Glossary

A political model that advocates the elimination of sex work as a social phenomenon, viewing it as incompatible with gender equality. It promotes the criminalisation of clients and third parties.

This refers to any action, behaviour or practice that causes physical, psychological, emotional, economic or social harm to a person, violating their dignity, autonomy or safety.

In sex work, abuse generally occurs when someone exercises power in an unfair, coercive or violent manner over a person working in the sector, regardless of whether or not there is physical contact.

Abuse can be committed by individuals, groups, institutions or by the state itself.

A range of actions, campaigns and initiatives, whether individual or collective, which seek to bring about social change, combat injustice and defend the rights of sex workers.

Activism can take many different forms, ranging from public campaigns to low-key community work.

This refers to any type of material – visual, textual, audio or audiovisual – intended exclusively for adults, as it includes themes relating to sexuality, nudity, eroticism or sexual fantasies.

In the sex work industry, the term is used to describe content produced by professionals working online, such as camgirls, camboys, OnlyFans models, digital content creators and performers.

A set of strategic actions used to defend rights, influence public policy, promote social change and raise awareness of the needs and voices of people engaged in sex work.

It is a practice that combines mobilisation, communication, political participation and community work, always with the aim of transforming unjust structures and reducing inequalities.

This is a gender identity in which a person does not identify with any gender.

Rather than seeing themselves as a man, a woman or any other gender category, an agender person feels genderless, neutral or outside the gender system.

It is a valid identity within the non-binary spectrum.

This refers to states of intense worry, tension, anticipatory fear or emotional distress arising from the social, economic, legal and relational conditions that shape sex work.

It is not merely an individual reaction – it is often a response to stigma, insecurity, violence, uncertainty and discrimination.

It is a sexual orientation characterised by feeling little or no sexual attraction to other people.

This does not mean a lack of affection, a lack of emotional desire or an inability to have relationships; it simply means that sexual attraction is not a central part of that person’s experience.

Asexuality exists on a spectrum, with different ways of experiencing it.

It is a person’s ability to make free, informed and voluntary decisions about their work, their body and their living conditions – autonomy only exists when there is genuine freedom of choice.

In sex work, it refers to the degree of control a person has over whether or not they want to work, how they want to work, with whom they want to work, under what conditions they want to work, when and where they want to work, what boundaries they set, and how they manage their income and safety.

This is the acronym for Bondage (restraint), Discipline, Domination / Submission and Sadism / Masochism, and encompasses a range of consensual practices involving power dynamics, control, boundaries and role-play.

In sex work, these practices are carried out in a professional manner and are negotiated; they are understood as specialised services, based on clear communication, informed consent and rigorous safety management.

A set of recommended actions and procedures, based on evidence, experience and ethical principles, which promote safety, quality and respect in the performance of an activity.

A sexual orientation characterised by emotional and/or sexual attraction to more than one gender.

This includes attraction to people of the same gender and of different genders, but does not imply that the attraction is equal, constant or symmetrical.

Bisexuality is a broad, diverse and valid identity, found in all cultures and contexts.

This is a term used to describe practices involving faeces, which must always be carried out consensually, by mutual agreement, and in accordance with very strict safety and hygiene protocols.

In sex work, as with other niche practices, it is treated as a highly specialised category, never as something improvised or compulsory

It is a practice involving consensual physical restraint, usually using items such as ropes, straps, handcuffs or other safe devices.

The focus is not on the restraint itself, but on the dynamics of trust, control, surrender and role-play between the people involved.

It is one of the components of the acronym BDSM and, within sex work, is understood as a specialised service, conducted professionally and with very clear rules regarding safety and consent.

It does not necessarily involve sexual contact – many forms of bondage are purely aesthetic, performative or sensory.

These are the personal, physical, emotional and professional rules that each person sets to protect their autonomy, safety and wellbeing whilst engaging in sex work.

They stem from individual decisions about what one will and will not accept, and under what conditions one is willing to work. They are therefore a direct expression of autonomy and consent.

A historical term used to refer to establishments where sex work takes place. In Portugal, there are no specific regulations governing this type of venue.

Physical and emotional exhaustion associated with work, including sex work, particularly in contexts of precariousness or stigma.

A sex worker who provides paid services via webcam or online streaming platforms. The work involves creating live content or interacting with users in digital environments, always on the basis of consent, autonomy and prior negotiation.

The term ‘camgirl’, generally used for women, is more common, but there are also ‘camboys’, ‘campeople’ and other gender identities working in the same format.

The use of psychoactive substances to prolong, intensify or facilitate sexual interactions, usually in group settings or during extended encounters.

The term describes a set of practices, not an identity, and involves both social and health dimensions.

Use within the context of sex work increases physical and emotional vulnerability, the risk of violence or of boundaries being crossed, and exacerbates the difficulty in maintaining control over one’s environment. Consequently, the individual becomes more exposed to unsafe practices.

A person whose gender identity matches the gender assigned to them at birth – someone who was registered as a ‘girl’ or ‘boy’ at birth and who, throughout their life, identifies with that same category.

Being cisgender is not a ‘neutral’ or ‘standard’ identity; it is simply one of many legitimate ways of experiencing gender.

A person who purchases sexual services.

A set of social, cultural, political and institutional norms that assume that all people are, or should be, cisgender.

It is the idea that being cis is ‘normal’, ‘natural’ or ‘expected’, whilst other gender identities are seen as exceptions, deviations or problems.

It shapes behaviours, laws, services and relationships, often in ways that are not immediately apparent.

Pressure, threats or manipulation that leads someone to carry out activities against their will. It helps to distinguish between voluntary sex work and exploitation.

It is a barrier method used during sexual intercourse to reduce the risk of STIs and prevent pregnancy.

In sex work, it is an essential item of personal protective equipment for enhancing the safety and autonomy of the person providing the service. It is a tool for public health, prevention and professional risk management.

A principle ensuring that information shared in a professional or work-related context is not disclosed to third parties without the individual’s consent, except when required by law.

A free, informed and revocable agreement between adults to take part in any activity or act.

A range of methods, practices and technologies that provide safe, informed and voluntary protection against pregnancy. It must be accessible, free from coercion and accompanied by clear information.

Contraception is closely linked to the autonomy of sex workers, access to healthcare without discrimination, and the ability to make free reproductive choices.

A legal framework that criminalises sex work in either full or partial terms. It may, for example, punish those who sell sexual services, those who buy them, those who act as intermediaries (such as agencies, drivers and receptionists), those who work in collaboration with others, and those who rent premises to sex workers.

A person who wears clothing and accessories traditionally associated with another gender. In the context of sex work, this may refer to sex workers who present themselves in this way as part of the service.

It refers to any form of harassment, intimidation, persecution, humiliation or psychological abuse carried out via digital channels, such as social media, content platforms, messaging services, email or online forums.

It is a form of digital violence that can have a direct impact on a person’s physical, emotional and financial well-being.

A set of policies, practices and rules that ensure a person’s personal information – such as their identity, contact details, location, images, financial data or content they have produced – is collected, stored, used and shared in a secure, restricted and consent-based manner.

In sex work, data protection is an essential tool for safety, privacy and autonomy, particularly in digital environments.

An approach that removes legal penalties associated with sex work, focusing instead on social protection and human rights.

This does not mean there are no rules; it means that sex work is no longer treated as a crime and is instead recognised as work, with rights and protections equivalent to those of other occupations.

A thin sheet or latex condom, or other flexible material, used as a barrier during oral sex (particularly during oral-vulvar or oral-anal contact), to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

A persistent state of sadness, emotional exhaustion, loss of motivation or a feeling of emptiness that may arise due to the social, economic, legal and relational conditions associated with sex work.

It may arise in response to stigma, violence, precariousness, discrimination and isolation.

Depression may not be caused by sex work itself, but by the structures that make this work more precarious and more stigmatised.

Online services – websites, apps or subscription-based systems – that enable the creation, dissemination, sale or transmission of content, as well as communication between sex workers and their audience.

They act as technological intermediaries that organise, distribute and monetise content or interactions.

An object used for sexual stimulation, usually phallic in shape, which can be used alone or with a partner.

A set of consensual rules, structures and dynamics that organise the interaction between people involved in BDSM practices.

It is a practice that involves structure, symbolic control, rituals and agreed behaviours, rather than actual punishment or violence. Discipline is always negotiated, limited and consensual.

In sex work, it is a specialised service within professional BDSM, always governed by clear communication and safety protocols.

It is the unequal, unfair or harmful treatment directed at a person or group on the basis of real or perceived characteristics.

In the context of sex work, it refers to the attitudes, practices and policies that marginalise, exclude or harm people engaged in this activity, regardless of whether they do so voluntarily, independently or out of economic necessity.

Discrimination can occur at multiple levels – social, institutional, legal and economic – and is fuelled by stigma, prejudice and misinformation.

It is a consensual practice in which one person assumes a role of leadership, authority or symbolic control within a previously negotiated dynamic.

It is one of the components of the BDSM world, but can exist independently, as a style of interaction, performance or roleplay.

In sex work, it is a specialised service that requires professionalism, communication and technical knowledge.

Someone who, within a consensual dynamic, assumes the role of leadership, authority or symbolic control within a BDSM interaction.

This role is role-played, negotiated and bounded by clear rules; it is not an expression of real power over the other person. The dominator exists only where there is informed and ongoing consent.

In sex work, a professional dominator (or dom) or dominatrix is someone who provides specialised BDSM services, with training, technical expertise and safety protocols.

The public, non-consensual and often malicious disclosure of a person’s personal or identifiable information, such as their real name, address, contact details, place of work, family or financial details, with the aim of intimidating, harming, embarrassing or putting the person at risk.

It is a form of digital violence and a direct threat to the physical, emotional and financial safety of the person targeted.

.

A process of individual and collective strengthening that increases the autonomy and decision-making capacity of each sex worker with regard to their life and work.

A telephone or digital communication service offering erotic content, provided for a fee by sex workers.

Sex workers who offer massages of a sensual or erotic nature, carried out consensually between adults in exchange for payment. These may involve sensual, tantric or skin-to-skin massages, incorporating performative elements (light, fabrics, rhythms).

The focus is on sensory stimulation, mindful touch and creating an atmosphere of relaxation and intimacy, without this necessarily implying explicit sexual contact.

It is a form of sex work that combines massage techniques, physical presence, emotional management and clearly defined boundaries.

A person who provides paid companionship services to adults. These services may include socialising, conversation, accompanying clients to events, dinners, trips or other interactions agreed upon on the basis of consent, autonomy and prior negotiation.

An organisation — whether formal or informal — that acts as an intermediary between people who provide companionship services and potential clients.

Its role may include publicising profiles, managing contacts, arranging meetings, providing logistical support or organising travel.

A transition process in which people leave sex work to take up other forms of work or professional activities.

The term is used by some sex workers to describe this change of path, but it may also be appropriated by those who advocate for the prohibition of sex work, reinforcing the idea that this activity is inherently unsafe or illegitimate.

It is a specific form of sexual interest in which arousal is consistently and significantly associated with an object, body part, material, situation or characteristic which, in itself, is not typically considered sexual.

It does not necessarily imply sexual behaviour; it is, above all, a focus of interest or stimulus that triggers arousal.

In sex work, ‘fetish’ is a category of work that helps to structure negotiations, protect boundaries and ensure that the activity takes place within consensual, professional and safe parameters.

Some sex workers develop specific niches, and the term ‘fetish’ helps to communicate specialised skills and services, attract a distinct target audience and create an environment of safety and trust for clients with less common interests.

Any deceptive, intentional and non-consensual act carried out with the aim of obtaining an advantage, usually financial, at another person’s expense.

It involves manipulation, lying, withholding information or creating false situations to harm someone or gain an undue advantage.

In sex work, fraud can occur both in face-to-face encounters and via digital platforms, and is a form of economic violence.

A term used to describe men (cis or trans) who feel emotional and/or sexual attraction to other men.

The term can also be used as an ‘umbrella’ term for homosexual people in general, but in its most specific sense it refers to men.

A person who challenges gender norms by combining, or subverting, characteristics traditionally associated with different genders, without necessarily changing the way they are perceived by society.

This is primarily about expression, aesthetics and performativity, and does not necessarily involve trans identity or sexual orientation.

It is the way in which each person presents their gender to the world through behaviour, appearance, language, gestures, clothing, voice and other personal choices.

It refers to the visible aspect of gender – what others can observe – and not necessarily what a person is on the inside (gender identity).

Gender expression is diverse, culturally influenced and does not have to correspond to the social expectations associated with the gender assigned at birth.

It is the way in which each person identifies in terms of gender – as a woman, a man, both, neither, or with another identity outside the traditional categories.

It is an internal, personal and legitimate experience that does not depend on a person’s body, appearance, sexual orientation or occupation.

This is a term used to describe practices involving urine, which must always be carried out consensually, by mutual agreement, and in accordance with strict safety protocols.

In sex work, this term is treated as a highly specialised category of service, which requires specific hygiene measures, very clear boundaries and explicit consent.

Also known as anilingus or cunnilingus, this refers to an intimate practice involving kissing or stimulating the anal region with the mouth, tongue or lips.

It can be a form of foreplay aimed at mutual pleasure, but it requires proper hygiene to prevent infections, and the use of protective barriers is recommended.

In the context of sex work, it is a specialised service category and should never be treated as an impromptu or compulsory act – it must be consensual, negotiated and carried out under hygienic conditions.

A set of strategies, practices and principles aimed at minimising harm, increasing safety and promoting well-being, without requiring individuals to stop engaging in sex work or to change their circumstances against their will.

It is a pragmatic, human rights-based approach which recognises that people know their own needs best and that the priority is to ensure safety, health and autonomy.

Any form of public communication (written, oral, audiovisual, amongst others) that promotes, incites or legitimises prejudice, discrimination or violence against a person or group on the basis of, amongst other factors, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, sexual characteristics, racial or ethnic origin, nationality, age, disability and/or religion.

A set of social, cultural and institutional norms that treat heterosexuality as the standard, natural, superior or obligatory, and which treat all other sexual orientations and gender identities as deviant, invisible or less legitimate.

It is a power structure that defines what is considered ‘normal’ in terms of sexuality, gender, relationships and family, and which pressures everyone to conform to these norms.

A sexual orientation characterised by emotional and/or sexual attraction between people of different genders.

Traditionally, this refers to attraction between men and women, but it is important to remember that this definition also applies to trans and non-binary people within their own gender identities.

Discrimination, prejudice, rejection or aversion directed at gay, lesbian or bisexual people, manifested in attitudes, behaviour or social practices.

A sexual orientation characterised by emotional and/or sexual attraction between people of the same gender.

This includes men who are attracted to men, women who are attracted to women, and non-binary people who are attracted to people of the same gender within their own identities.

An establishment where people socialise with customers, usually through conversation, companionship, drinking or simply being present in the venue. Sex work may or may not be involved.

Human Rights
These are universal rights inherent to all people, regardless of their nationality, gender, origin, religion or any other status, which guarantee the dignity, freedom and equality of all human beings.

A crime involving the recruitment, transportation, harbouring or receipt of persons through coercive means, such as violence, threats, deception, abuse of vulnerability or control, with the aim of exploiting those persons.

Exploitation can take various forms, including labour exploitation, sexual exploitation, servitude, forced begging, forced marriage or the removal of organs.

The central element of trafficking is the absence of genuine consent, due to coercion, abuse or manipulation.

The act of someone creating or using a false identity, often by copying another person’s photographs, name, content or personal data, in order to impersonate them without their consent.

It is a form of digital violence that can affect the reputation, security, privacy and income of the person whose identity is ‘stolen’.

This is the period of time between exposure to a virus (such as HIV) and the point at which tests can detect that infection in the body.

During this period, a person may be infected and test negative, but may still transmit the virus. The level of antibodies gradually increases until it reaches detectable levels.

It is therefore an essential concept for correctly interpreting tests for HIV and other infections.

A term used to describe a sex work service provided in the space where the sex worker receives clients, such as a house, flat or other private premises designated for that purpose

A term used to refer to sex work carried out in enclosed spaces, such as houses, flats and clubs, where there is generally greater control over the environment.

Refers to any form of support, facilitation, organisation or provision of services that helps a person engaged in sex work to carry out their activity. This may include logistical and administrative tasks, security services, venue management or digital support, amongst others.

This refers to people who are born with sexual characteristics – genitals, gonads, chromosomes or hormone levels – that do not fit the traditional medical definitions of ‘male’ or ‘female’.

It is a natural variation of the human body; it is not a disease, not a defect, and not something that needs ‘correcting’. Intersex people exist in all cultures, eras and societies.

The recognition that different forms of discrimination (gender, race, class, migration, etc.) intersect and affect sex workers in different ways.

In the context of sex work, labour rights refer to the set of protections, guarantees and conditions that should be ensured for anyone in employment – including sex workers – but which are often not recognised due to criminalisation, stigma or the lack of an adequate legal framework.

A set of laws, rules and regulations that define, organise and regulate social practices, establishing rights, duties and limits.

A model that regulates sex work, provided that strict rules imposed by the state are complied with – for example, licences, designated areas and compulsory registration.

Sex work is heavily regulated by bureaucratic rules that define who can work, where they can work, how they must work, and which registrations, licences or inspections are compulsory.

A woman (cis or trans) who feels emotional and/or sexual attraction to other women.

It is an identity within the spectrum of sexual orientations and forms part of human diversity. The word ‘lesbian’ describes not only an orientation but also a community, a culture and a history of resistance.

An acronym that comprehensively represents the diversity of sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions that exist.

Each letter stands for a historically marginalised group:

• L – Lesbians
• G – Gays
• B – Bisexuals
• T – Transgender
• Q – Queer
• I – Intersex
• A – Asexual / Agender
• P – Pansexual
• N – Non-binary
• + – reminds us that diversity is greater than any acronym can encompass.

A process through which individuals or groups are pushed to the ‘margins’ of society, being denied full access to rights, resources, opportunities, protection and social participation.

In the context of sex work, it refers specifically to the ways in which policies, institutional practices, stigma and structural inequalities place sex workers in a position of vulnerability and exclusion.

Marginalisation is not an individual choice; it is the result of social and legal structures that create persistent barriers.

It is a BDSM practice that involves deriving emotional, psychological or sensory satisfaction from receiving intense stimulation, always in a consensual, negotiated and safe manner.

It has no connection with real violence – it is a staged, controlled experience based on trust. The central element is emotional intensity, not suffering.

In sex work, it is a professional specialisation within BDSM, always governed by ethics, technique and safety protocols.

People, groups or organisations that act as a bridge between sex workers and other elements necessary for their work, such as clients, venues, platforms, services or resources.

Mediation can be legitimate and consensual, when it respects the individual’s autonomy, or abusive, when it involves exploitation, coercion or control.

This refers to a person’s emotional, psychological and social well-being – their ability to cope with stress, make decisions, maintain relationships, feel safe and exercise autonomy.

In sex work, mental health is profoundly influenced by stigma, criminalisation, violence, economic insecurity, discrimination and structural inequalities.

In other words: mental health does not depend solely on the individual, but on the conditions in which they live and work.

People who move from their country of origin to another country, or within the same country, in search of better living conditions for economic, social, family, political or security reasons.

Being a migrant does not define sex work, but it profoundly influences the conditions under which it is carried out. Migrants face increased risks due to immigration laws and policing.

Mobility  or touring is quite common in sex work and involves sex workers travelling between cities or countries to carry out their work.

It can occur on a regular or ad hoc basis and is influenced by social, economic and legal factors.

The process through which a sex worker defines, communicates and agrees with another party – usually a client, but also platforms, colleagues or intermediaries – the terms of their work.

This includes boundaries, rates, working hours, services, safety rules and expectations, based on autonomy, consent and clear communication. It is essential for ensuring safe and respectful working relationships.

A person whose gender identity does not fit exclusively into the traditional categories of ‘man’ or ‘woman’.

Non-binary people may identify with a gender that lies between, beyond or outside these categories, or that combines elements of both male and female – or they may not identify with any gender at all.

It is a legitimate, internationally recognised identity and forms part of human diversity.

Also known as the ‘Swedish Model’, this is a legal framework that criminalises those who purchase sexual services, but does not criminalise those who sell them. It was introduced in Sweden in 1999 and has been adopted by other northern European countries, such as Norway, which explains its name. It is based on the principle that sex work is always a form of violence or inequality.

Health and safety practices in sex work, including the prevention of sexually transmitted infections, the reduction of risks to physical and emotional health, personal care and the organisation of the workspace.

Occupational hygiene encompasses physical, digital and emotional aspects, as in sex work the environment can be face-to-face, online or a combination of both.

A set of conditions, practices and rights that enable a person to carry out their professional activities whilst enjoying physical, emotional, digital and social protection. It involves preventing risks, reducing harm, ensuring dignity and creating working environments that respect autonomy and well-being.

In sex work, occupational safety depends as much on individual and community practices as it does on public policies that do not increase risks.

A form of service provision in which a sex worker travels to a location chosen by the client (for example, a hotel, a private residence or another previously agreed location).

A term used to refer to sex work carried out on public roads or in outdoor spaces, often involving greater exposure to risks.

This refers to the disclosure, without consent, of a person’s sexual orientation, gender identity or sexual characteristics, including, in the context of sex work, the disclosure of their work as a sex worker. Such disclosure may occur in personal, professional or public contexts and can have serious consequences, such as stigmatisation, discrimination, loss of privacy, safety risks, and repercussions for family and work life.

Activities involving direct contact with sex workers, carried out by organisations or support teams in the places where these people live, work or spend time, with the aim of providing information, prevention materials and access to services.

A sexual orientation characterised by emotional and/or sexual attraction to people regardless of their gender.

This means that gender is not a determining factor in attraction – a person may be attracted to men, women, non-binary people, trans people, agender people, amongst other identities.

Pansexuality recognises gender diversity and is not limited to the male/female binary.

People who share the same experience, identity, social reality or type of work.

In the context of sex work, this refers to people who are currently engaged in or have previously been engaged in sex work, and who support others in the sector through solidarity, knowledge-sharing, advocacy or community work.

It is an emergency treatment used to reduce the risk of HIV infection following potential exposure to the virus.

It consists of a combination of antiretroviral medicines taken for 28 days, which should be started as soon as possible, ideally within the first 2 hours and no later than 72 hours after exposure.

In the context of sex work, PEP is a public health and occupational safety measure, and not a substitute for safe practices.

It is used when an unexpected or unplanned situation occurs that may have increased the risk of exposure to HIV, such as a failure of protective barriers, contact with potentially infectious fluids, violence or non-consensual situations.

A person who exploits, controls or derives undue profit from another person’s sex work through coercion, manipulation, abuse of power, violence, threats or by taking advantage of vulnerabilities.

This role is associated with exploitation and violence, not with consensual sex work. In many countries, pimping is a criminal offence, regardless of whether the person being exploited consents or not.

This is the offence of taking advantage of, exploiting, facilitating or promoting another person’s sex work in an abusive manner, with the intention of obtaining financial gain or some other form of benefit.

Under Portuguese law, pimping is associated with situations involving exploitation, coercion, abuse of power or taking advantage of the vulnerability of someone engaged in sex work.

The focus of the offence is not sex work itself, but rather exploitation by third parties.

These are the physical, emotional, psychological, professional and digital limits set by a sex worker regarding what they will and will not do, in order to protect their wellbeing, autonomy and safety.

Personal boundaries are a fundamental tool for self-protection, consent and professional autonomy for sex workers regarding what is acceptable and what is not, both in their interactions with others and in their working conditions.

An increase in policing in urban areas that disproportionately affects sex workers, forcing them into more dangerous areas.

Policing measures aimed at controlling or punishing sex work, which may increase risks for those involved.

This manifests itself through practices that reinforce stigma, increase risks and restrict rights, even when the activity is not directly criminalised.

It is a specific type of adult content that explicitly depicts sexual activities, created with the intention of arousing sexual excitement in the audience.

It is produced, distributed and consumed within a legal framework that varies from country to country, but which is always based on the requirements of consent, legal age and voluntary participation.

A state of economic and employment instability that affects many people in sex work due to a lack of rights and legal protection. It prevents a person from enjoying security, predictability and basic rights in their work and in their life.

Precarity in sex work stems from structural factors such as stigma, criminalisation, discrimination, a lack of economic alternatives and the absence of employment protection.

A negative attitude, judgement or unfavourable opinion formed before getting to know a person, group or situation, based on stereotypes, misinformation, moralising or preconceived ideas.

In sex work, prejudice manifests itself through moral judgements and assumptions about character, ability, worth or ‘dignity’, and fuels stigma and discrimination.

It is an HIV prevention strategy that involves the regular taking of antiretroviral medicines by people who do not have HIV, with the aim of reducing the risk of infection should they be exposed to the virus.

It is a preventative measure, not an emergency one. PrEP works by creating a pharmacological barrier in the body, which prevents HIV from establishing an infection should there be contact with the virus.

In sex work, it is a tool for protection, autonomy and harm reduction, which should be integrated into a broader framework of healthcare and safe practices.

It is every person’s right and ability to control what personal information they share, with whom, in what context and for what purpose.

In sex work, privacy includes the protection of one’s identity, personal data, location, content produced and professional interactions.

Privacy is not merely a desire; it is a necessity for safety.

These are venues suitable for the provision of sexual services, including flats, homes, studio flats or other premises, in a private and non-commercial context.

A term used in Brazil and Portugal to refer to a paid sexual encounter between a sex worker and a client.

A term traditionally used to describe the consensual exchange of sexual services for money, goods or other forms of compensation.

It is a word historically associated with stigma, moralising and criminalisation; for this reason, the term ‘sex work’ is now used to refer to the activity when it is carried out voluntarily and in an informed manner.

A term used to describe identities, orientations and expressions of gender and sexuality that fall outside heterosexual and cisgender norms.

It is a word that rejects rigid categories and celebrates diversity, fluidity and the freedom to exist outside imposed norms.

But, as well as being an identity, it is also a political stance and a way of challenging power structures such as heteronormativity and cisnormativity.

Diagnostic tests that enable the rapid detection of STIs, such as HIV, usually using a small sample of blood, saliva or oral fluid, with results available within a few minutes.

A state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being relating to the reproductive system and the ability to make free decisions regarding reproduction.

It includes the right to have children, not to have children, and to decide when and how to have them, with access to information, health services and social conditions that enable safe and informed choices.

In sex work, reproductive health is deeply linked to non-discriminatory access to care, bodily autonomy and protection against institutional violence.

A legal framework in which the State establishes specific rules to control, organise and restrict the practice of sex work.

Rather than criminalising it entirely or decriminalising it, regularisation sets out mandatory conditions, licences, designated areas, registration requirements, medical examinations or administrative rules that people must comply with in order to work legally.

The dissemination, sharing or threat to share intimate images or videos of a person without their consent, usually with the intention of humiliating, controlling, blackmailing or punishing them.

Despite its name, it is not necessarily an act of ‘revenge’, nor is it limited to romantic relationships – it is a form of digital violence, a violation of privacy and an abuse of power.

People engaged in sex work face specific risks due to clients recording them without authorisation, the dissemination of paid-for content without consent, blackmail using images to obtain free services, and morally judgemental attacks that use images to stigmatise, amongst others.

Strategies used by sex workers to minimise physical, legal or social risks whilst engaging in sex work.

It is the process of carrying out routine tests to identify possible infections, health conditions or changes before symptoms appear.

The aim of screening is to detect conditions at an early stage, prevent complications and promote wellbeing; it is not intended to punish, moralise or stigmatise.

In the context of sex work, screening is an essential tool for self-care, autonomy and safety.

A BDSM practice that involves obtaining emotional, psychological or aesthetic satisfaction by inflicting intense stimuli on another person – always in a consensual, negotiated and safe manner.

It only exists when all parties agree to the dynamic, limits are set in advance, there is ongoing communication and safety signals are in place.

Without consent, it is not sadism — it is violence, and that is not part of BDSM or professional practices.

In sex work, it is a professional specialisation within BDSM, always governed by ethics, technique and safety protocols.

Practices and strategies that reduce the physical, emotional and social risks associated with sexual activity.

In sex work, safe sex is essential, not just for health reasons – it is also a matter of rights, autonomy, working conditions and safety.

A set of practices, choices and strategies that a person uses to protect their physical, emotional, mental, social and digital health.

It is a way for sex workers to maintain their wellbeing, strengthen their autonomy and reduce risks in a context where external demands and pressures can be intense.

An environment where people can work or meet with a reduced risk of violence, discrimination or police intervention.

A range of activities involving the provision of sexual or erotic services, including pornography, webcam modelling, striptease and phone sex, amongst others.

It is the consensual provision of services of a sexual nature, both in person and online, carried out by adults in exchange for payment.

This type of work involves emotional, communicative, performative and, often, technical skills. The central elements are consent, autonomy and economic exchange.

It is important to emphasise that this is work and a free choice, not a matter of morality, violence or exploitation.

An adult who provides sexual services voluntarily and by mutual consent, in exchange for payment. They may work in person, online, through performance or emotionally, defining what they do, how they do it and under what conditions.

The term refers to escorts, creators of adult digital content, striptease performers, camgirls and camboys, phone sex operators, street or indoor sex workers, and erotic masseurs, amongst others. Each type of work has its own dynamics and risks.

A form of sex work conducted over the telephone, in which sexual interaction takes place exclusively through the voice.

It involves consensual erotic conversations between adults, conducted via telephone calls, without physical contact or the exchange of images.

It is a form of remote, performative sex work based on verbal communication, which requires emotional and creative skills, as well as the ability to manage boundaries.

Sexual activity that is consensual and freely agreed upon by all parties. Any practice or interaction of a sexual nature between two or more people, with or without physical contact, which may include different forms of stimulation and expression of sexuality.

A situation in which a person is forced, coerced, manipulated or controlled into providing sexual services for the benefit of another person or entity. It always involves an abuse of power, a lack of genuine consent and a violation of human rights.

Sexual exploitation is a crime and should not be confused with sex work, which involves autonomy, consent and negotiation between adults.

A state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality. It is not limited to the absence of infections or diseases. It involves autonomy, consent, safety, pleasure, and access to information and health services without discrimination.

In sex work, sexual health includes not only clinical care, but also the social and legal conditions that enable the work to be carried out with dignity and safety.

A set of human rights that guarantee all people the freedom to make informed and autonomous decisions about their bodies, their sexuality and their reproductive lives, free from discrimination, coercion or violence.

These include access to information and education, to high-quality healthcare services, and the right to choose whether, when and under what circumstances to have children, as well as how they wish to express their sexuality in a safe and consensual manner.

This is the principle according to which every person has the right to make free, conscious and informed decisions about their sex life, including whether, how, with whom and under what conditions they engage in sexual practices.

In the context of sex work, this concept takes on a specific and particularly important dimension, involving the capacity and right of an adult to voluntarily choose to provide sexual services as a form of work, defining the limits, conditions, forms and terms of their activity, free from coercion, violence, exploitation or undue interference by third parties.

This refers to the psychological, emotional and physical impact caused by non-consensual, coercive or violent sexual experiences, or by situations in which the person did not have the genuine capacity to give consent.

It is not the act itself that defines the trauma, but the violation of consent, autonomy and safety, and the effects this has on the body and mind.

Sexual trauma can result from a single incident or from repeated experiences, and manifests itself in various ways, depending on the individual and the context.

It is the way in which each person feels sexually attracted to others, but it also involves emotions and affection. It refers to a pattern of attraction, not to behaviour, not to gender identity and not to a person’s occupation.

It is an intimate and legitimate aspect of human identity, which can change over the course of a person’s life.

A fundamental aspect of the human experience that encompasses the body, emotions, relationships, identity, pleasure, intimacy, expression and culture.

It is not limited to the sexual act – it includes desires, affections, boundaries, fantasies, orientations, identities and ways of relating to oneself and to others.

It is important to distinguish between personal sexuality and the performative sexuality used at work – these are different dimensions, both of which are valid and legitimate.

Infections caused by viruses, bacteria or parasites that can be transmitted through sexual contact without adequate protection, including genital, oral or anal contact.

Some STIs can also be transmitted through other routes, such as contaminated blood or vertical transmission (from mother to baby), but the term primarily refers to transmission associated with sexual practices.

STIs are common health conditions, treatable in most cases, and often preventable through safe sex practices, information and access to healthcare.

People engaged in sex work are not inherently more likely to contract STIs. However, they may be more exposed to risks due to unsafe and clandestine working conditions.

An artistic and erotic performance in which a person gradually and in a choreographed manner removes items of clothing, with the intention of creating tension, aesthetic appeal and engagement with the audience or with another person.

It is a form of performance that combines dance, theatricality, physical expression and performance art, and can take place in clubs, bars, on stage, at private events or on digital platforms.

Striptease is a form of sex work that requires technique, stage presence, body control and the ability to manage boundaries.

An artistic and erotic performance in which a person gradually and in a choreographed manner removes items of clothing, with the aim of creating tension, aesthetic appeal and engagement with the audience or with another person.

It is a form of performance that combines dance, theatricality, physical expression and performance art, and can take place in clubs, bars, on stage, at private events or on digital platforms.

Striptease is a form of sex work that requires technique, stage presence, body control and the ability to manage boundaries.

It is a BDSM practice in which a person chooses to relinquish symbolic control, follow agreed rules or adopt a submissive stance.

It is a role-played experience, negotiated and bounded by clear agreements; it is not an actual loss of autonomy.

Submission only exists when it is voluntary, informed and revocable at any time.

In sex work, it is a specialised service, always governed by clear communication and rules, physical and emotional boundaries, safety signals, and a pre-defined duration and structure.

It is the process by which individuals or groups are systematically excluded from full participation in society, whether in terms of access to rights, services, opportunities, security or recognition.

In the context of sex work, it refers to the structural, institutional and social barriers that prevent sex workers from living with dignity, equality and autonomy.

It is not an individual condition, but rather the result of policies, stigmas and inequalities that accumulate over time.

A social process that attributes negative, devalued or morally condemned characteristics to a group, leading to discrimination, exclusion and unequal treatment.

Stigma remains a recurring issue in sex work, linking the activity and those who practise it to notions of immorality, criminality, worthlessness or social deviance.

There is also internalised stigma, a process whereby people internalise and come to believe the negative prejudices and stereotypes associated with their work, which can affect their self-esteem, identity, well-being and the way they relate to others and access rights and services.

A person who, within a consensual BDSM dynamic, chooses to adopt a role of symbolic surrender, following rules, guidelines or structures previously negotiated with the dominant partner.

Submission is an expression of choice, not of weakness, and always involves active and ongoing consent.

In sex work, a professional submissive is someone who offers this role as a specialised service, always within their own limits and in accordance with safety protocols.

These are formal or informal groups of people, organisations or communities that offer emotional, practical, social, legal or material support to sex workers.

These support networks function as systems of protection, solidarity and resource-sharing, reducing risks and strengthening the autonomy of sex workers.

Essentially, this is a form of collective care that addresses stigma, precariousness and violence.

Also known as the ‘Nordic Model’, this is a legal framework that criminalises those who purchase sexual services, but does not criminalise those who sell them. It was introduced in Sweden in 1999 and has been adopted by other northern European countries, such as Norway, which explains its name. It is based on the principle that sex work is always a form of violence or inequality.

A switch is a person who, within BDSM dynamics, enjoys alternating between different consensual roles, usually between domination and submission.

This is not a matter of indecision – it is a legitimate form of expression within BDSM, based on flexibility, self-awareness and variation in dynamics.

The role a person takes on always depends on negotiation, context, boundaries and the mood of the moment.

In sex work, a professional switch is someone who offers both dominant and submissive dynamics, always within their own boundaries and in accordance with safety protocols.

A practice of sensory and mindful touch, inspired by tantric traditions, which aims to promote relaxation, bodily presence, deep breathing and body awareness.

In sex work, it includes elements of sensuality, but can also be practised as a form of wellbeing and sensory exploration, depending on the context and the boundaries set by the person providing the service.

A person who was assigned ‘female’ at birth, but whose gender identity is male.

In other words, the person is a man, regardless of the body they were born with, their appearance, their gender expression or any medical procedures.

A person who was assigned ‘male’ at birth, but whose gender identity is female.

In other words, a woman, regardless of the body she was born with, her appearance, her gender expression or any medical procedures.

A person whose gender identity does not match the gender assigned to them at birth – someone who was registered as a ‘boy’ or ‘girl’ at birth, but who identifies differently.

This gender identity may include traditional genders – man or woman – but also diverse gender identities such as non-binary, gender-fluid, agender, amongst other possibilities.

It is any form of discrimination, hostility, violence, prejudice or devaluation directed at trans and non-binary people, because their gender identity or expression does not conform to cisgender norms.

It can manifest itself in individual attitudes, social behaviours, public policies, institutions and entire systems.

Trans people engaged in sex work face targeted police violence, discrimination in healthcare services, heightened stigma due to being both trans and sex workers, greater economic vulnerability, exclusion from formal employment, and increased risks in public and digital spaces.

It is both a form of gender expression and a gender identity, depending on each person’s lived experience.

Many people understand ‘transvestites’ as a specific way of expressing the female gender, by wearing clothes associated with the female sex and appearing in performances as women with heavy make-up.

However, over the last few decades, the term has also come to denote a gender identity in its own right, and even a political and cultural identity.

Many transvestites do not define themselves as ‘trans women’, because they feel that the word ‘transvestite’ better describes their experience, history and body.

An expression used to describe travelling to another town or city, or another location, with the aim of engaging in sex work for a specific period.

It is any action, structure, policy or behaviour that causes physical, psychological, economic, social or institutional harm to people engaged in sex work.

This violence may be perpetrated by individuals, groups, institutions or the state itself, and is often exacerbated by stigma, discrimination, gender inequalities, racism, transphobia and indirect criminalisation.

Violence is not merely an isolated act; it is also a system that restricts rights, autonomy and safety, and can take the following forms:

- Gender-based – gender-based violence is rooted in gender inequalities and can have a particularly severe impact on sex workers.

- Digital – online harassment, non-consensual sharing of images, doxxing, threats on digital platforms, identity or profile theft, and mass harassment.

- Economic – occurs when someone restricts, controls or exploits the economic resources of the person engaged in sex work, including withholding earnings, abusive charges, extortion, forced economic dependence and exploitation by third parties.

- Structural – refers to the social, economic and political conditions that create vulnerability, such as poverty, racism, transphobia, gender inequality, lack of employment protection and indirect criminalisation.

- Physical – assaults, physical intimidation, physical coercion or any form of bodily harm inflicted by clients, third parties or other people in positions of power.

- Institutional – violence perpetrated by institutions, such as the police, courts or health services, through refusal of care, discriminatory treatment, loss of parental custody due to stigma, exclusion from social programmes, amongst other forms.

- Police-related – includes intimidation, abuse of authority, extortion, arbitrary arrests, physical or verbal violence and confiscation of property. In many countries, this is one of the most common forms of violence against sex workers.

- Psychological and emotional – humiliation, insults, threats, manipulation, emotional blackmail and coercive control; this type of violence is common in contexts of stigma and inequality.

- Sexual – any sexual act that is non-consensual or that goes beyond the boundaries set by the sex worker.

- Social – through stigma, social exclusion, discrimination in public spaces, rejection by family and hate speech.

Sexual interaction mediated by digital technologies, such as messages, videos, audio recordings, images or online platforms, in which sexual engagement takes place remotely, without physical contact.

It may include erotic conversations, video performances, the exchange of digital content or real-time interactions.

In sex work, virtual sex is a form of service provision that relies on digital platforms and involves aspects of intimacy as well as creative, emotional and technical work.

Social, economic, legal and institutional conditions that increase the likelihood of a person experiencing violence, discrimination, exploitation or harm, not because of individual characteristics, but because of structural inequalities.

In sex work, vulnerability is not a characteristic of the individual – it is something brought about by policies, stigma, poverty, racism, transphobia, gender inequality and indirect criminalisation.

Populations who, due to social, economic, legal or structural conditions, are more exposed to situations of exclusion, discrimination, violence or difficulties in accessing essential rights and services.

Sex workers fall into this group, as the activity is not regulated.