Hoping to come visit us soon? These are our opening hours and locations. We'd be happy to support you, or even just have a chat if you'd like someone to talk to.

In QLD, all s*x workers and s*x work businesses are covered by work health and safety legislation. A workplace includes any place where a worker goes or is likely to be while at work. In s*x work, this means any place where s*x workers work. The person who manages or controls a workplace must ensure that the workplace does not risk the health and safety of any person. Workplaces should encourage s*x workers to report injuries, and any health and safety hazards. They should also encourage any suggestions for improvement. This can allow workplaces to reduce the prospect of incidents occurring. S*x workers can report WHS issues (including non-compliance with a WHS requirement or a health and safety risk) directly to WHSQ, or anonymously via Respect Inc. You can contact us for more information about your rights and responsibilities, and we can also help you report a WHS issue in your workplace.

Here's Yasmin, one of our peer educators at Meanjin (Brisbane), chatting about the Respect Inc career development program. Contact [email protected] if you would like to find out more.

Are you a s*x worker in Meanjin (Brisbane) and looking for something new to read? We have some books available for you to take home (or swap)! Feel free to drop by Mondays to Thursdays 12-5pm 🙂

In 1979 Carol Leigh coined the term “s*x work,” to push back against prohibitionist feminists who were using the derogatory and disempowering phrase “pr*stituted women.” It has since become a cornerstone in the fight for the rights and dignity of s*x workers all over the world.

S*x work is decriminalised in QLD, but there may be situations where you have to deal with the police, courts, or immigration systems. If you can, try to stay calm. Being questioned or arrested can be overwhelming, but staying calm can help prevent the situation from escalating or getting worse. Know that you only need to tell the police your name, address, and date of birth. You do not have to answer any other questions if you don’t want to. If police come to your home and ask you to come to the station, ask them if you’re under arrest. If you are not under arrest, you don’t have to go. If you are arrested, the police must tell you what offence you are charged with, and they will usually give you a paper slip with details, including your court date. Make sure to keep this and your QP number. Depending on your situation, you may want to talk to a specialised lawyer. You can contact Respect to learn about your options, or speak to a peer educator if you just want to talk about what happened.

Did you know that we have translated versions of Respect Inc resources? They're available in Thai, Korean, and Simplified Chinese. Drop by one of our offices to pick some up 😊

S*x workers can raise concerns about safety issues with Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ). These concerns may include: - A risk to the health and safety of persons arising from the business or undertaking, and - A suspected non-compliance with a WHS or electrical safety regulatory requirement. Once a concern is raised, WHSQ will then assess what action to take in response to this request. Concerns can be raised anonymously. If you want to make a WHSQ report and would like some help, a Respect Inc peer educator can assist you with this.

The Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) causes cold sores and genital herpes. An episode of genital herpes usually occurs in several stages over 7-10 days and may include: - a mild tingling or itching - small blisters along with irritation, pain, redness, and swelling - glands located in the groin becoming swollen and tender - shallow ulcers. People often do not experience any signs or symptoms before or during an episode of herpes. Some may also experience more severe symptoms, such as flu-like symptoms, fevers, joint pains, groin discomfort, and painful blisters. There is currently no cure for herpes. There are antiviral drugs which can manage the virus, and if taken at the beginning of an episode, they can help reduce the episode’s duration and severity. Herpes can be transferred when engaging in oral s*x, or through the rubbing of genital skin that is not protected by a barrier during s*xual activity. Using c*ndoms reduces the chance of contracting herpes but it cannot be 100% effective as other areas of skin where the virus is present may not be covered.

Here’s a quick guide to help you if a c*ndom has broken or slipped off during a booking. First, stop and try to stay calm. Take a moment to assess what has happened and what you need to do. Next, remove the c*ndom. If it is still on the p*nis or toy, hold the base as it is withdrawn, to prevent it from slipping off. If parts of the c*ndom remain inside, use clean hands or gloves to remove it. Take care to avoid scratching internal tissue with nails or jewellery, as this can increase your risk of infection. If the c*ndom is stuck inside, you may want to discuss safe removal with your doctor or s*xual health clinic. Try not to clean too much. Wash gently around the outside. Do not wash inside your body or flush internally (douche). Try to bear or push down using your pelvic muscles to expel any s*men. It’s your choice if you wish to continue the booking. The Workplace Health and Safety Act allows you to refuse work if you feel it may be a serious risk to your health and safety. You may like to visit a s*xual health clinic and tell them you have had a c*ndom break. You can discuss STI and BBV prevention with them. You can also contact Respect Inc for help at any point if you need support or advice following c*ndom breakage or slippage.

This is what we have in the Meanjin (Brisbane) wh*redrobe at the moment! Whether you need clothes for s work, your social life, or for something different altogether, you can come in and grab some threads for FREE. Donations are also welcome if you are looking to declutter 😊

Yasmin and Louie will be in Townsville from 28-30 October and available to meet with peers if you would like to arrange to catch up during this time. We can come to you or meet you in a cafe/park etc. We will also be hosting a dinner event on Wednesday the 28th of October. You can contact us on 0476214051 or [email protected].

Need more supplies? We stock extra small, small, regular, large, and extra large c*ndoms. Mixed box combinations are available. If you can’t afford them, or are just starting out, we would love to give you some freebies! Respect Inc members are eligible for discounted member prices. Membership is FREE and open to past and present s*x workers.

The Gimuy office hosts a monthly Tea & Tarts social event for sex workers only. This is a free event for local and touring sex workers in the area to get together, socialise, chill out, and have some fun and laughs. Bring a plate to share, or just bring yourself! No RSVP necessary.

Our Yugambeh (Gold Coast) office is closed today. We apologise for any inconvenience. You are welcome to contact our Meanjin (Brisbane) office for support. respectqld.org.au/contact-us…

The Respect Inc Annual General Meeting will be taking place this week - 1pm on Wednesday 14 October! The meeting will deal with 2026 issues and business of Respect Inc. At the AGM, Respect Inc members will get to have their say and vote for nominated members to sit on the Governance Committee and steer the Queensland sex worker organisation for the next twelve (12) months. The AGM can be attended online via Google Meets or in person at our three offices.

Syphilis is complex yet curable STI that can cause serious health problems if it is left untreated. There are different stages of syphilis infection, with each presenting different symptoms. All early stages of syphilis are infectious, and the infection can be passed on to s*xual partners for up to 2 years (if the person is not treated). The primary stage of syphilis can cause sores or ulcers around the genital area, mouth, or throat. Sometimes these may be internal and go unnoticed. Two to six months after getting infected, the secondary stage occurs. Some symptoms may include a flu-like illness, rashes, swollen glands, and wart-like lumps around moist areas of the body. Someone can have no signs or symptoms but still be infectious. Tertiary syphilis can develop years after the infection was first acquried. If left untreated, the bacteria can damage major organ systems in the body. Syphilis can still be treated at this stage. C*ndoms are the best way to prevent syphilis. A simple blood test can detect syphilis, however, it is best to attend a s*xual health check to check for other STIs at the same time. S*x workers can receive free testing at Crimson Plus, a SW only clinic run by Respect Inc. Respect Inc may also be able to help you find a SW friendly clinic near you. You can contact [email protected] to find out more.

Today is World Mental Health Day. This is an opportunity to raise awareness of mental health, reduce stigma, and encourage people to seek support. You can always reach out to a peer educator at Respect Inc if you want support or someone to talk to. We can also offer referrals to sex worker friendly counsellors and services - email [email protected] to find out more.

The Respect Inc Annual General Meeting will be taking place from 1pm on Wednesday 14 October! The meeting will deal with 2026 issues and business of Respect Inc. At the AGM, Respect Inc members will get to have their say and vote for nominated members to sit on the Governance Committee and steer the Queensland sex worker organisation for the next twelve (12) months. The AGM can be attended online via Google Meets or in person at our three offices.

Respect Inc provides Workforce Development training to a range of organisations, agencies, businesses and Government departments. It is training that addresses the barriers s*x workers face when accessing mainstream services, allowing for increased safety and support for s*x workers when accessing these services in future. If you want to learn more, you can contact [email protected].

"Nothing about us without us" is a core principle which affirms that sex workers are the experts when it comes to our own labour, safety, health, and working conditions. ☂️❤️