Adult performer and model Go Ask Alex Online is featured in a just-released article in Canada’s Xtra_* Magazine about the ongoing challenges that sex workers face when it comes to basic banking, money management and payment processing.

The Vancouver, British Columbia resident recounts her arduous journey to obtain a professional affiliation with local financial cooperative Vancity (Vancouver City Savings Credit Union) in the article, ‘Credit Unions are Helping Sex Workers Take Charge of Their Finances. But is it Enough?’

“After several more phone calls, interviews and lengthy conversations, Alex says, the supervisor finally approved the account. Sitting down to discuss Alex’s business, however, the supervisor explained that adult entertainment was, in fact, not generally in line with Vancity’s ethical standards,” writes author Niko Bell. “Since then, Alex [has] pushed Vancity to update its standards.”

While Alex’s means of producing and disseminating her content is perfectly legal, the article cites bankers’ hesitancy to work with adult entertainers because of a 2014 law where sex work is technically criminalized in the country.

“It would be amazing to see a business like Vancity make a public statement advocating for the fair treatment of sex workers,” she says. “It could well be the catalyst we need for real change.”

To read the article in full, visit xtramagazine.