Let’s talk stigma.
Whether you’re a cam performer, sexting queen (or king), phone sex operator or fetish model, there’s one thing we all face: judgment.
People love to throw around the word “empowerment” when talking about sex work—until it doesn’t fit their idea of how we’re supposed to live. Online SW may have opened up new opportunities, but it hasn’t erased society’s long history of shaming those of us who dare to make a living by owning our sexuality.
And here’s the thing: stigma is exhausting. It creeps in during family conversations, shows up in your DMs from trolls, and sometimes even hides in your own head (yep, self-doubt is sneaky like that).
But it doesn’t have to control you.
At SIXTY6, we’re all about rewriting the narrative for adult creators and solo SWs. Yes, it’s tough to challenge the outdated views people cling to—but it’s not impossible.
The more we talk, support each other, and share tools for dealing with the stigma, the stronger we become.
10 Steps for Navigating the Stigma Around Sex Work
Here are 10 Steps for Navigating and Owning the Stigma of Online Sex Work.
Whether you’re just starting out or years deep into your career, these principles can help you keep your head high, even when judgment comes knocking.
1. Educate Yourself About the Industry (and Your Role in It)
It’s hard to defend yourself if you don’t fully understand the bigger picture.
Learn about the history of sex work, its impact on culture, and how platforms like yours are reshaping the game. When someone throws shade, you’ll have the knowledge to shut them down with facts instead of letting their ignorance hit you.
Example: When a family member said, “That’s not a real job,” I hit back with stats about how camming generates billions annually. You might not agree with the decision, but the numbers don’t lie babycakes. 😉
2. Develop a Rock-Solid “Elevator Speech”
Or maybe that should be dinner table speech?!
You don’t owe anyone an explanation—but let’s be real: people will ask. Whether it’s nosy coworkers or curious friends, having a short, confident way to describe your work (without getting defensive) can turn an awkward convo into a teaching moment.
Depending on what type of adult creator career you’ve chosen, this is not an easy balance to strike.
Let’s be real: sex work is still a conversation-stopper for a lot of people. Whether it’s out of discomfort, ignorance, or judgment, most people just don’t know how to react when you bring it up. That’s why having a clear, confident way to explain what you do, while also acknowledging the stigma, can help diffuse awkwardness and frame the conversation on your terms.
3. Set Clear Boundaries (and Stick to Them)
Some people feel entitled to judge or interrogate you about your work. Guess what? They’re not.
Decide how much you’re comfortable sharing, and don’t let anyone guilt you into oversharing. Boundaries aren’t just for strangers. They apply to family and friends, too.
4. Surround Yourself with a Supportive Community
Feeling alone? You’re not.
Seek out online forums, Reddit threads, or creator groups where you can share stories, vent, and get advice from people who get it. These spaces can become lifelines when stigma starts weighing you down. They’re also full of fantastic advice from fellow SWs on the same journey, or facing the same problems.
A good example is Reddit’s /CamGirlProblems/ for the camming community. Or Amber Cutie’s hugely popular forum for models and performers.
At SIXTY6, we use these communities every day. Their importance can’t be overstated.
5. Practice the Art of “Selective Disclosure”
You don’t have to tell everyone what you do for a living. It’s not about being ashamed—it’s about protecting yourself from people who don’t deserve access to your life. Share only with those who’ve earned your trust.
Example: When a nosy family member keeps pressing me, I’ll say, “I freelance online.” End of discussion.
II know some girls live and die by full disclosure, 100% candidness… but it’s not for everybody. Choose your battles and disclose what you want, when you want.
6. Focus on Your Wins, Not Their Opinions
Stigma loses its power when you remind yourself why you started in the first place. Whether it’s financial freedom, flexibility, or connecting with your hard-earned audience, celebrate the reasons this path works for you.
Haters don’t pay your bills, do they?
Tip: Keep a “win journal” where you jot down milestones, like hitting a subscriber goal or receiving a glowing fan message. If business is booming but Jane Doe wants to gossip behind your back, take a deep breath, log in to your online banking, bask in the results and get back to work. F*** the haters.
7. Know When to Walk Away
#6 ties directly in to #7.
Not every fight is worth your energy. Sometimes, the best response to ignorance is none at all. Save your breath for people who matter.
8. Educate Others… When You’re Ready
Challenging stigma is part of the fight, but you don’t have to carry that burden every day.
If and when you feel like educating someone, do it on your terms. Share your experience, not to defend yourself, but to show how diverse, hardworking, and valuable adult creators truly are.
A lot of the mental baggage we carry is entirely in our own heads, and many friends and co-workers will be curious rather than judgmental.
One of the reasons we started SIXTY6 was to pass on what we’ve learned about the adult industry. Still, many of these subjects are ‘sore spots’. It takes experience and thick skin to be able to talk about the process without tying it to a sense of self-worth.
Don’t try and defend your decisions, or explain them to others, until you have the confidence to do yourself justice.
9. Protect Your Mental Health
Always, always, always.
Yes, mental health has become something of a crutch… but too much ‘stiff upper lip’ is a recipe for disaster. Nobody should have to cope with their internal struggles alone.
The stigma around online SW can mess with your mind. Therapy, meditation, or even just venting to friends can help you keep your emotional health in check. Don’t be afraid to seek professional support if things get heavy.
Tip: Find a sex work-friendly therapist if you’re struggling with shame or burnout. They exist and can make a world of difference. Groups like MIND in the UK, or NAMI in the US, are both great places to start.
10. Own Your Story—Loud and Proud
At the end of the day, the stigma only wins if you let it. Your work is valid. Your choices are valid. No amount of judgment changes that. Remember: by being visible and unapologetic, you’re helping break down barriers for the next generation of SW creators.
Mantra: “I am the CEO of my life, and nobody else gets a say in my success.”
Our Inbox Is Open
Navigating the stigma of sex work—whether you’re camming, sexting, or running any kind of adult content business—can feel like a lonely road sometimes. But it doesn’t have to be.
At SIXTY6, we want to be there on your journey.
If you’re struggling with how to talk about your work, dealing with judgment, or just need someone to listen.. DON’T BE SHY. Get in touch.
Drop us a message, share your story, or ask a question. Whatever you’re facing, we’re always here to listen, offer advice, and remind you that you’re not alone in this journey.
