Curvaceous content creator Cinthya LaRose is offering a different perspective on sex work as this once-derided career choice gains legitimacy – and millions of new supporters, thanks to celeb-studded fan platforms such as OnlyFans – in the wake of the COVID pandemic.

“Selling sex has always come armed with negative connotations and stereotypes, and, make no mistake, many parts of the business harbor instances of victimization, degradation, and violence,” says LaRose. “Exploitation definitely exists, and it’s important to acknowledge this. But if this is how people primarily view sex work, then they are only seeing part of the picture.”

One crucial element that is often missing from the story of sex work is the positive and supportive relationships with fans, followers, and clients. “I remember women asking me, ‘Aren’t you afraid that men won’t respect you and only use you?’ For me personally, this has not been my experience. Instead, I have attracted more men interested in serving me. I know it’s a hard idea to grasp, especially when you’ve been in a relationship where the woman is seen as subordinate.

“People don’t believe me when I say I’ve had men send me money… just because. I remember this one guy once gifted me more than $8500 because it was just something he was into. In gratitude, I let him rub my feet and do chores!” LaRose adds that “others send me luxurious gifts and call me a goddess and ask how they can be of service. I love waking up to extra cash, gifts and sweet messages, and the attention is very flattering. It definitely outweighs any negatives.”

LaRose clarifies that while the social & cultural stigma surrounding sex work is easing and becoming more acceptable, she doesn’t feel the need to call it ‘empowering’ either: “I chose this career of my own free will and I happen to enjoy it – it offers me freedom and gratification on many levels. There are positives, there are negatives, there are people who think I’ve got a great job, and there are people who look down on me because of my job. I don’t really care; at the end of the day, it’s still just a job. In the past, I’ve felt the need to defend it, but I don’t anymore. Why bother?”

• You can follow Cinthya LaRose on Twitter at @cinthya_larose.