OnlyFans in Ukrainian: the model talks about working in the sex industry, taxes, and her relationship with Hetmantsev
22 May 18:22
EXCLUSIVE
The OnlyFans model, who wishes to remain anonymous and goes by the pseudonym Maria, in an interview with
Maria has been working in the adult content industry since 2019, and created her account on the OnlyFans platform in 2020. She says she came to this field consciously.
At that time, I had already worked at some jobs, different ones. I have a university degree, I tried to work in my specialty, but I had very little money. I needed to survive, to rent an apartment. So I decided that I needed to go into this industry because it offers a stable income… My motivation is that I am my own boss,” says Maria.
Despite the frequent skepticism of society and the sometimes unacceptable perception of the profession of a OnlyFans model , she notes that she treats her work with respect and sees nothing shameful in it.
I don’t do anything I don’t like. I am not “crazy” about doing this activity. I like the attention, I don’t see anything wrong with it,” Maria
Taxes, searches and statements by Hetmantsev
Maria pays special attention to the state’s tax policy towards OnlyFans models. She recalls Danylo Hetmantsev’ s loud statements and high-profile searches:
“He stirred up trouble, and then the searches started, and I was like, ‘Oh, what have I done here? As for me, I did not communicate with Danylo Hetmantsev personally. But I wrote him comments in the chat room, and he didn’t respond to any of them,” Maria notes.
So the model criticizes the state’s approach to the adult industry in Ukraine. They say, why can’t we first regulate this area and then collect taxes?
Why can’t we be like entrepreneurs, why do we have to pay such high taxes?” – Maria
Moreover, the model is convinced that it is premature to pay taxes without decriminalizing Article 301 of the Criminal Code, which deals with pornography. And she admits that she will not deliberately pay the state because there are no guarantees.
I will not pay until Article 301 is decriminalized. This is my position forever,” says Maria.
Maria also mentions rumors in the community about the sale of models’ personal data. She says it is possible that a model could receive threats at any time.
“There are rumors that you can buy a list with all the nicknames and passport details for $400. And you are already being threatened on the Internet,” says Maria
The girl is sure that the right tax policy could make Ukraine attractive to models from other countries.
If there is a normal rate here, then other girls from other countries will come and pay taxes here, because women’s rights will be more protected here than , for example, in Moldova
In her opinion, the issue of legalization should be raised at the state level, as it is done, for example, in Germany. There, pornography has been legalized since 1975, and the tax for industry representatives is 30%. And all the women there did not go to work in the sex industry, Maria notes. She believes that legalization would help both the budget and better protect the rights of women in the profession.
Read also: How much do Ukrainian OnlyFans models earn?
Growth of interest in the industry during the war and public condemnation
The war contributed to the growth of interest in this field – many girls lost their jobs and were looking for ways to earn money, says Maria. She also shares her personal experience.
“For example, I’ve been in a relationship with a military man for three years now, and thanks to my job, I was able to help him in difficult times,” says Maria
Despite widespread stereotypes, there is almost no condemnation of working in the adult industry in Mariia’s close circle. At the same time, she says, there is criticism in the general information space.
“When news about OnlyFans comes out, I read the comments, and it’s noticeable that some people are judgmental about this topic. But this is the exception rather than the rule – such a reaction is typical for a small part of the audience,” Maria is sure
Read also: The BAB was looking for money, and the police were looking for porn: new searches of OnlyFans models
Legalization of the sex industry: is Ukrainian society ready for it?
On the question of whether Ukrainian society is ready for the legalization of the sex industry in an exclusive commentary
On the one hand, support for human rights and the visibility of various groups is growing, and society is learning to be more tolerant. On the other hand, there is an ongoing war that mobilizes traditional values: sacrifice, honor, defense, discipline. In this state, we often look for simple “ethical beacons,” and anything that looks “unpatriotic” or immoral can cause rejection,” notes Olga Rudyaka-Petrychenko .
The psychologist also emphasizes that the war exacerbates fears: loss of control, family security, and stability. In this context, the legalization of the sex industry is perceived not as social progress, but as destabilization.
However, it is in the state of transformation – under the pressure of new challenges – that societies have a chance to update their ethical and legal landscape. Readiness is not static, but a process. It can (and should) be accompanied by public discussions, research data, involvement of psychologists, human rights activists, and adult industry workers themselves,” says Olga Rudyaka-Petrychenko
And the main thing is that silence does not cancel the phenomenon, the psychologist emphasizes. The fact that society avoids talking about the sex industry does not mean that it does not exist. On the contrary, as long as it remains in the shadows, there is a greater likelihood of abuse, violence, and disempowerment.
Only by learning to talk about the difficult and uncomfortable – without moralizing, but with respect for facts and people – will society be able to be ready for mature decisions, summarizes Olga Rudyaka-Petrychenko
“Access to betrayal” or the right to work: why does the legalization of sex work cause emotional resistance?
The psychologist is sure that the legalization of the sex industry will change the attitude towards women who already work in this field, but not immediately. Legalization can be an impetus to reduce stigma, but in Ukrainian society, this process will be difficult.
From childhood, we absorb black and white morality: “decent” and “shameful,” and sex work falls into the latter category. Therefore, psychologically allowing yourself to change your attitude to something that has been condemned for decades (in fact, centuries) is an internal conflict for many people,” says Olga Rudyaka-Petrychenko
This topic is especially painful for women with a history of traumatic relationships or low self-esteem. According to the psychologist, for them, the very idea of legalization is like legitimizing “access to infidelity” or devaluing intimacy as a manifestation of intimacy. And this is not about sex, but about emotional security. From the psychological point of view, it is about the need for clear boundaries and recognition of one’s value – and this conversation is a priority in the context of legalization, adds Olga Rudyaka-Petrychenko
At the same time, the experience of countries where the sex industry has been legalized shows an important aspect: increased safety for the workers themselves, the psychologist says.
Research shows that legalization makes it possible to regulate working conditions, protect women’s rights, and reduces violence and dependence on criminal organizations. It doesn’t eliminate all risks, but it makes the sector more transparent, controlled, and less traumatic for those who work in it,” says Olha Rudyaka-Petrychenko
Thus, legalization will not so much change attitudes immediately as it will open up space for important questions: about sexuality, autonomy, trust, strength, and vulnerability of women in public space. It will be a difficult but necessary process of social maturation.
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