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SEX AND THE CITY - PART TWO Written by Tamara Kedrova Photography by Tamara Kedrova- 12th April 2024 Sex work is a controversial topic, often shrouded in secrecy and stigma. It is important to recognize that sex work is not always exploitative or degrading. For some individuals, it can be a choice made out of economic necessity, while for others it is a form of empowerment and agency over their own bodies and sexuality. In the next part of this series, we will delve further into the complexities of the sex work industry, exploring the different experiences and perspectives of those involved. Escorts and hostesses offer company, companionship and time to their clients, who are often willing to spend a lot of cash in exchange for this. (Pictured Above: Ashley Roberts) Kowaku is a hostess club located in Morningwood. Hostess clubs are typically found in Asian countries such as Japan and South Korea, so this niche club is quite unique in its placement in Los Santos. These clubs generally attract clientele looking for companionship in a social setting and the hostesses are typically young and attractive women who spend time with these customers talking, drinking and flirting in exchange for tips. One of the hostess spent some time showing me around the establishment and she gave an interview, explaining the experience from her point of view. Ashley Roberts: Hostess clubs are kind of rare in the city. We /do/ get a lot of customers who have never been to a place like this and they're sometimes pretty confused. A hostess club is basically kind of like a strip club, kind of. But instead of paying for girls to dance, you're paying for company. You know, to sit with you, have conversation, have drinks.When you come in, a Hostess greets you, sits you down. And you can order drinks and just— Enjoy the company. It's not a strip club though, so no one is getting naked or anything. Tamara Kedrova: It's kind of like an escort service but without the sex? It's just attention they're getting? Ashley Roberts: You're paying for company. Now— You'd think that only lonely people would pay for something like this, but we actually do get a lot of couples and groups here as well. So, anyone can come! We get all sorts of people coming in here. Even today, we had a whole group of bikers in here as well and they seemed to have had a good time. Tamara Kedrova: Do you ever get propositioned to do more? Ashley Roberts: Sometimes. Yes. Not often, but it does happen, definitely. Tamara Kedrova: Do you think people have a negative view of what you do? Ashley Roberts: For the most part— No. I mean, most people don't even know what a hostess is when I tell them. But in general, not really. Tamara Kedrova: Is the money good? You get tipped well? Ashley Roberts: Pay's good and yes, I do get tips often. Of course, it depends on the day, not every week is consistent. But in general, it's good. Tamara Kedrova: Would you consider this kind of thing sex work, in any way? Ashley Roberts: Not at all. Well. To be fair, it depends on the individual Hostess. Some hostesses do engage in that kind of work, but in general? No. Tamara Kedrova: Do you enjoy the job? Ashley Roberts: I do! I've actually been working here for about six months now. I love working here and I have a great relationship with all the other girls that I work alongside. It's a very healthy work environment. Tamara Kedrova: Is there anything you want to add? Something you'd like me to quote? I don't think a lot of people know exactly what hostesses actually do, like you said. Ashley Roberts: That is definitely true. Actually— The most common misconception that I see is people assuming that this place is a strip club. And I just want people to understand that, it's not. If anything, it's more like a fancy bar. In general, just keep an open mind. I also reached out to a popular escort agency in Los Santos known for their online advertisements and expansive range of services featured on their website. The manager of the agency connected with me before the interview, and one of their escorts, who will be referred to as "Maria," graciously shared her insights on her profession. Accompanied by her manager, "Maria" arrived for our interview with a request for the anonymity of both the company and the escort to be respected. Tamara Kedrova: So first off, the job. I saw you guys got a lot of options on the website. Maria: Yeah, family is growing. Tamara Kedrova: Can you tell me the most popular request? Maria: Well it's definitely the one on one meetings that last hour. Second comes dancing. Tamara Kedrova: In the one on ones... is that an hour of anything the client wants? Maria: Not quite anything. We are escorts, our primary goal is to keep company. Tamara Kedrova: I see. So sex isn't usually what most customers contact you for? Maria: There are plenty of lonely people out there that have a hard time finding friends and are socially awkward. Through our agency, they don't have to go to the trouble of trying to get us interested in them. We can go straight into enjoying each other's company. Tamara Kedrova: Are most of the customers men? Maria: Majority yes, there are some women too. Tamara Kedrova: And are most of them nice, respectful? Maria: Could say yes, it's like most of them are shy even if they just paid for company. But I know how to handle shy, awkward or even not so nice people. Tamara Kedrova: I thought escorts were mainly contacted for sex? Maria: Thing is, escorting is legal, prostitution isn't. Tamara Kedrova: How do you end up doing this kind of work? Maria: I came back to LS after visiting relatives for a while back in Spain and I was trying to figure out what kind of direction I want to take my life in. My friend... I'm sure he was joking, but said that I should become an escort. I met some wonderful people that were ex-escorts that taught me a lot of things.They prepared me for the life of escort. Tamara Kedrova: And the man who brought you over here? He's like a manager or something? Maria: Yup, greatest guy I have ever met. He actually cares about our wellbeing. Tamara Kedrova: Think this is something you'll find yourself doing for a long time yet? Want to own a company yourself someday? Maria: Nah, I want clients that are out there that us mortals can only see or hear about in the news. People just get to shake their hand if lucky. Even in escorting, there are goals to have. Tamara Kedrova: Ok and finally. The pay? You make quite a lot out of it? Maria: Honestly? There is a crazy amount of money to be made in this business. I've been working hard enough that I can afford a nice car and fancy penthouse. And finally, to view things from the perspective of a client, I spoke to a man who regularly uses escorts. He also asked to remain anonymous and so for the sake of this interview, he will be referred to as “Tim.” Tim gave an interesting insight from the other side of this elicit world and told me about himself. Tamara Kedrova: I guess the first thing I want to ask is. Well— what's the reason you hire escorts? Just for sex? company? Tim: Both. It depends on the other half. So I don't like dating very much to be honest, so it's easy to find nice company for events or in private. Tamara Kedrova: Do you meet with the same girls often? Or does it vary a lot? Tim: Yeah. I stick with one or two. I don't like the change that much. Tamara Kedrova: Do they work for an agency, typically? Tim: No. Freelancers. You know the agencies, it takes away what's left of the organicity of it. Tamara Kedrova: So these women are happy, in control, essentially? In your experience at least? Tim: Yeah, I mean, mostly they are independent and happy. As far as I can see, they chose this, they are not in need to do it. Tamara Kedrova: Do you mind if I ask what you do for a living? If it's not going be too revealing for you? Tim: I work in property management. I don't know how much you know about it.I mean, for very wealthy individuals, I manage their properties, and have to travel a lot. And because of that, yeah, I don't have time for traditional dates and it seemed the best. Tamara Kedrova: How much does it cost, typically? Do you hire by the hour? For a night? Tim: There are levels, we can say that. You can find girls for a night, like for ten grand? Tamara Kedrova: The whole night? Tim: Yeah, that's the bottom of the market. But honestly I don't think many people choose them as a company. If you want to appear with someone in a public event, you have to pay more. I mean with a good looking girl who has manners and so. For intermediate level we can say a price about.. twenty grands. And if you want the cream of the.. market.. you have to pay like eighty grands. Tamara Kedrova says: And you get everything for that? Tim: With that it feels like an actual date. So yeah, you can get everything. Not like a robot, they are usually a great person who just chose a different lifestyle. I think it's very captivating, you know like.. a rabbit-hole. Tamara Kedrova: You think that's what happens with these women? They have their reasons for getting into it, then they find it hard to leave? Tim: I mean, I think it is hard to leave. May not be true for everyone, but as I can see in the higher-class of this they usually get used to it, kind of easy money. And they are stuck inside of it. In a city as vibrant and diverse as Los Santos, it's no surprise that the topic of sex and its portrayal in the media remains a hotly debated issue. From controversial advertisements to scandalous news reports, the intersection of sex and marketing is a constant presence in our daily lives. While some may argue that the commodification of sex only serves to perpetuate harmful stereotypes and objectify individuals, others contend that it is simply a reflection of our society's values and desires. Regardless of where you fall on this spectrum of opinion, one thing is clear: sex sells. Have something to add? Leave a comment below! Comments are: Enabled

Name: TamaraK Comment: Unfortunately, whether people agree with it or not, sex work is a part of Los Santos, and my job is to report on life in Los Santos. If anyone wishes to contact me to discuss anything, my email is open: [email protected] ((forum pm)) Thanks for reading!

SEX AND THE CITY: PART ONE Written by Tamara Kedrova, 23rd of March, 2024 (Pictured Above: Innocence Boulevard) There’s a certain stigma when it comes to sex work. Some view it as negative, others view it as empowering and there are no doubt plenty of people who sit somewhere in between. But is the “oldest profession in the world” really still as prevalent today? And what exactly does it look like in 2024? Are these women victims? Or are they entrepreneurs, in control of their lives and finances? Sex work takes many forms, from the stereotypical street workers, to a more discreet service in the shape of escort agencies. With the popularity of the internet, there are other dimensions to this too, where people do not even need to leave their homes to receive pictures and videos to meet their needs. The following will be a look into the aspects of this work, split across three articles. The first focuses on two street workers of Los Santos and gains some insight from two women who make their living selling sex. Paradise and Hot Topic are two women who regularly work the streets of South Central. I took a chance and approached the street late one evening and asked for an interview. To my initial surprise, they were more than willing to talk to me and were warm, friendly and kind all the while. I started by asking them if they used nicknames, and if so, how they came up with them. "I was not using a nickname before. But..[n-words] been telling me I'm just like a paradise, baby. And... I started to call myself Paradise.” And, for Hot Topic, “It just came so randomly for me first. I was thinking about not basic ass names like Honey an whatnot you feel me? That's for Emily looking ass bitches..." The duo had only met a few days before, but had an obvious bond. “I can tell you this my bestie. We ride or dies.” Hot Topic explained “So our story? I was heading to the hair salon and shit, and I seen her (Paradise) standing right there. Some (n-word) was following her on his bike right? He pulls away after some time. Then here come these two bitches right? Hopped out the car saying what you hoes got on and whoopty whoop, right? I said your momma bitch. She came back outside from the hairdresser, gets all up in my face talking bout you got a problem and some— so boom. She say she from some Hoover gang, I said bitch I don’t give a fuck where you from? We can get active. Then Paradise? She grabbed that bitch hair from behind girl! Snatched her and started beating on her! Bitch claimed she was a gang member but I swear to God she just a weak ass bitch. Police pulled up an shit, we mopped the hoe and we running and running! Then we stopped and we just started talking about it and shit” (Pictured Above: Hot Topic and Paradise) I asked about the dangers of working on the streets and for their experience of it, be it from customers or the general public and how they deal with problems as they arise. Paradise: Always, baby. We always active. We some down ass bitches, you feel me? Hot Topic: Soon as we step outside? We know shit about to go down always. (N-words) trying us, bitches. We whoop them. There is always some bullshit on the streets, can't lie to you girl. Dudes an bitches trying us— shit, but we get active. Tamara: Do you get the same guys— or girls showing up for you? Or is it just random people each time? Hot Topic: Giiiirl! We not doing girls at all, but there is some couple dudes who be coming at us. Fat, white, mexican, black. Every type of dudes. Tamara: How are they with you like, respectful and all? Paradise: Yeah.. that's a question what we always get. Girl, I'm gonna tell you... respectful or not, I get active. I gotta protect myself, shit. If I get on the floor? It is what it is. At least I tried. I asked if the two women currently worked for themselves, rather than for a group or for a “pimp” - a term that is often used. Paradise: Yeah. No pimps eating on my money. Hot Topic: Hell yeah. Yup, they just taking it from you. Some dudes don't give no cuts from the money what /you/ made out here. Paradise: If a (n-word) says they gonna protect you? All cap honey. Hot Topic: They be lying look at that girl who just mopped before? She said she got a P, right? Where he was? Nowhere. Paradise: Baby, is all about trafficking, no pimp game shit here. That's something back in eighties. Hot Topic: Baby its all type of (n-words) coming to us to be honest. They always come up with some like "Isn't dangerous for you girls? I can protect y'all" Like stop the cap, no you not. Then if you say no? They get mad. On the subject of respect, I asked the pair how they think people view them, or more specifically, the work they do and if they felt that they were looked down on for their profession. Paradise: Yeah. They do. But how many f***s given? Hot Topic: But they wanna f*** of course, but they say we dirty this and that— zero f***s given. Paradise: Zero. Hot Topic: Baby we clean as a-.. on my soul. They just saying things all the time if you reject them. You know how many (N-words) pulled up who has wives and all that? A lot girl. Paradise: So yeah. Hot Topic: They be with all the weird shit for reals, but all of them have wives at home. We talked about the police and their dealings with cops too, considering the selling of sex is illegal in Los Santos. Paradise: Not really. Also, they looking for the people who willing to pay for some p****. Not looking out after girls. Hot Topic: And they'll f*** round with them, not with us. (Pictured Above: Innocence Boulevard by night) I finished my time with Hot Topic and Paradise asking if they see themselves doing this kind of work forever, or if it is just a means to an end for now. “Shit girl— the thing is? I'm married to the streets, I just love all that shit what's going on outside you feel me? But one day? Maybe we can stop this and do some else, who knows.” And to close, a quote. Paradise: I'm gonna tell y'all bitches to back the f*** up, mind your own f******* business, get your shit - get your money, be sexy and all that shit — but bitch if you f****** with me? You f****** with your own self. I'm good, I'm chill. I f*** with most of the people but if someone tryna press me? You know what I'm saying? Hot Topic: Period. It's your girls Paradise and Hot Topic, f*** with the baddest bitches of LS. Paradise: Follow me on social media y'all, justlikeparadisexo. Comments Are: Enabled Name: Comment:

BENEATH THE BRIGHT LIGHTS OF VINEWOOD... Written by Tamara Kedrova - Photography by Tamara Kedrova 2/10/24 (Pictured Above: Assyrian Mural) When I drove through the city on a cold, rainy, February night, I found myself on a quiet street beneath the lights of Vinewood. I came across a small bakery, the only place open on the entire street as the evening ticked on. Eager to get something hot to drink, I stepped inside and was immediately hit by a warm and welcoming glow. The smell of pastry and shisha danced in the air filling the room with a sweet, intoxicating aroma. Cushions and cosy chairs lined the floor and subtle music from a land far away played in the background. I ordered myself a mint tea and was served promptly by a friendly and welcoming lady. I had found Ali’s Eastern Pastries - the heart of a little known community in West Vinewood. (Pictured Above: Inside "Ali's Eastern Pastries") The owner of this bakery is a man named Ali Raja. An immigrant who originally travelled from Iraq, arriving in America some twenty years ago. I asked if I was allowed to take some pictures and he agreed from where he lounged on the floor, puffing away on an apple scented shisha pipe. I learned that Raja hails from humble beginnings and he was eager to tell me about his business, and of the people he shares his home with. What interested me most of all, was his plans to establish an officiated neighbourhood in the Vinewood area - Little Baghdad. Ali explained that a monthly market is held to celebrate all things Middle Eastern. Food, music, cultural learning as well as raising money for charity. Most recently, a Syrian relief fund. The market also helps to support local businesses, something Ali would have no doubt found invaluable when arriving in Los Santos. “ A lot of people are forced to group up with their own, stay close to family and blood. It was the same with the Asians who came into this country, same with everyone from the Middle East. I left a war-torn country only to come here and be faced with everything but kindness. But hey, I made it work.” (Pictured Above: A community BBQ) Ali went on to make himself a success story. I asked if treatment towards him had changed over the twenty two years he has lived in the city, after arriving at the age of twenty two. “Better than it was twenty years ago, for sure. People just stop caring with time, you know? So yeah. It's way better now. I've seen change and it can happen.” Ali told me about his hopes for the future and the eventual establishment of an officially recognised community and support for this came in the form of David Wu - The son of immigrants himself who missed out on a council spot to Josely Martinez in January. “He is Asian: he knows the struggles of immigrants, and knows it first-hand. He knows the working man's needs. He actually came around the other day to our BBQ. He likes the community, And we're willing to work out the officialization of our neighborhood with the Democratic Party.” Whether the Republican Party takes up this movement remains to be seen. "I want people to know that we're welcoming and that we wish to flourish just like every other community of immigrants in the city. I'm willing to do everything it takes to see it flourish. We want more people to come and learn about our culture, to step into our businesses and feel at home, this including my bakery. We've had people from all walks of life inside this bakery and they've all enjoyed it." Have something to add? Leave a comment below! Comments are: Enabled

Little Jasper Cho 😍

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