and connection, challenging outdated perceptions and stereotypes.

When I was 18, I first received an offer for ‘taschengeld’ online – ‘pocket money’ for sexual services. Soon after, I moved to Berlin and immersed myself in a new world of dates and clients, many of whom became regulars. Through sex work, I experienced new forms of freedom. I reinvented myself. I let go of preconceived societal notions about how I should live my life. A central aim of this series is to re-frame how we think about sex work, and more importantly the marginalized individuals who chose to do it. Although I recognize my own more privileged entry to the world of sex work, I nonetheless want to challenge the notion that queer and femme sex workers are always forced into their line of work. While this may be true for some, sex work is also an act of empowerment granting people financial autonomy and new experiences. By spotlighting subjects’ individuality and agency, I hope to destigmatize their lived experiences and counteract public discrimination of sex work.

READY is a project based in trust and community-building. I connected with fellow sex workers around the world with the goal of celebrating a diverse group of individuals who, despite radical differences in cultural, economic and legal contexts, share common stories and challenges. With the special help of my dear friends Alice and Nalin, I was given the chance to meet and take portraits of several incredible people in Mexico and Thailand. I photographed 32 people across six countries. I want to thank each and everyone featured for trusting me.

READY does not represent the complete story of queer sex workers, but rather offers glimpses into the contemporary reality of it – an ongoing story about my friends, the many beautiful people who have been introduced to me over the last two years, and ultimately myself.