'Open university' skills classes for sex workers

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Prostitutes from across Europe have been invited to the week-long event, which will feature classes in erotic massage, self-defence, setting up businesses, wrestling, and protecting mental health.

Luca Raven, a male prostitute from Hackney, organised the event which starts on Tuesday to help sex workers overcome isolation and share skills.

He said: "People think sex workers have no skills, but I know they have many talents including acting and performance, entrepreneurial talents or a compassionate, attentive and non-judgmental ear. We want to share our knowledge. A lot of people come to me and say they want to start doing sex work. It is much better that they go to a workshop telling them how to get into the industry safely."

The course coincides with government proposals to criminalise men who pay for sex with a woman controlled by any other person - such as a drug dealer or pimp. But campaigners said this would drive prostitution underground and add to the already confusing prostitution laws.

The event will be held at Queen Mary, University of London and a community centre in Whitechapel.