Exploring the myths and truths behind the secretive world of male companions for pay.
My guest has the look of a Brad Pitt combined with a child party entertainer. He has several tattoos on the sleeve, slightly-toned abs, a goofy laugh, and a face that looks like a cherub.
I had come looking for a man with more swagger given that he had said he goes on dates with a different woman every day and charges at least £200 for an hour of his time. The man I met was down-to-earth, honest with a boy next door look. Dressed in a simple T-shirt and blue jeans, he is proof that women are not looking for sensational but rather approachable.
There is probably no industry quite as misunderstood as the escort business, one often equated with sex work – even when there is no actual sex involved – and so demonised by a moralising media. When it’s men involved in selling their company, it seems even worse somehow, the moral contempt mixed with a sneering dismissal – that for men to do this is somehow especially terrible, the domain of the lowest gigolo. But the truth is rather different, as I was to find out when my anonymous guest and I talked about his work.
How did you become a male escort?
I have always had a reputation as a ladies’ man, and since I loved adventure too, I thought why not?
I was online browsing around and thought why maybe I should give the job a try. I had researched a bit and saw that Gentlemen 4 Hire had open positions for male escorts. I wrote my bio and uploaded several pictures, and within a fortnight, I had my first date with a client. Since then, I have been on dates with more than four hundred women and been to all manner of exotic cities and places around the world.
What is it that you do?
There is a misconception that all a male escort does is provide sexual favours. But my job is to provide companionship only. Most clients I had just need someone to be their date for a business function, weddings, parties, travel companion or just be their boyfriend for the evening.
There are many women who are just looking for some good company and are willing to pay for it. I have been whisked away to exciting places such as the French Riviera, the Bahamas, and dinner at Michelin Star restaurants, among other glamorous places.
How do you get clients? And have you gotten strange requests?
I have a profile on Gentlemen4hire, and women visit the site and hit me up if they require my services. We swap photos and messages, and if we click, we then discuss a meet and what she wants us to do during the date. Everything has to be for my client’s positive and memorable experience.
I have had some interesting requests, such as the high-flying business executive that wanted a taste of the 50 Shades of Grey experience. She wanted me to go to her office dressed as a personal trainer to show off and act as her casual fling, which was as hilarious as it was fun.
How much can you make?
This is a side job for me that just brings in some extra cash for rent and travelling. However, the amount I make varies depending on the type of jobs I take. I usually make between £1000 and £2000 a month, even though there are times when I can make a lot more. I know friends that can make up to £60,000 per year given the type of client they have specialised in and what they are ready to do.
For instance, I have a 48-hour package at £200 an hour, maxing out at £2,500 which, if ordered, could net me enough not to take on another client for the entire month.
What is your typical woman client?
There are no typical clients in this business, even though many of my clients are professional women between the ages of 30-45. Many are not what you would call ‘hot’, though there are many attractive women that seek my services. Most of these are powerful women who know what they want, though this is something I have learnt to take in stride.
Why do you do this?
I have met some great people that have become more than just clients. The money is also very good, and I like the fact that I spend so much time working. Moreover, I am getting better at it, and there is nothing that pleases me more than to see my clients satisfied with the experience & companionship I provide.
Do you ever worry about violence?
When I first started out, I was terrified of violence. But it is a risk assessment that I have learned to live with. In my estimation for the period I have been engaging in this work, the risk of violence is very low as long as you weed out the creepies and get out of suspicious and creepy circumstances as soon as you notice them. And since I enjoy the work, given the very low hours and decent pay, I believe the benefits far outweigh the risks.
BEN SIMON
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