In & out calls
Their ads may read like porn CliffsNotes, but behind every stud lies a regular Joe. Andrew Georgiou dials into the wicked world of male escorts. And yes, the numbers are genuine
CONNER
Long distance running, reading thriller novels and playing footy on the weekends are a few interests you wouldn't know 33-year-old Conner had by reading his escort ad. Originally from Ireland, Conner first entered the escort industry two years ago at the age of 31 after an epiphany.
"After having tried a few escorts myself, I thought ‘fuck this I can do a better job than that', and now I do," says Conner. With a corporate day job at a city-based banking corporation, Conner says although the money in escorting is good, it's not the only reason he does it.
"There's a thrill having sex with someone who is paying you for it, and there's the added thrill of the unknown."
Conner prides himself on being in the moment for his clients and unlike other escorts he has spoken with, he is generally turned on when working. While he is not ashamed by his work, Conner keeps his personal life separate to escorting, meaning his family and friends are not aware of his ‘other' profession. "I would find it difficult to be in a relationship and continue working. It's important to keep certain things separate," he says.
BYRON
When inner-city boy Byron is not masterfully fulfilling his clients' deepest desires, the 25-year-old is happy DJing and collecting French break beats and trip hop house music. Working in a day spa 9 to 5, Byron sees clients at night at weekends, most of whom he says are either, straight, married or don't identify as gay.
"They simply want to have uninhibited, anonymous sex with a man. That's it."
Professionally speaking Byron's work ethic is to ‘please'. However escorting has its occupational hazards.
"There are certain things I will not do, such as water sports or anything that is unsafe," Byron says. "I am very attentive to my clients and in a way offer them a type of therapy session if they choose to open up to me."
As Byron mainly works through an escort agency, he believes there are certain traits a person must possess before considering escorting as a profession.
"You need a high level of self-confidence and and to believe in what you are selling," he insists. "You also need to be able to take rejection well, if you are not selected by a client in a line-up."
Although Byron recently ended a long-term relationship with a fellow escort, he is a firm believer in love.
"I have just started dating someone and it's at that exciting phase. I am an open book, any one who knows me well knows what I do. I believe in total honesty at all times."
ENZO
As a semi-professional swimmer, fitness enthusiast and lover of Italian comedy films, 22-year-old Enzo sees escorting as a short-term prospect.
"The money is good and for now this suits me fine," he says. "When the clients are decent people and don't treat me like meat, the work is great. Other times it can be hard when I sense they don't respect me as a human being."
Originally from Italy, Enzo was introduced to the industry by a friend whilst he was living in London. After learning the ropes and perfecting his ‘technique' for six months abroad, Enzo brought his brand to Australia where his exotic looks and cultural background sees him servicing clients two to four times a day.
At $180 an hour, Enzo makes a decent crust. While he identifies as bisexual, Enzo mainly focuses his business on gay male clientele.
"I'm naturally good at this and I pride myself on doing a job well," he proudly states. "I am looking at studying next year because I know you can't stay in this industry long-term. It can be exhausting."