If one of those former sex workers comes to babble and asks us to start calling them "prostituted people" then we will consider that.  Until then, I'm not going to demand that people adopt one term over the other since I think this is one of those issues where feminists on both sides of the issue use terminology that they feel is most descriptive of their position. 

But I also think that outright dismissal of the requests of people directly involved in sex work when it comes to terminology they prefer is not okay.

I think writer mentioned this a couple of weeks ago before she left (wish she'd come back!) - babble is an open forum, and anyone can (and does) join.  All women, including women who have left the sex trade and share Martin's opinion, are welcome to come here and discuss this issue.  Men are welcome to discuss it too.  But male voices, even ones claiming to speak for women they know who aren't here to speak for themselves, will not be privileged above the voices of women who have direct experience and involvement in this industry. 

I would like the women who are sharing their experiences with us to be respected.