International Whores' Day 2025 - The situation of sex workers in Austria
June 2025 - A day for respect, rights and recognition
On today's International Whores' Day, also known as International Sex Workers' Day, we are setting an example for the rights and recognition of sex workers worldwide. This day, which dates back to the occupation of the Saint-Nizier church in Lyon in 1975, commemorates the beginning of the whore movement and the ongoing struggles against discrimination, stigmatization and exploitative working conditions. In Austria, where sex work is legal, there are still numerous challenges that sex workers have to overcome on a daily basis. This blog post takes a look at the current situation in Austria and the demands of the community.
Sex work in Austria: Legal, but not equal
In Austria, prostitution is legal and regulated by laws such as the Vienna Prostitution Act. Sex workers must register with the authorities and undergo regular medical examinations. These regulations are intended to ensure safety and control, but in practice they often lead to bureaucratic hurdles and stigmatization. Many sex workers, especially migrants, face multiple challenges: They are not only confronted with prejudice, but also with legal uncertainty and limited access to social security systems.
The coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated the precarious situation of many sex workers. Loss of income, the threat of homelessness and a lack of state support hit the industry particularly hard. While other professional groups received financial aid, sex workers were often left out, which illustrates the unequal treatment.
Demands for International Whores' Day
Organizations such as LEFÖ, maiz, sexworker.at and the Alliance for Sex Workers' Rights PRO SEX WORK use International Whores' Day to draw attention to abuses and make clear demands:
- Decriminalization and recognition: Sex work must be recognized as legitimate work, with the same rights and protection as in other professions. Stigmatization and discrimination must end.
- Abolition of repressive laws: Laws that affect the health and safety of sex workers must be repealed. This also includes the fight against the so-called "Nordic model", which criminalizes clients and worsens working conditions.
- Participation and self-determination: Sex workers are demanding a greater say in legal regulations that affect their industry. Their voices must be heard in political processes.
- Protection for migrants: Migrant sex workers in particular, who often face multiple forms of discrimination, need better access to legal and social support.
Intimcity: A space for visibility and professionalism
Platforms such as IntimcityIntimcity play an important role in giving sex workers a professional and visible presence. With free listings, sex workers can showcase their services and get in touch with clients directly, without agency fees or insecure structures. The GPS search and detailed profiles on Intimcity offer transparency and security - for both sex workers and clients. But here too, the demand remains that society accepts sex work as a profession and does not continue to stigmatize it.
A look ahead: solidarity and change
International Whores' Day 2025 is not just a day of remembrance, but also a call to action. Events such as the LEFÖ campaign https://lefoe.at/ at Urban-Loritz-Platz in Vienna or the week of action in Germany show how important exchange and visibility are. Sex workersand their supporters demand respect, safety and full participation in society