AN ONLYFANS creator from Lancashire has opened up about the reality of being a sex worker on the platform.
Jemma Lee Bolton has been selling explicit content on the app since it was founded in 2016.
The model said she has gained money, status and long-term friendships on the app – but admits there is a dark and dangerous side to be cautious of.
The social media platform, which is used by sex workers but also celebrities, musicians and comedians, allows “creators” to share pictures and videos with viewers who pay a monthly fee.
At the height of her career, Jemma said she had around 350 subscribers willing to pay for her explicit content and also pay extra for a personalised call.
She said: “I was nervous at the start of my OnlyFans career.
“It didn’t take long before I went from earing £700 a month to £2,500 in a matter of weeks.
“The most I’ve ever made in a month from the platform is £5,000.”
The 25-year-old quit her retail job to pursue OnlyFans as a full-time career, adding that the platform pays even more than traditional modelling shoots.
She explained: “I didn’t see the point in working with a photographer for £30 to £40 per hour when you could get the same money and more on Only Fans.
However, with pornographic content so easily accessible on the internet, some might question why anyone would pay for OnlyFans when they can get the content for free on the internet.
She said: “A lot of people will watch porn but they won’t receive a personal experience.
“You can talk to them and really get to know your subscribers.
“I always talk to my fans and ask them what content they would like to see. This means they can get whatever content they want if it’s within reason.”
Her boyfriend is also supportive of what Jemma does and he always encourages her to do what makes her happy.
Jemma said: “He’s very open-minded and told me to do what makes me happy and has encouraged me to make content.
“He also gives me a male perspective so I am not stuck with my own thoughts while thinking of ideas.”
However, one disadvantage of her career is that it can disappear at any times.
Recently, OnlyFans hit the news for planning to “prohibit “any content containing sexually explicit conduct."
However, in August it was announced that they are going back on these plans and suspending the policy change after receiving a backlash.
Jemma admits that the news “worried her” as most of her income comes from OnlyFans.
She added: “I have opened up another platform just in case something like this happens again.”
Jemma added that there is a lot of misunderstanding surrounding the sex industry and argues that some people need to become more open minded.
She explained: “A lot of people think we avoid tax but that just isn’t the case. I pay my taxes and I think some people are just annoyed that we can earn an easier income than they can.
“I know a lot of girls who don’t reveal exactly what they do as they might struggle to get things such as a mortgage – they will state they are a model instead of a sex worker.”
Jemma also explained that the industry is “much safer” than it was a few years ago.
She said: “Years ago it was really frowned upon and not as safe - but so much has changed since then.
“I know a lot of girls who used to work in the sex industry outside of the internet.
“OnlyFans and other online sites have given them a safer space to work as they can earn money without meeting anyone in person.”
While the industry has come a long way in terms of safety, Jemma explains that she has also had some “scary experiences” during her time on the platform.
She said: “Anything can happen anywhere you go.
“I used to work in retail and some people recognised me at work.
“One came up to me and said ‘I’ve seen you naked’ and said he was going to wait for me after work.”
Jemma said she has “mastered” the art of “swerving these guys outside of work”.
She said: “If I have been in a dangerous situation I have someone pick me up or make sure I’m safe coming home.
“I have faced some obstacles but I’ve overcome them.
“I’ve had a couple of people recognise me on a night out which is why I will always go out with my friends and I’d never go out alone."
She added: “Some guys just see me as someone who does online content and think I’d be happy to have sex with them.
“It doesn’t work that way. It’s a job at the end of the day and I can choose what I feel comfortable doing.”
However, Jemma also admits that OnlyFans has given her many happy memories and she has even forged life-long friendships on the platform.
She explained: “I have made a lot of friends through my OnlyFans. I get along with quite a lot of my fans.
“They are always checking up on me, wishing me happy birthday and sending me gifts.
“Some have even unsubscribed to me as they now see me as a friend instead of just a picture and public figure on the internet.”
Jemma even travelled to Scotland with one of them and took her boyfriend along to meet them.
She explained: “My boyfriend was wary at the start but after meeting him in Scotland, the pair are best friends now.
“OnlyFans has given me a great start to life,” Jemma concluded. “It’s a great way to earn money but it’s more than just posting a few pictures.
“There is a lot more to it than you might think.”
Social, newsletters, subscriptions and getting in touch...
You can follow the Bolton News on social media, by joining us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
We also have dedicated Facebook groups on Crime & Court, Traffic & Travel, Nostalgia and our Camera Club page
If you want to make sure you don't miss the most important news stories every day, sign up to one of our free e-mail newsletters
Gain unlimited access to the Bolton News website with a premium digital subscription - we are running a £2 for two months special offer
Or if you want the Bolton News newspaper delivered to your door, get in touch with our home delivery team or call us on 0800 953 0227
Finally, have you got a story for us? If so, contact us at newsdesk@theboltonnews.co.uk or by using our online contribution form
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article