Nonmonogamy and Sex Work: A More Than Two Essentials Guide

An intersectional examination of the ways in which nonmonogamy can break down traditional power structures to be particularly empowering to marginalized people.

What does nonmonogamy allow other than the freedom to love whoever you wish to love? For Zara Shah, nonmonogamy allows greater freedom of social interaction and a richer view of intimacy. It allows not only more choices for sexual and romantic partners, but also greater range in hobbies, careers and friendships.

Nonmonogamy has allowed Shah—a Pakistani woman who immigrated to Canada and a sex worker in a nonmonogamous relationship—to push the boundaries of what sexual intimacy means to relationships. Being in a committed, nonmonogamous relationship helped her appreciate nuance in sexuality, love and human behaviour. Through redefining sex and love, she was able to discover a level of confidence that has enabled her to be successful in the sex industry and to not be ashamed of the nature of the work, despite enduring social stigma.

Through the lens of this experience, Shah discusses economics and sex work, intimacy and sex work, nonmonogamy and religious and social conflict, social rejection and nonmonogamy, the intersection between nonmonogamous and sex work communities, nonmonogamy and sexual health, and the impact of sex work on mental health.