Though society doesn’t always openly discuss it, escorting is a profession with a long history. Records of sex work date back to ancient times, but how much do we really know about the evolution of escorting?
Today, we’re diving into a brief history of escorting and how the job has evolved over the years. From early mentions to well-recorded brothels, we’re examining key periods in the history of escorting and their impact on the profession today.
What is Escorting?
Escorting involves providing companionship to clients for a specific period or event. This may include sexual services (where legal), but can also involve non-physical companionship or non-sexual interactions.
Is Escorting Sex Work?
The term “escorting” is often associated with sex work, and many clients do seek sexual services. However, not all escorts offer sexual services. It depends on the individual provider and their boundaries.
Early Examples of Escorting
The history of sex work can be traced back to ancient times, with one of the earliest records coming from the Sumerian civilization around 2400 BC. The Sumerian word for prostitute, “Kar-Kid,” appears in a list of professions, indicating the existence of female sex workers. Similarly, the term “Kur-Garru” referred to male or transvestite sex workers.
In ancient China around 600 BC, brothels were reportedly started by the statesman-philosopher Kuang Chung to increase state income, although the legality of escorting within these establishments remains debated among scholars.
Escorting in the Early Modern Period
During the Early Modern period (post-Late Middle Ages to the Age of Revolutions), escorting took on different forms in various cultures. In 1500s Italy, during the Renaissance, courtesans emerged as high-end escorts known for their beauty, charm, wit, and grace. These courtesans entertained the aristocratic upper class.
In Japan, the red-light district of Yoshiwara was established in the 1600s, where legal brothels operated in a designated area.
In Colonial America, prostitution and escorting started to be regulated in 1699, though it wasn’t considered a common law offense until after World War I. Regulations included minor punishments for adultery or fornication, varying by state.
19th and 20th Century Escorts
In the 19th century, European nations began regulating escorting more strictly. For instance, in 1810, under Napoleon’s rule, the Netherlands implemented regulations to prevent the spread of diseases. Similarly, Britain’s Contagious Diseases Act of 1864 allowed police to arrest escorts in towns with significant military presences and enforce compulsory venereal disease checks.
In the United States, regulations varied by state. St. Louis implemented brothel licenses and medical exams for escorts in 1870, but this was repealed by Missouri state in 1874. In 1875, the US Congress banned the immigration of prostitutes.
The 20th century saw continued legalisation and regulation of escorting and brothels globally, with changes often reflecting the political climate of the time. In Britain, the 1959 Wolfenden Report led to the decriminalisation of prostitution, although solicitation and related acts remained illegal under the Street Offences Act 1959.
Escorting Today
Today, the escorting landscape is vastly different, largely due to advancements in the internet and technology. Escorts can now join online agencies or establish their own businesses, gaining greater control over their careers.
Escorting is now one branch of the adult industry, which also includes webcamming, glamour modeling, phone sex operating, and adult filmmaking.
UK Laws
In the UK, escorting and the exchange of sexual services are legal everywhere except Northern Ireland, thanks to the 2003 Sexual Offences Act. However, soliciting and advertising services remain illegal, complicating the lives of escorts who need to market themselves. Police also conduct immigration raids and issue prostitution cautions.
Fortunately, many UK-based collectives and charities support sex workers by helping them understand their rights and stay safe.
The Takeaway
Like all industries, escorting continues to evolve. In the next decade or two, we hope to see reduced stigma and misconceptions, and improved working conditions for escorts.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this overview of the history of escorting. Did we miss any significant events? Let us know!
For more information and services, visit Empire Escorts Agency. Want to help escorts achieve better working conditions? Find out how to get involved in sex work advocacy and educate yourself to help reduce stigma.
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