Aussie masseuse bans men after repeated inappropriate behaviour
An Australian masseuse has banned male clients from her studio after repeated inappropriate requests and comments from current and prospective male clients.
Kessley Ham, 39, the owner of Eternal Energy Healing and Wellness in South Perth, told news.com.au that moving forward, her business will only serve women, including trans women and non-binary clients.
It all started earlier this week when she was venting to two of her team members about the 'relentless' stream of inappropriate booking requests she had received online.
She said requests for 'sensual' or nude massages were common, despite it being clear on the studio's website and Instagram that it's not that kind of business.
'To my shock, both staff then shared their own experiences of inappropriate behaviour from clients in our studio,' she said.
The decision to ban male clients
Some of these incidents included a male client groaning on the massage table and 'writhing' around, 'orgasm-style', and another person who wanted to discuss their sex life with the masseuse.
Another involved a male client repeatedly commenting that his underwear was 'uncomfortable and twisted' during the massage.
'That was the moment I knew I had to take action. My team's safety is non-negotiable. No one should feel unsafe or uncomfortable in their workplace — especially in a space dedicated to healing,' she said.
The need for women-only spaces
She chose not to pursue other approaches to combat the lewd behaviour – as 'this wasn't about business strategy' or retaining clients, but a pressing safety issue.
'Women deserve spaces where they can fully relax, physically, emotionally, and energetically, without being on high alert,' Ms Ham said.
'Unfortunately, the reality is that the biggest threat to a woman's safety continues to be men. That's not an opinion, it's a fact. Women-only spaces offer something rare: a full nervous system exhale.'
Overwhelming support
After sharing the news on her Instagram account, Ms Ham said the response has been overwhelmingly positive from women.
'I feel so sad for your staff … how unfortunate they had to encounter this. Well done for looking after them,' read one comment on the post.
'This is shocking to read,' said another. 'Power to you'.
However, there have been a few predictable reactions from men who take issue with the change.
Some women have even used the 'not all men' argument, suggesting Ms Ham should run her business on a 'recommendation' policy so the 'good men' can still come.
Media 'redirecting' the narrative
One media outlet apparently derailed an interview with Ms Ham about her decision by suggesting that this issue highlights 'how hard it is for men to find a massage that doesn't offer sexual services'.
But Ms Ham emphasises that this isn't the issue here.
'The issue is the inappropriate and unsafe behaviour directed at women — including myself and my staff — in what should be a professional, therapeutic setting,' she noted.
'Redirecting the narrative to men's discomfort only highlights the need for women-only spaces even more.'
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