Lucy Banks, a former banker-turned-OnlyFans superstar who sits among the top 0.17% of content creators on the site, says that while the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic upended the lives and livelihoods of many millions of people, there have also been positive societal shifts that have occurred over the past two years as well – including people’s attitudes towards sex work.

“The stigma around this type of work has persisted for years, but the rise of creators and the mainstream appeal of social networking fan sites that highlight sexual content have exploded, thanks to lockdowns and people’s cravings for connection and intimacy,” explains the Perth, Australia-based model, who has amassed more than 5,400 OnlyFans subscribers in under three years and makes up to $56,000 AUD ($40,000 USD) a month creating content for her dedicated fan base. “Now that Pandora’s box has been opened, good luck getting outdated notions of sex work back in that box.”

Banks further emphasizes that many people who lost their jobs during COVID, or became disillusioned with low pay, high stress work environments, turned to adult fan platforms such as OnlyFans for the money, job flexibility and inclusive, relatively safe environment of the space.

“Online subscription sites are re-imagining adult entertainment and how we consume it, as well as blurring the lines between mainstream influencers and adult content creators,” she adds. “Now with former sex workers such as Cardi B, Uncut Gems star Julia Fox and Euphoria breakout talent Chloe Cherry finding fame away from the adult spotlight, we have nothing to lose and everything to gain.”

While acceptance of sex work still has a ways to go – performers regularly deal with discrimination, harassment and personal intimacy wrapped up in transactional relationships that can create emotional barriers to real-world connections – Banks says the trade-offs are worth it.

“For those who are seriously considering a career change like this, my advice would be to consider your emotional and mental health, if you have it in you to hustle and work hard to establish and build a fan base, shoot content and promote yourself and the possibility that people may not agree with your choice of profession,” says Banks. “For me, it was the best decision I’ve ever made. No regrets here!”