SEX WORKER DIARIES

Sex Worker Diaries is an audio documentary series which follows the lives of eight sex workers over two years. Unprompted and unscripted, the series is an intimate look at relationships, housing, mental health and work. Set against the backdrop of Australia’s worst bushfire season, the start of the global pandemic, and an economic crisis, Sex Worker Diaries is a time capsule of how the world of sex work in Australia has changed since 2019.

SEASON TWO

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EPISODE 4: BURNT OUT

Sick, exhausted, and financially depleted. In this episode everyone is going through it. Eden is struggling to pull a profit in the economic climate post COVID. Katie’s rental property is falling apart, while Billie has just moved house and is dealing with the financial burden of moving. This episode, we also meet Noah who is recovering from being sick and curating a new zine.

EPISODE 3: BODILY FUNCTIONS

In this episode we meet Katie who has just celebrated her 26th birthday and is trying to get her finances back on track after an unexpected incident with her dog. Eden has had a tough conversation with a romantic partner but is feeling supported at work. Billie has a fetish booking that goes as planned… until it’s time to finalise payment.

EPISODE 2: BREAK FAST

In this episode we meet Eden who is trying to establish routine in her life, while staying sober, and fasting for Ramadan. Meanwhile, Billie feels like her life is on track after securing a house for her and her dogs. Violet turns 30 and reflects on her new studies and entering a new chapter of her life.

EPISODE 1: NORMALACY

The year draws to a close and Violet begins planning for 2021 as she heads home for the holidays. We also meet Billie who is trying to find a balance between having her mum move in with her, working in a small-town brothel, and studying.

PRELUDE: HINDSIGHT IS 2020

In this prelude Violet returns, setting the scene for the second season of Sex Worker Diaries by recapping the year that was 2020. As 2021 draws to a close, Violet recounts the highs and lows of lockdown and its impact on her relationships and her work.

SEASON ONE

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EPISODE 7: NO GUARANTEE

As Australia goes into a nation-wide lockdown, Lucie and Ruby need to find ways to adapt their work. Lucie’s confidence takes a hit as they struggle to get bookings due to the pandemic. Meanwhile, Ruby’s club closes completely and she turns to other forms of sex work to support herself.

EPISODE 6: A GLOBAL PANDEMIC

As 80 cases of Covid19 make their way to Australia, Ruby and her partner need to decide if they should visit friends who have travelled to Australia on a cruise ship. Lucie reflects on their clients from the day while Valerie contemplates moving back to Townsville.

EPISODE 5: HUMAN TO HUMAN

As Coronavirus takes hold overseas, Ruby has a very standard weekend at work. Valerie takes the week off work to move to a new house and contemplates if she’ll work next week, based on ongoing Coronavirus situation. This week we also meet Lucie who is trying to create healthy boundaries between themselves and their work but is worried about how much longer they’ll be able to work given the current circumstances

EPISODE 4: CONTINGENCY PLAN

As the first plane of Australians return from a Corona Virus stricken Wuhan, it’s business as usual for Violet, Valerie and Ruby. Violet begins receiving Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and a client pushes her boundaries. Valerie is moving and while inspecting a new rental property has an uncomfortable encounter with the real estate agent. The night before Ruby’s upcoming job interview something unexpected happens.

EPISODE 3: CAN'T REWIND TIME

As work gets underway for 2020, Valerie’s car gets recalled, making getting safely to and from work her primary concern. Violet sees one of her favourite regulars and reflects on what she would do if she could rewind time and change the last 10 years. At the end of this episode, we meet Ruby who is excited about a promising job prospect outside sex work and contemplates her exit from the industry.

EPISODE 2: GATES OF HELL

In January 2020, the pre-Christmas buzz is well and truly gone. Violet faces a relationship change she was not expecting, forcing her work and personal life into a slump. Valerie heads to Canberra for Summernats as it promises to be a lucrative weekend of work. But with bushfires closing in around the city, uncertainty fills the air.

EPISODE 1: A NEW YEAR

As bushfires engulf most of Australia, Violet and Valerie prepare to return to their respective country hometowns for Christmas. Uncertain but optimistic, they contemplate what their relationships and work will look like in 2020.