Hookers feel the pinch of the recession

April 22, 10:03 PMInternational LGBT Issues ExaminerKelvin Lynch

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A new report from Reuters says prostitutes in Berlin are struggling.  In one of the few cities in the word where the profession is legal, some brothels have cut prices and added free promotions or all-inclusive flat-rate fees. 

"Times are tough for us," said Karin Ahrens, who manages the "Yes, Sir" brothel in Hanover. She said revenue had dropped by 30 percent at her establishment, while turnover had fallen by as much as 50 percent at other clubs.

"We're definitely feeling the crisis. Clients are being tight with their money. They're afraid. You can't charge for the extras any more and there is pressure to cut prices. Everyone wants a deal. Special promotions are essential these days."

Prostitution is also legal and regulated in the Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, Hungary, Greece, Turkey, some parts of Australia, Luxembourg, Latvia, Denmark, Belgium and Finland.

Closer to home, it is legal in Nevada.  Perhaps the most famous brothel is the Moonlight Bunny Ranch, in Reno, which has it's own show on HBO called Cathouse.

Air Force Amy from Cathouse

Here In San Franciso, where I live, some sex workers say they have actually seen an increase in business, while others are not so lucky.

 "Ruben", a high-end escort and gay porn star who caters to affluent men, said business has never been better.  His clients are wealthy regulars and occassional out-of-towners.  "Most of my clients are married straight or bisexual men," he said, "and they know I have a reputation for being discreet.  Most of my business is word-of-mouth.  I'm doing very well."

Others, like "Mike", who relies on ads on Craigslist and local gay tabloids to pull in customers, say business has slowed down a bit.  "I mostly get the guys in town on business or for conventions," he said.  "San Francisco has a reputation for being a place for sex tourism, a place to get wild."  Mike said his customers are "about equally gay and straight guys, mostly married or in relationships.  More of them try to bargain with me on price now than before."

"Justin", who advertises as a sensual massage therapist, said he's seen a definite slow down in business.  "I was doing this full-time a year ago and making good money," he said, "but now I've had to take another part-time job to pay the bills."  Justin said the downside to being in the escort business is being on call 24/7, "which kind of makes it hard to do anything else."

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