What happens when the world assumes “sex work” automatically means sexual attraction, high desire, or pleasure-driven motivation? This panel centers professional sex workers who are asexual, moderated by Marla Renee Stewart, MA, CSE, with resident expert Aubri Lancaster, CSE. Together, panelists will explore the complexity of orientation, identity, and labor—how they define intimacy, navigate boundaries, negotiate consent, manage emotional labor, and make meaning of their work within a culture that often misunderstands both asexuality and sex work.

Designed for therapists, counselors, educators, and sexuality professionals, this discussion will translate lived experience into practice-ready takeaways: how to avoid pathologizing asexual clients, how to assess desire discrepancies without assumptions, how to hold space for clients in or adjacent to the industry, and how to speak about sex work and orientation with ethical, affirming care. Expect nuance, real-world language, and a focus on clinical and educational competence—not sensationalism.

Panelists:

1. Michelle Renee (she/her) is a therapeutic intimacy specialist, supporting clients across the country since 2015, with over 1,300 hours of hands-on sessions. With a background as a Certified Cuddlist® and a trained Surrogate Partner, she’s seen her clients grow as they experience safety, trust, acceptance, and empowerment. She views her work as physical therapy for your emotional health. She aims to help you discover and love your true self, enabling you to share that love and acceptance with others repeatedly.
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5. Resident Expert: Aubri Lancaster is an AASECT and ANTE UP! Certified Sexuality Educator. As a Greyromantic Asexual Jewish Femme, Aubri has lived experience and a connection to the Asexual and Aromantic communities that provides a unique perspective on the issues facing the changing landscape of sexuality and orientation. Aubri's services can be found at AceSexEducation.com including workshops, consulting, and training. She also offers free content on IG @AceSexEducation. When not working, Aubri spends her time with her spouse, her friends, her 8 year old, and her three adorable Chihuahuas.

No one turned away for lack of funds.

AASECT CE Learning Objectives

By the end of this panel, participants will be able to:

1. Define asexuality and distinguish it from low libido, sexual dysfunction, celibacy, trauma responses, and by accurately describing at least 4 differentiators.
2. Identify at least 5 common clinical/educational assumptions about sex work and attraction, and rewrite them into affirming, non-pathologizing statements.
3. Demonstrate an affirming intake approach by generating 6 neutral, consent-forward assessment questions relevant to orientation, desire, boundaries, and work context.

Core Knowledge Areas: C, D, E, F, I, O

This program meets the requirements of the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) and is approved for 1.5 CE credits. These CE credits may be applied toward AASECT certification and renewal of certification.

Completion of this program does not ensure or guarantee AASECT certification. For further information please contact info@aasect.org.

Grievance Procedures found HERE.