In an exclusive interview with The Badger, two University of Sussex students who work in the sex industry describe their experiences of a University they say is poorly equipped to support them. One creates online adult content, the other performs in clubs. Both point to what they describe as “systemic failures” in how the University and Students’ Union handle safety, support and funding.
“It’s exhausting having to prove our legitimacy over and over,” says one student. “The SU treats pole dancing as a hobby, not a sport. We apply for funding like any other society, training, competitions, workshops – but we’re constantly denied. They don’t hide their moral judgment.”
Her peer, an online content creator, echoes this frustration. “The University has no idea how to support students doing sex work, even indirectly. Safety policies are there for general student issues, but when it comes to harassment, threats, or breaches of privacy, the system collapses. You’re told, ‘We can’t get involved,’ or you hit endless loops of vague policies that never resolve anything.”
Accounts of Harassment
Both students recount incidents which raise questions about how University staff handle sensitive situations. One alleges being filmed by student media without consent, only for the footage to appear online later. She says her experience after reporting the violation through official channels resulted in weeks of back-and-forth, unclear guidance, and minimal protective measures.“You feel like the institution is protecting itself, not you,” she says.
Financial pressures increase the stakes. Brighton’s living costs are high, and student loans rarely cover rent, food, and bills. Many students seek alternative income sources. “It’s a job like any other,” says the online creator. “But the moment it’s sexualised, people forget you have contracts, safety systems, schedules, deadlines.”
Doxxing, harassment, and online threats are commonplace for those engaging in adult work, yet these students say they found reporting and support structures at the University ill-equipped to respond.
“I’ve been told I’m too smart or too ambitious to be doing this,” says the pole dancer. “It’s like they can’t reconcile intelligence with sex work.”
The role of the Students’ Union is to provide representation and advocacy, but both students say this reflects what they experience in the wider University environment, which can feel slow, judgmental, and at times “hostile” towards those whose work challenges societal norms.
“They treat you like you’re running a risk because of your own choices,” the pole dancer says. “Meanwhile, sports societies, drama, debate – they get the same resources without anyone questioning their morality.”
Invisible Labour
Both students stress the professionalism of their work. Online content creation is heavily planned: cameras, editing, subscriptions, and customer management all require careful organisation. Pole work demands physical discipline, practice, and technique – yet both report that these demands are often overlooked by the University.
Within their chosen fields, they encounter real expertise and responsibility. “We’re performers, salespeople, make-up artists, safety managers – all at once,” the pole dancer says. “It’s a job that requires constant assessment of risk and boundaries.”
Even maintaining anonymity is a full-time consideration. The online creator explains, “I never put my face online. Ever. You have to control every angle, every detail, because exposure can happen instantly.”
Systemic Oversight
These experiences raise questions about whether there may be broader systemic problems in how universities and student organisations support students engaged in sex work. Suggesting that they may need to consider how they navigate the realities of student sex work, so that vulnerable students are not left to manage a complex legal, digital, and social landscape largely alone. The students report “funding disparities”, what they see as moralistic judgment, and unclear policies contributing to an environment where resilience becomes essential.
“Being a student here is like having two full-time lives,” the online creator says. “One in the classroom, one in the real world – except the University treats the second as invisible or illegitimate.”
Students’ Union Statement
In response, the Students’ Union said it takes student welfare and safety seriously, including for those engaged in sex work or related performance activities, and is reviewing the concerns raised.
A spokesperson said funding decisions are made through democratic processes and must be balanced across all clubs. In this case, the requested funding represented a significant proportion of the overall sports budget. The SU added that its Activities team has been in contact with the club and remains open to further dialogue.
The SU said it has also been communicating with the group about rehearsal and performance space, and that its Diversity, Access and Participation Officer has offered support and signposted relevant complaint routes.
It added that it is not currently aware of a formal complaint regarding non-consensual filming through its processes, but is checking records and is available to meet students to follow up.
University of Sussex Statement
A University of Sussex spokesperson said the institution is committed to maintaining an inclusive environment and takes reports of harassment and discrimination seriously.
They said staff are trained to advise on a range of issues, including sex work, and highlighted existing guidance and reporting routes available to students. The University also pointed to recent work to improve its reporting processes and clarify guidance around harassment and misconduct.
Students are encouraged to use the University’s “Report and Support” system, which allows anonymous reporting and access to advice.
The spokesperson added that the University would welcome the opportunity to speak with the students who shared their experiences.
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