Independent Belgium Escorts

The bustling Saturday night at Beursschouwburg arts center in downtown Brussels was a whirlwind of excitement and energy. A captivated crowd packed the theatre, with eager attendees standing in the corridors and perched on the stairs, all eager to witness the main performance at the SNAP! (Sex Worker Narratives and Politics) Festival. Amidst this fervor, a woman adorned in an '80s disco bodysuit and a balaclava danced emotively to poetic recitations, evoking a poignant silence among the audience. As she concluded her performance, the room erupted in thunderous applause and cheers, echoing their appreciation for the emotional journey they had just experienced.

This year, the SNAP! Festival partnered with the Brussels Porn Film Festival, creating an enthralling four-day extravaganza that enraptured Brussels with its compelling storytelling, discussions on sex worker politics, and an unyielding determination to obliterate the stigma surrounding sex work. The celebratory air of the festival was bolstered by Belgium's groundbreaking move in June 2022, becoming the first European country to decriminalize sex work. Many of the festival's organizers and participants had been instrumental in advocating for this pivotal legislative change.

Stepping onto the stage like a medieval court jester in vibrant red attire and oversized curl-toed shoes, the compere effortlessly held the audience's attention with mirrored contact lenses and sharp wit. However, when he announced Marianne Chargois, the founder of SNAP! Festival in 2018, the thunderous applause drowned out his words. Marianne's appearance, tearful yet empowered, resonated deeply with the room, especially among fellow sex workers, acknowledging her significant cultural contributions and relentless advocacy for the sex worker community in Belgium.

Amidst the festival's hubbub, Marianne spared a moment to discuss the arduous journey toward decriminalization and the pivotal role of SNAP! in dispelling enduring stigmas surrounding sex work. Emphasizing the significance of the new law, she highlighted its transformational impact on allowing sex workers to negotiate working conditions, access social assistance, secure pensions, and pursue training rights. However, Marianne also noted that this was merely a step forward in the ongoing fight for the full recognition and respect of sex workers' human rights.

Marianne, a sex worker, activist, and artist known for her feminist and sexual-political performances, plays a multifaceted role in advocating for sex workers' rights. Her involvement with UTSOPI (Union of Sex workers Organised For Independence) underscores the concerted effort made by sex worker-led organizations, allies, and policymakers to challenge societal perceptions and advance the recognition of sex work as legitimate work.

Belgium's historic move to decriminalize sex work in 2022 marked a monumental shift, providing legal recognition and safety nets for sex workers. This legislative reform aimed not only to end stigmatization and exploitation but also to ensure the rights and protections of sex workers, including provisions safeguarding against coercion and enhancing workplace safety.

However, Marianne highlighted the law's imperfections, particularly in addressing the plight of sex workers with precarious immigration statuses and the persistence of societal stigma. It's here that SNAP! assumes a critical role, serving as a platform for sex workers to share their narratives, fostering a community of support and empowerment.

The collaborative effort between SNAP! and the Brussels Porn Film Festival was a testament to their shared mission of challenging societal perceptions surrounding sexuality and advocating for sexual freedom. By forging alliances, organizing events, and creating spaces for open dialogue, both festivals aimed to dismantle age-old stigmas ingrained in society regarding explicit representations of sexuality.

At the heart of this movement lay the acknowledgment that pornography and sex work were intertwined, with sex workers as the bedrock of the industry. Miguel Soll, co-founder of the Brussels Porn Film Festival, underscored the need to blur distinctions between traditional cinema and pornography, highlighting the latter's historical significance in representing diverse sexualities and marginalized communities.

Within the festival's vibrant mix of screenings, workshops, and panel discussions, live performances stood out as potent expressions of both joyous celebration and poignant reflections on the often isolating experiences of sex workers. By amplifying these voices, the festivals sought to not only challenge societal norms but also foster deeper understanding and acceptance.

Nour Beetch, a figure at the intersection of porn, sex work, and activism, emphasized the profound connection between sex work and her ability to pursue cultural and political endeavors. For her, sex work provided the financial stability necessary to engage in unpaid projects that fueled her creative endeavors and activism.

The united front presented by SNAP! and the Brussels Porn Film Festival transcended the boundaries of their respective communities, resonating with a broader audience. Beyond being a celebration, the festivals were a testament to the necessity of cultural exchange and dialogue in reshaping societal perceptions and dismantling stigmas surrounding sexuality and sex work.

In essence, these festivals served as beacons of solidarity, advocating for sex worker rights, sexual freedom, and a collective endeavor to foster a society free from age-old prejudices and stigma. Through their collaborative efforts, they aimed to reshape cultural narratives and carve out spaces that embraced diversity, empowerment, and understanding in all aspects of sexuality.

Prostitution, often referred to as the “world’s oldest profession,” is a persistent phenomenon that has existed in various forms across different cultures, societies, and locations throughout history. However, the moral and legal status of prostitution varies widely among countries, and so does its prevalence. A relevant question that emerges is: which country has the highest rate of prostitution?

To address this question, one must take into account the multiple factors that influence the occurrence of prostitution. These may include socioeconomic conditions, legal frameworks, and cultural norms. Moreover, obtaining reliable data on this sensitive topic is challenging, as it often depends on estimates and research on the illicit trade. Nevertheless, based on the available information, it is possible to identify some countries with notably high rates of prostitution.

It should be noted that some countries are renowned for having large sex industries due to tourism, local demand, or economic necessity. Countries such as Thailand, Cambodia, and parts of Germany (where prostitution is legal and regulated) are frequently cited in debates about the sex industry. However, having a prominent sex industry does not necessarily imply that these countries have the “most” prostitution; it simply means that it is more visible and regulated.

Prostitution is a widespread phenomenon, with varying rates across different countries. This section provides an overview of the countries where prostitution is most common.

Germany has legalized prostitution, resulting in an increase in the number of sex workers and brothels. Thailand has a large sex tourism industry, attracting visitors from around the world. Brazil also has a high rate of sex tourism, especially during the Carnival season. China has technically outlawed prostitution, but it is still prevalent, particularly in urban areas.

Colombia has a sizable prostitution market, driven mainly by drug-related violence and poverty. India and the Philippines also face high rates of prostitution due to poverty and a lack of employment opportunities for women. Spain continues to struggle with the issue of prostitution, as it is neither fully legal nor criminalized.

Australia, Finland, Bolivia, and the Netherlands have some regulation of sex work, leading to a degree of tolerance toward the industry. France and Denmark have illegalized prostitution, but it still occurs in these countries, partly due to their appeal to tourists.

Mexico, the United States, Argentina, Canada, and Nevada (where it is legal) have considerable levels of prostitution, with authorities attempting to regulate or combat the industry. Japan, South Korea, and New Zealand have significant issues with prostitution despite efforts to curb the trade.

Some European countries, such as Lithuania, Austria, Latvia, Croatia, Czech Republic, Turkey, Belgium, Italy, and Slovenia have varying degrees of regulation or penalties for prostitution. Finally, even in countries like Zimbabwe, where prostitution is illegal, it persists as an underground business.

The factors that contribute to high rates of prostitution in these countries include poverty, unemployment, drug addiction, and global demand for sex services. These factors should be taken into account when discussing prostitution in a specific country.

Belgium has charged nine people with human trafficking and money laundering for their alleged roles in a gang suspected of bringing women from China to be sex workers in Europe.

Belgian police detained 27 people in raids across the country on Tuesday and seized bank notes worth about €1.5 million.

In a recent Morning Star article proposing the Nordic Model, they are canvassing for people to attend the Unison conference. Unison has long supported the discredited Nordic model. Up for debate is to change this stance to support decriminalization as practiced in New Zealand. The lie which the Nordic Model Now is that Germany is a decriminalized country for sex work.  This is not true; sex work is controlled in Germany by law. Escorts have to register.  They also discredit the decriminalisation as practiced in New Zealand.  All the evidence is this has been a success. Even so NZ is not totally decriminalised, foreign visitors are not protected by the law.

There is only one country which decriminalises sex work, and that is New Zealand. In Australia certain states decriminalise sex work, and this is growing. One other country, Belgium is decriminalising sex work, and that is Belgium.

As Belgium is also removing sex work from its penal code, the country is now the first in Europe, and the second in the world, to officially decriminalise sex work.

Decriminalisation will be happening step by step. Firstly, self-employed sex workers will be able to do their job legally, and stricter action will be taken against the abuse of prostitution. Additionally, advertising for prostitution will be allowed, but only when someone advertises their own sexual services.

The next step will be regulating sex work for employees by imposing rules regarding safety, hygiene, and working conditions on companies.

In a historic first, Belgium is the first country in Europe to decriminilise sex work. The Federal Parliament approved the new sexual penal code on Thursday evening, Belgium is now the first country in Europe to officially decriminalise sex work. The country is now removing sex work from its penal code

The COVID pandemic has had one benefit for Belgium escorts. Belgium sex workers have been decriminilised. Prostitution in Belgium is now a recognised job with the perks of state pension and other benefits after the pandemic promted reforms. Politicians approved plans to overhaul 19th-century legislation and offer prostitutes a legally recognised job title. Until now, many sex workers were not catered for under present social legislation provisions. The pandemic showed us they did not enjoy sufficient protection. The move puts them on a par with their counterparts in the Netherlands and Germany, where the sex industries are legal, regulated and taxed.

Belgium’s federal government is trying to find the right balance between the fight against human trafficking and the creation of a statute to regulate sex work, Justice Minister Vincent Van Quickenborne told the House Committee on Wednesday.

Associations for victims of human trafficking have been consulted as well as the sex workers’ union. The draft seeks to bring prostitution out of the “grey zone” in which it currently finds itself in Belgium.

Brussels’ Common Community Commission (COCOM), which manages the Region’s vaccination policy, launched a campaign focused on the vaccination of sex workers, since they will be allowed to resume their work from 9 June.

People in Brussels who want to be vaccinated are asked to register at one of the Region’s ten vaccination centres. “However, if a person requests it, we also offer them the opportunity to be vaccinated at the premises of one of the associations on the ground,” the COCOM said.

In this case, the shots will be administered by a mobile vaccination team, consisting of a nurse and a coordinating doctor. “It is important that the vaccination takes place in a place where no judgement is passed and no intrusive questions are asked.”

Belgium’s capital has banned prostitution in certain districts in an effort to curb the spread of the coronavirus. For sex-workers, however, the prohibition is a threat to their livelihoods.

Sex workers had to stop their activities on March 13, just a few days before a national lockdown because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“They were all left with nothing,” said Marie, who works at the organization Utsopi, which represents sex workers in Belgium.

Utsopi helped provide food and shelter during the three-month lockdown but poverty and hardship rose among the community.

A well known Belgian sex worker, known as Hot Marijke, has gone to court to ask for a ban on sex work until there is a vaccine against the coronavirus.

Many sex workers have been working again since the start of June, but Hot Marijke, a Belgian sex worker who received a lot of media attention for her activities and initiatives, stated that she will not resume her activities yet.

“It is irresponsible that these professions, which have the closest contact between people from all professions in the world, should be allowed to restart without being safe to do so,” she said.

If Hot Marijke wins the case before the Council of State, that could mean sex work would (temporarily) be banned in Belgium. “Then, you get a real health problem, because then there will be people who do sex work to be able to survive,” said Bauwens.

Operating on the margins of society, the financial struggles of sex workers in Belgium during lockdown have been largely hidden from view.

After three months, the government allowed sex work to restart from June 8. For self-employed prostitutes, it means they can start earning again.

Sex workers can resume working again, but they and their clients will have to comply with certain strict hygiene measures, that sex worker collective UTSOPI published on its website.

Mattress covers need to be changed systematically and washed at 60 degrees, or made of polyurethane, which can be disinfected after a client.

Mouth-to-mouth contact is forbidden, which is why a disposable of cloth face mask should be worn by both the sex worker and the client. However, an exception for oral sex is allowed, but the use of a condom or dental dam is recommended.

“Any saliva or face-to-face contact during sexual acts must be avoided. Genital secretions do not present a risk of Covid-19 infection, but sexual organs that have been touched by the hand may carry the virus,” the collective says in its proposal.

These measures are proposed as an addition to the basic hygiene rules, and the systematic disinfection of hands. As much as possible, it is also recommended for both the sex worker and the client to take a shower before the intercourse.

The police have closed three hotels in Brussels after sex workers in the area ignored the government measures instructing people to stay inside to the further spread of the new coronavirus (Covid-19).

On Wednesday morning, the police closed ‘Studio 2000’, ‘Studio Europe’ and ‘5th Avenue’, three hotels in Brussels Alhambra district known for prostitution until 3 April, following repeated complaints from local residents. “We still saw prostitutes on the streets soliciting, all while the government is calling on the whole population to stay inside,” said Jan Leerman of the Alhambra