A woman who decided to ditch a career as a sales director for a large estate agent to become a sex worker has revealed how she has been ‘judged and mistreated’ by doctors since changing professions.
Gigi Patsy, a full time escort based in Hertfordshire, who has been working in the profession for more than two years, said she has often been sent to the STI clinic for ‘regular’ medical issues.
She also claimed that professionals have made her feel that she should feel ‘lucky’ they are helping her – in spite of her job.
Speaking to FEMAIL, Gigi opened up about one incident earlier this year, when she went to her local practice to sign off her prescription for ADHD medication.
She says that the doctor told her that he spoke with other colleagues about her case and implied she should feel grateful to have gotten the medicine.
Gigi Patsy, a full time escort based in Hertfordshire, who has been working in the profession for more than two years, said she has often been sent to the STI clinic for ‘regular’ medical issues
When Gigi asked why, he said that this was because of her job. While she was unsure if the comment was made because she didn’t work a typical 9 to 5 – or if, more harrowingly, he was implying that all sex workers have drug issues – it was ‘extremely emotionally distressing and she left the doctor’s office in tears’.
‘As I sat in my car trying to calm myself and trying to ignore the negative thoughts that raced through my head, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of hurt,’ she said.
‘The implication that my profession somehow makes me unworthy of proper medical treatment is unjust.’
Gigi – who works as an ambassador for Vivastreet, who are working to educate people on sex work in the hope that sex workers are taken seriously and respected – added that she expected a ‘higher level of sensitivity and understanding from professionals’.
‘Unfortunately, this experience adds to a pattern of mistreatment I’ve encountered from medical professionals,’ she explained.
‘Regardless of personal opinions, I deserve to be treated with the same respect and care for my mental and general well-being as every other patient. I feel like a comment wouldn’t have been made if I had told them that I was an actress.’
She admitted that such instances have made her ‘consider concealing her profession to avoid judgement and ridicule’.
‘However, I refuse to compromise my authenticity to appease others who are quick to criticise and make light of my livelihood,’ she added. ‘It’s disheartening to endure such treatment in a professional setting.’
Speaking to FEMAIL, Gigi opened up about one incident earlier this year, when she went to her local practice to sign off her prescription for ADHD medication
She admitted that such instances have made her ‘consider concealing her profession to avoid judgement and ridicule’
Gigi revealed that she never had any issues with judgement or mistreatment before beginning sex work.
‘I was listened to, respected and above all, taken seriously,’ she said.
‘The incident with my ADHD medication wasn’t a one off – there have been several times over the past two years where I have been palmed off to the sexual health clinic even though my ailment has nothing to do with sexual health.
‘I get boxed into a certain category and labeled as undeserving, or that everything is related to my job. But my career does not define me.’
Gigi says medical treatment isn’t the only area of her life she has faced stigma in.
‘There is a huge problem with judgment and stigma surrounding the sex industry,’ she explained.
‘It’s not just medical professionals, we experience it everywhere. On one hand, there are individuals. People who hear what your job is and instantly judge. Surprisingly, this is mainly women – they should be supporting other women.
Gigi revealed that she never had any issues with judgement or mistreatment before beginning sex work
‘Some men who book with me come just to talk, they need a friend. Some aren’t married and need a companion but others are and come to me because they feel their desires are being suppressed or judged at home. However, the issue is bigger than that.
‘Firstly, from a legal point of view. The law makes it increasingly difficult for us to stay safe, which not only puts us at risk, but also perpetuates stereotypes against us.
‘We are also penalised by banks and the finance sector for example, as we aren’t allowed to set up accounts as a sex worker.’
She has however stressed that despite the challenges, her life has ‘absolutely changed for the better in many ways’ since she became an escort.
‘I was making a lot of money before but was very much stuck in the 9-5 monotonous routine,’ she said.
‘I was working in an extremely male dominated industry where men who worked half as hard as me, earnt double the amount. I can now be my own boss, and feel far more in control of my own life.
She has however stressed that despite the challenges, her life has ‘absolutely changed for the better in many ways’ since she became an escort
‘If I want to go travelling, take the week off, or need a bit more money, I can do that without answering to anyone. Another huge positive for me is the amount that I’ve helped people.
‘Again, this is completely opposite to the corporate world where people tend to be quite rude and unfriendly, it’s business at the end of the day. However, through escorting I make genuine connections with people. I have been told by clients that I have literally saved their lives or that they don’t feel alone anymore and that for me, is the best part.
‘In terms of negatives, I would say the misconceptions and judgements are the worst part. All of my clients and interactions with people within the industry have been nothing but positive, however it’s not the same story when it comes from other people who are quick to make assumptions about me and my job.’