Series: Things you wish you knew

Published 21 August 2026

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In this new series, we share sex worker-run events, along with sex workers’ tips, tricks and hard-won wisdom. In this instalment, Nayra shares what she has learned from more than 35 years in sex work, and from the colleagues who became her chosen family.

What would you have liked to know before you started?

When I started prostitution on the streets in Spain in the 1980s, there was not much information about condoms, sexually transmitted diseases, or the risks connected to drugs. In those years, many drugs arrived and I witnessed many addictions and deaths among my colleagues and friends. I would have also liked to have known how to act when clients were under the influence, to prevent dangerous situations.

Another important lesson would have been learning more about empathy and managing competition between coworkers: jealousy, envy, betrayal, frustration, and fights. A first aid course would also have been very useful, because sooner or later something happens — to yourself, a client, a colleague, or someone on the street.

What is the best lesson you learned from your colleagues?

My colleagues taught me everything. They taught me about which hormones were more harmful or beneficial, helped me when I had problems with clients, and showed me how to be safer in my work. With some of them I created friendships that have lasted a lifetime. They are the people you share your daily life with: work, paperwork, parties, holidays, problems, and happiness. They advise you about your appearance, makeup, shoes, and hairstyles. They are the people you can talk to and express your feelings with. Through them, I found a chosen family that I didn't even know was possible.

What is the most unexpected moment within your work?

The biggest surprise is that I am still here. At my age, I can say I survived — many trans people from my generation did not. During my life in sex work I experienced violence, robbery, beatings, rape, psychological abuse, police harassment, arrests, and discrimination. I was hurt by clients, criminals, authorities, and sometimes even my co-workers.

But alongside this, I also experienced incredible solidarity. My colleagues helped me through difficult moments, recommended surgeons for my transition, supported me with clients, and taught me how to manage money so I could build a secure future. Many clients also treated me with respect and generosity, plus my best sexual experiences have been with my clients.

After 35 years in sex work, I retired at 50 and opened my own dog grooming salon. Today, I support LGBTQIA+, feminist, animal, and environmental causes, participating as much as I can and am allowed to, in all these areas.

Nayra Green

Nayra Green is a trans woman, retired sex worker, dog groomer, and activist. After 35 years working across Europe, she advocates for feminism, the LGBTQIA+ movement, animal welfare, the environment, and world peace.