A Sex Worker Says Her Industry’s Been Reduced to ‘Trauma Porn.’ So She Told Her Story ‘On Her Own Terms’ (Exclusive)

**Canadian Sex Worker Andrea Werhun Shares Her Journey in Upcoming Documentary “Modern Whore”**

Andrea Werhun, a Canadian sex worker, is at the forefront of a new documentary titled “Modern Whore,” which is set to be released on May 1. Through this film, Werhun aims to redefine the narratives surrounding sex work and challenge commonly held misconceptions.

Throughout her decade-long career, Werhun has often encountered a troubling pattern among her clients who frequent strip clubs: many inquire about traumatic events from her past, questioning what could have led her into the industry. Tired of this invasive query, she has decided to reclaim her narrative through the upcoming film, channeling her experiences into a powerful testimony.

Directed by her long-time collaborator, Nicole Bazuin, “Modern Whore” is not just a personal story but a larger representation of the sex work community. The documentary intertwines Werhun’s narrative with insights from fellow sex workers and incorporates reenactments of pivotal moments from her career. The aim is to dispel the notion that all sex workers have traumatic backstories, a theme that Werhun refers to as “trauma porn.”

In the documentary, a client’s insistence that her profession must stem from a traumatic childhood reflects a broader societal tendency to pathologise sex work. According to Werhun, this narrative is not only reductive but also serves to shame those in the industry, which she argues should be acknowledged as legitimate work rather than a fringe or criminal activity.

“Modern Whore” draws upon Werhun’s 2018 memoir of the same name and has garnered support from notable figures, including Oscar-winning director Sean Baker. He serves as an executive producer on the project, which aims to provide a more nuanced portrayal of sex work than typically seen in mainstream media.

Werhun and Bazuin’s collaboration dates back to their time as go-go dancers on a music video set, where they first envisioned a documentary that could break the mould of existing representations of sex work. Werhun emphasises that many portrayals are created by individuals with no actual experience in the field. She explains, “The problem with the way sex work is represented in TV and film is that 99% of representations are created by people who are not sex workers.”

In developing “Modern Whore,” the creators ensured that several sex workers contributed to the narrative. They also engaged a trauma counsellor with experience in the field and an intimacy coordinator to safely navigate sensitive topics during the filming process. This approach aims to afford the project a level of authenticity and warmth, presenting not only the darker realities of the profession but also the joy and camaraderie that can exist among workers in the industry.

The documentary does not shy away from confronting the grim aspects of the sex work experience. Werhun recounts some of her more harrowing interactions, including an incident of sexual assault and the subsequent neglect from her strip club manager. Yet, she also highlights positive encounters, such as a notable relationship with a regular client named Ron, described as an “ideal customer”. Their interactions, characterised by respect and understanding, demonstrate a more balanced view of sex work that is rarely shown in similar narratives.

Werhun notes that the inclusion of Ron in the film was an easy choice, as his positive attitude provides a counterpoint to the often sensationalist depictions of client-worker relationships. She expressed her hope that this film would challenge viewers’ perceptions, stating, “This film is going to hit differently for people because they have never seen something like this, where a sex worker is able to tell her own story on her own terms.”

As conversations surrounding sex work gain momentum in mainstream media — evidenced by productions like “Hustlers” in 2019 and the recent Oscar-winning “Anora” — Werhun believes it is crucial to steer the dialogue towards the realities of the industry. She advocates for the decriminalisation of sex work, taking cues from European models that allow for regulation and safety.

Bazuin echoed this sentiment, highlighting the growing support for reform. “I think that it’s time that the law catches up with what’s really in people’s hearts and minds about true positive change for sex workers,” she asserts.

“Modern Whore” will be available for streaming on various platforms, including Apple TV and Prime Video, allowing audiences to engage with Werhun’s story and the complexities of sex work from a fresh perspective. By sharing her experiences, she hopes to foster a deeper understanding of the industry and promote a narrative that celebrates rather than diminishes the voices of sex workers.