Are Asian massage parlors complicit in sex trafficking

[Windowshopper2017]

I am curious to know what others in the forum think about these questions:

• Are Asian massage parlors in the United States (including San Antonio) linked to sex trafficking?

• If they *are* linked to sex trafficking, does that mean that anyone who visits these places for a happy ending is ethically and morally complicit?

Every once in a while, I have stopped by an adult massage parlor for a nice massage and a 'happy ending.' In all of my visits, the masseuses have been 'older' Asian women over the age of 30, but I've noticed that some seem to enjoy their job much more than others.

All of the massage parlors that I have visited seem to be strictly focused on happy endings, though I've never requested anything else. I know that there are other AMPs where much more is on the table.

I have noticed that the women often rotate in and out of these places, which suggests that the individual parlors are part of a larger network. Even at the licensed AMP establishments in more affluent areas, it seems that they are rotating masseuses in from some of the other parlors from time to time. Also, when advertising in places like Backpage (when it existed) the 'licensed' place will use the same sexualized photos and reference table showers.

I think it's important for us to talk about things like this in a place like Eccie because we need to disentangle sex work from sex slavery.

I am honored to support the community of empowered, independent sex workers (women, men, trans identified, and everyone) who offer healthy, sex-positive services in a fully consensual way without interference from third parties.

Like all of you, I want absolutely *nothing* to do with a sex trafficking industry that oppresses women of all ages around the world.

Very interested in knowing what others think. BTW, this is not a troll message. I asked the moderators for permission before posting this.

[CoverMe]

“Sex trafficking” is, IMO, a term that is open to interpretation, both legally and ethically. I don’t recall any recent news reports of AMP busts where the charges went beyond soliciting prostitution. I would think that the owners of licensed AMPs would be required to have on file the work authorization status of their workers.

There is clearly a network of AMP owners who work together to rotate their staffs. The most obvious one that I know of is between Texas and California. I’m sure that each lady has her own individual story as to how she got into it or why she stays, but I suspect with some - particularly the older ones - that it was due to their inability to find work in the US consistent with their professional training in their home country. I’ve wondered sometimes if the lady walking on my back had been an orthopedic surgeon in her previous life. I’ve never asked. And by the same token, none of them have ever whispered in my ear to ask for help in getting them out of their situation.

It should be an individual decision as to whether or not you will patronize these businesses. If guilt or some other sociopolitical feelings make you think twice, then don’t go. I would also say that if you go and uncover clear evidence of illegal trafficking, you have an obligation to report it.

[Windowshopper2017]

Thanks, CoverMe. I agree that it is absolutely an individual decision, and I would not hesitate for a moment to report clear evidence of illegal trafficking.

I was just wondering what other members of this rather unique community might have to say about this. It's not the sort of thing you can really talk about in the same way when interacting with ordinary people who do not understand or approve of 'the hobby.'

[Bush Pilot]

Good answer by CoverMe. Check your PMs.

[a10bomb]

You sound like a reporter...what are you writing an expose???

Originally Posted by Windowshopper2017

I am curious to know what others in the forum think about these questions:

• Are Asian massage parlors in the United States (including San Antonio) linked to sex trafficking?

• If they *are* linked to sex trafficking, does that mean that anyone who visits these places for a happy ending is ethically and morally complicit?

Every once in a while, I have stopped by an adult massage parlor for a nice massage and a 'happy ending.' In all of my visits, the masseuses have been 'older' Asian women over the age of 30, but I've noticed that some seem to enjoy their job much more than others.

All of the massage parlors that I have visited seem to be strictly focused on happy endings, though I've never requested anything else. I know that there are other AMPs where much more is on the table.

I have noticed that the women often rotate in and out of these places, which suggests that the individual parlors are part of a larger network. Even at the licensed AMP establishments in more affluent areas, it seems that they are rotating masseuses in from some of the other parlors from time to time. Also, when advertising in places like Backpage (when it existed) the 'licensed' place will use the same sexualized photos and reference table showers.

I think it's important for us to talk about things like this in a place like Eccie because we need to disentangle sex work from sex slavery.

I am honored to support the community of empowered, independent sex workers (women, men, trans identified, and everyone) who offer healthy, sex-positive services in a fully consensual way without interference from third parties.

Like all of you, I want absolutely *nothing* to do with a sex trafficking industry that oppresses women of all ages around the world.

Very interested in knowing what others think. BTW, this is not a troll message. I asked the moderators for permission before posting this.

[Yay_Tiny]

Exactly this is creepy asking all these questions
I would definitely block him for asking (if he contacted me)

[ck1942]

Interesting question from a member here since 2017, and even more interesting some of the replies.

My short response:

In many Asian countries sex workers are considered low life by society.

However, if a young Asian lady goes overseas to work (with a decent cover story back home) she doesn't feel demeaned making lots of U.S. bucks. Some I have known drive very nice vehicles (Lexus), have full control of their passports, their lives and their living situations. Although many will sleep, eat and f*ck inside the "spa."

Many take extended vacations to go back home, usually during "spring break" or "winter break" if their cover story is college education. And some of these actually are students at local institutions of higher learning (which covers their passport visa applications).

My advice to the O.P., if you feel a spa is misusing the ladies, don't patronize that spa.

otoh, if you find some very fun ladies, be very careful in passing that information around as some recipients might not treat those ladies appropriately,

Some of these ladies have even been known to enjoy socials here and elsewhere.

[golfnwine]

I go for please of a massage.
Not a white knight.