Here’s a dreary piece of economic news: sex workers, who are normally recession proof, are feeling the pinch of the economic decline.

Kim Capozziello, owner of Scruples Lounge in Bridgeport, has not seen much change in her bottom line. Her dancers have.

“People will continue to drink regardless of the economy,” says Capozziello. “When given the choice between a $20 lap dance or $20 on drinks, many of the patrons are opting to drink.” . . .

Adult spas reported a huge decline in appointments. Marilyn, a spa manager, says her spa is now open by appointment only. “We couldn’t justify being open all the time,” she says. “Keeping the spas and saunas operating costs money.”

The sex trade is getting tougher all around. An article published in September, written by Columbia University sociologist, author and documentary filmmaker Sudhir Venkatesh, found that during difficult financial times there is an increase in the so-called indoor sex worker trade. “Sex workers of the past waited on street corners, outside bars and around parks, and their transactions were fleeting and usually for a few dollars,” Venkatesh says. . .

Marissa has not worked on the street for many years, fearful of incarceration, but has considered revisiting those old haunts. “I may have to. I don’t really have many other options.”

Well there goes my plan for boosting my freelance revenue. Seriously, though, that is tough news. I wonder if escorts are feeling the same pinch. The article seems to focus primarily on dancers and spa technicians. And what about porn stars? What’s their bottom line?

The ladies in this piece are optimistic, though.

All the women interviewed thought the economic stress they feel is temporary. Marissa says she and her co-workers have faced difficult times before and will probably see them again, but is confident things will improve.

Photo credit: stock.xchng