Why more women are paying for sex, according to a male escort

A male escort based in Sydney has told of a rise in women paying for the services of male companions, saying that many women are seeking intimacy as well as companionship and connection, and find hiring an escort "empowering".

Lucius, who describes himself as a non-traditionalist, said becoming a male escort wasn't all that different to his single life of travelling the world and dating. Three years ago he found himself subscribing to an escort website and found his calling.

"I really feel my purpose is altruistic and values-based in terms of helping remedy the issues of not just scarcity, but also patriarchy and chauvinism," he told Yahoo Lifestyle.

'It's empowering'

Lucius said as someone who is exclusively serving women, he's learned more women are choosing to pay for a professional to get an empowering and validating experience.

"More women are choosing to pay a professional because it’s empowering. After spending so much time focused on the needs of others, putting their needs and desires first is incredibly validating. I’ve witnessed first-hand the new confidence that kicks in after a client chooses to use my services as a gentleman caller," he said.

"Empowering is the perfect word – it’s remarkable and so satisfying to witness. In fact, it’s one of the main reasons that I do what I do."

He also said it's not just sex that women are looking for.

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"Typically, in addition to sex, they’re looking for the connection, intimacy and (ultimately) companionship that they're not experiencing in their day-to-day lives. Some are seeking an experience on their terms, without fuss, privately, discreetly, and as they like it.

I always say that you can tell more to an escort than to anyone else in your actual life. There are no pre-conceived notions that you get from a real-life partner, a best friend or family member – they talk openly and honestly about everything in a space where there’s no judgement, risk, shame, guilt."

'Australian society holds women back'

Lucius also had some things to say about Australia's low-effort dating culture, with many women turning to the "professional boyfriend experience" to avoid dating hell.

"Sure, the age of the dating app may bring convenience," Lucius said. "[But] the range of potential partners on offer goes to waste simply because we can access so much, so quickly, which has removed the natural and healthy barriers that used to give dating its currency.

Lucius pointed out that women are still facing a culture that is dismissive of their desires, which has led to more women experimenting with a male escort.

"Instead of being made to feel shameful and guilty for seeking out an experience that prioritises their needs, a male escort provides a safe and comfortable space to explore their desires freely," he said.

"Australian society holds women back – they face so many secret battles as they juggle everything, live in almost complete ‘service mode’ and then try to do something (if anything) for themselves. How can women aspire to look after themselves and their needs when, as a country, we suffer from a strong patriarchal chauvinism that instils a belief in us that it’s wrong?"

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