The truth of the matter is that the nature of prostitution flavours the sexual act as far too distasteful and too sleazy and too bound up with degradation to allow any kind of wholesale enjoyment. The humor-for those it is lost on-was in the absurdity. 'Ah sure,' said the older woman, 'you probably enjoyed it!' The entire company, myself included, burst out laughing. They were discussing an unexpected surge in trade the previous night and the younger woman mentioned how she'd gone home exhausted after it. I remember one evening, in the clinic where I used to drink coffee and collect condoms, a particular humorous remark made to a young prostitute by one of the older women. Testimony of an erotic dancer: 'Nobody-not myself, not the other women-enjoys being pawed, poked, prodded and fucked by men we wouldn't give the time of day if we met them elsewhere.' Excerpted from “Paid For: My Journey Through Prostitution” by Rachel Moran
