At Plano AproXima, we believe in collaborative processes and the importance of everyone’s participation.

This guide has been developed with the collaboration of various organizations and individuals who contributed their knowledge and helped review the texts, always using neutral and inclusive language as a foundation.

We believe that sex workers deserve respect, and that “sex work is an income-generating activity and can be defined as the consensual and voluntary exchange of sexual services for money and/or goods (or other benefits) between two self-determined adults.”

Grupo Partilha de Vivências (GPV) – Founded in 2017 in Braga, this collective aims, through its various actions, to create innovative social responses to support people in situations of vulnerability and social exclusion.

MTS – Movimento dxs Trabalhadorxs do Sexo – Founded in 2018, this Portuguese organization represents and advocates for the labor rights of sex workers in Portugal. It is led and run horizontally, exclusively by current and former sex workers.

MANAS / GAT. GAMEM (Grupo de Apoio Mútuo Entre Mulheres) – A collective of around 55 women, trans women, and non-binary people who use drugs, most of whom are street-based sex workers. They meet regularly in Intendente, Lisbon, in a safe space called manasaferspace.

Carmo G. Pereira – (Carmo Gê Pereira) is an MTS consultant who provides adult sexual education as well as sexual counseling services.

Perversa Press – Run by two MTS allies, Carmo Gê Pereira and Catarina Querido, Perversa Press is the collective responsible for adapting parts of this guide into digital fanzines that are easy to print and distribute in sex work contexts with minimal resources.

We also thank the NZPC Aotearoa New Zealand Sex Workers Collective for their participation. This New Zealand organization is led by and for sex workers. We received their consent to use the “Stepping Forward Booklet” as inspiration for this guide.

Whether you are just starting out or have been working for some time, it is important to be aware of the risks associated with this work so that you can promote safety in your workplace. Those already active in the field are often the most informed and can offer valuable guidance. You can also reach out to different organizations that provide support with health-related issues, preventive materials, and free testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

This chapter offers tips to help reduce fatigue, as well as information on personal safety whether you work in an apartment or on the street. Knowing how to respond in situations of violence is especially important.

We also discuss the risks associated with using certain substances, whether depressants or stimulants.

Working while on your period is a challenge many people face. In this chapter, you’ll learn how to adapt your work pace and take care of your body and mind, so you can work more comfortably during this time of the month.

There are strategies, such as using menstrual sponges, diaphragms, or other methods, that can help.

Workplace health contributes to overall quality of life and physical, mental, and social well-being. For people engaged in sex work, it is important to pay attention to various aspects, such as STI prevention, screenings for conditions like diabetes and hypertension, mental health, and violence prevention, among others.

In the chapter “Sexual Health”, we provide information about condoms, both internal and external, as well as lubricants and dental dams, with an emphasis on how to use them safely in all practices.

Condoms are very important, but what should you do if one breaks or there is an accident? Medications such as PrEP and PEP are essential for reducing the risk of HIV infection.

We also discuss regular health check-ups, as well as topics like safer sex for trans people, because we believe that everyone should be included.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can have serious health consequences. In this chapter, we discuss the most common STIs, as well as those that may make your work more difficult or put you at risk.

Remember, it is normal to feel nervous about getting tested, but STIs can be treated. If you receive a positive diagnosis, the first step is always to seek help and follow the treatment until completion. Most infections are curable, and all can be managed with proper treatment.

We also cover the importance of cleaning sex toys and how to do it properly, depending on their use and material.

We often talk about the risk of contracting infections, but it is also important to protect yourself from an unwanted pregnancy. To reduce risk, it is ideal to use dual protection—that is, in addition to a condom, use another contraceptive method. This way, if the condom breaks, you are still protected.

Since there are both barrier methods and hormonal contraceptives, we will cover all of them so you can decide which one works best for you.

In addition to these topics, we explain what voluntary termination of pregnancy (abortion) is, how to access it, and in what circumstances it is available.

In this chapter, we cover some important points for clients who engage in paid sex. As a client, in addition to using a service, every adult and self-determined person can play an important role in reducing risks and ensuring the safety of the sex worker.

On the Plano AproXima website, we have a map of all partner organizations that provide services to people engaged in sex work. However, we also wanted to include some of these organizations in our Support Guide, so you always have the contacts you need to work safely.

In any dangerous situation—like a fire, flood, or act of violence—it’s important to have emergency contacts and support lines within easy reach. Keep them somewhere visible, ideally saved on your phone or near your home phone, so they can be accessed quickly by anyone if needed.

We’ve gathered the contact details of the country’s major hospitals so you’ll always know where to go in an emergency.