We love our favorite sex workers and adult film stars because they are uninhibited, playful, and just so, so hot. But they’re also people. And they have bad days, just like you and I do. And they have traumas they’re trying to process, as we all do, and they sometimes have to work in uncomfortable conditions with people they may not particularly like on days that they just aren’t feeling it.

Additionally, sex workers also often lack access to health care, face financial insecurity, and have to contend with unfair labor practices.

This all can take a toll on a person, and due to the societal stigma that still hounds the industry, sex workers often find themselves with no one to turn to. That's where therapist Dr. Monique Martinez-Quiros comes into action. She contracts and represents both The Cupcake Girls and Pineapple Support, and has helped countless sex workers find support and acceptance.

The Cupcake Girls: Connecting People to Institutions

The Cupcake Girls is a non-profit organization that offers direct care programs for those involved in the sex industry. Their support is always confidential, and they routinely connect individuals with professionals such as tax experts or doctors who are willing to provide their services either pro bono or at reduced cost.

The Cupcake Girls also works to prevent sex trafficking and provide referral services for those affected by it.

Dr. Monique Martinez-Quiros is Vice Chair for The Cupcake Girls and works closely with the organization to provide confidential support for those in need.

“To be clear, not all sex workers or those working the adult industry are sex trafficking survivors,” Dr. Monique says.

“At The Cupcake Girls, we envision a world where sex trafficking is eradicated and consensual sex workers are safe and empowered. That’s why we provide nonjudgmental support to empower our program participants through respect, resources, and relationships.”

The Cupcake Girls has two offices, one in Oregon and one in Nevada, but they provide their services to all adult sex workers and any sex trafficking survivors regardless of their location in the United States.

They continue their advocacy on social media and in the sex worker community, whether by spreading news of wellness opportunities, sponsoring ladies’ nights, or warning the community of predatory police activity.

Dr. Monique Martinez-Quiros, BHP, DBH, MS, LAC, LCPC, NCC

Pineapple Support: 24/7 Emotional Care

Sometimes, the support that sex workers need is more immediate and sensitive.

Pineapple Support offers live, 24/7 online support to verifiable online sex workers, nationwide.

They have vetted, sex positive therapists standing by who understand that producing the quality adult scenes that we enjoy so much requires a community of caring, non-predatory professionals.

This organization also gives volunteers an opportunity, through 7 Cups Academy, to train to be a “listener” in the community. Anyone can register and take a class that trains them to be a better active listener and to give comfort to people who are reaching out for help. The process of qualifying to be a listener is an enlightening and empowering accomplishment in and of itself.

Pineapple Support is also multilingual. “I myself provide services for Pineapple Support in English and Spanish,” says Dr. Monique, who is a therapist on contract with Pineapple support and works tirelessly to promote its services. “I have been able to speak at summits, facilitate support groups, participate in top adult industry events, as well as present at these events.”

And these two non-profits have lasting value. “As a therapist and coach with Pineapple Support, the sky's the limit,” says Dr. Monique. “There are so many different ways in which Pineapple Support provides support to online sex workers.”

Follow The Cupcake Girls on Twitter (@CupcakeGirlsOrg) and on Instagram (@cupcakegirlsorg).

Follow Pineapple Support on Twitter: (@PineappleYSW) , and on Instagram (@pineappleysw).