About OnlyFans and The New Ways of Digital Sex Work
Out with the old…
Last year, OnlyFans made headlines by announcing a ban on all pornography, which was an unexpected move considering that adult content had been the cornerstone of its reputation and business model. Understandably, this decision drew widespread criticism and anger. OnlyFans’ attempt to distance itself from sex work is just the latest example of tech platforms trying to rebrand themselves after profiting from the labor of sex workers.
One such platform was Tumblr, once a thriving haven for sex workers and kink communities. However, in 2018, Tumblr updated its policies to prohibit all nudity, affecting not just adult content creators but even illustrators whose artwork featured nudity. This shift destroyed Tumblr’s reputation as an inclusive platform for sexual exploration and community-building.
Patreon, another platform, also implemented similar restrictions on adult content due to pressure from payment processors, despite previously acknowledging the artistic and historical significance of nudity. As a result, many creators found themselves unable to share content with their subscribers or, in some cases, completely banned from the platform. A petition titled “Don’t abandon us” went unanswered, reflecting the disregard for creators and their supporters.
Contrary to the pattern followed by Tumblr and Patreon, OnlyFans decided to retract its statements about the ban. According to a report from Axios, the company is still considering significant updates to its platform. OnlyFans aims to redefine itself as a space for fans to directly engage with creators, combining elements of Patreon and TikTok. By focusing on professional content related to cooking, comedy, celebrities, and UFC fighting, OnlyFans hopes to attract outside investment and safeguard against potential payment processor restrictions.
It’s worth noting that OnlyFans has seen diverse usage beyond sex work, hosting musicians, artists, and fitness professionals who have monetized their social media followings alongside adult content. For instance, fashion commentator “The Kimbino” uses the platform to deliver lectures on Black fashion history, and even Cardi B launched her own account in 2021, citing the desire to engage specifically with her fans.
Despite OnlyFans’ reversal, many creators remain concerned about potential censorship and have been exploring alternative platforms. One such alternative is Sunroom, a sex-positive content creation app that prioritizes women and non-binary creators.
… in with the new….
Sunroom positions itself as a warm, safe, and fully seen space, where creators are encouraged to express themselves freely and profit from their work. The app aims to empower women by fostering a community around shameless and unfiltered self-expression. While the internet is rife with censorship, with platforms like Instagram and TikTok notorious for suppressing women’s content on topics such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, and sexual wellness, Sunroom seeks to provide a supportive environment for creative expression.
“We’re welcoming in a new era of zero-fucks woman power, and creating a community around shameless, unfiltered self-expression.”
Founded by Lucy Mort, former product designer for Hinge, and Michelle Battersby, former marketing director at Bumble, Sunroom embraces a new era of zero-fucks woman power. The platform celebrates cisgender and transgender women, as well as non-binary individuals, allowing them to share content they may not be able to elsewhere.
Similar to OnlyFans, Sunroom operates on a subscription model and allows creators to receive additional income through “cheers” (similar to “likes”) and access to exclusive content. The platform’s friendly and positive language encourages subscriber engagement and incentivizes financial support.
Sunroom maintains transparent guidelines for content moderation, adopting a progressive lens. The community is body-positive, sex-positive, and supportive of sex workers, although explicit pornography is not supported. Sunroom promises not to remove or shadowban creators based solely on their X-rated work outside the platform.
During its soft launch, Sunroom features a diverse group of 100 female and non-binary creators, including sex worker and writer Tilly Lawless, actor Paige Elkington, and sexologist Chantelle Otten. The platform’s collaboration with anti-racism advocate Alyssa Ho highlights its commitment to inclusivity, as they have developed an algorithm that promotes Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous creators.
“We made Sunroom to really honor feminine creative potential, and find new ways to make sure women are paid for their time, experiences, and energy.”
Sunroom represents a significant stride toward a new era of digital sex work, empowering women and non-binary individuals to monetize their creativity and reclaim ownership over their bodies and businesses.
