Allows erotic writing and SW discussion — but explicit visual content will get pulled.
Content Guidelines — Nudity, porn, erotica
We don't allow porn or sexually exploitative content on Substack, including any visual depictions of sexual acts for the sole purpose of sexual gratification.
Visual porn is banned, but the restriction is specifically about visual depictions "for the sole purpose of sexual gratification." Written content and professional discussion are not targeted.
Content Guidelines — Nudity, porn, erotica
We do allow depictions of nudity for artistic, journalistic, or related purposes, as well as erotic literature.
Erotic writing, industry commentary, and artistic nudity are all explicitly permitted. A provider running a newsletter about their work or the industry would not violate these terms.
Content Guidelines — People restricted from making money on Substack
Substack's payments are processed through Stripe, which excludes certain types of businesses from using their service.
Even though Substack's own content policy is permissive, paid subscriptions run through Stripe — which explicitly bans escort services. You can publish for free, but monetizing an escort-related Substack could trigger Stripe enforcement.
Substack is in a unique position for sex workers: the platform explicitly allows erotic literature and doesn't prohibit discussion of sex work as a profession. A provider could run a free newsletter about the industry, share updates with regulars, or write erotic content — all within the rules. The ban is specifically on visual pornography. However, there's a critical catch for monetization: Substack's payments run through Stripe, which explicitly bans escort services. So while you can publish freely, turning on paid subscriptions for an escort-related newsletter could trigger Stripe's prohibited business enforcement. For free newsletters and audience building, Substack is genuinely viable. Substack also allows data portability — you can export your subscriber list at any time — which significantly reduces the deplatforming risk. If the worst happens, you leave with your audience.
| Tool | SW-Friendly? | Self-Hostable? | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buttondown | — | Free–$29/mo | Indie newsletter tool. No content restrictions for legal content. | |
| Ghost | Free (self-hosted)–$25/mo | Open-source newsletter + blog platform. Self-host for full control. | ||
| Proton Mail | — | Free–€8/mo | Not a newsletter tool — but encrypted email for direct client communication. |
Open-source newsletter + blog platform. Self-host for full control.
Not a newsletter tool — but encrypted email for direct client communication.
BlushDesk is self-hosted in Switzerland, runs its own AI and email, and was built by a sex worker. No third-party platform can shut you down.
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