ABMP recently sent a statement to Netflix denouncing the unacceptable and unprofessional sexualization of massage therapy presented in its series Sex/Life, [season 2, episode 4].

The dangerous perception that massage is in any way related to sex has negatively impacted the legitimacy of the massage therapy profession and the safety of its professionals. It’s important to set guidelines so the massage experience is met with trust and respect that deters the thought of misguided sexual misconduct and unwanted sexual advances.

RespectMassage.com is ABMP’s commitment to educate and empower massage therapists, clients, and anyone discussing our profession on what a respectful massage experience should look and feel like.

ABMP members shared their concerns about the episode. Read their comments below.

"ABMP, thank you for continuing to champion our profession on many fronts. This particular issue is key in continuing to establish credibility as medical practitioners whose work has profound impact on the efficacy of numerous conventional disciplines and modalities. As we work together, we’ll keep sounding the alarm."

"I have personally suffered harassment, inappropriate requests, and demeaning behavior several times throughout my career. It is not only disheartening, but also frightening and anxiety-triggering! It is obviously disgusting, but to make a professional feel disrespected and afraid is never acceptable. Thank you so much, ABMP, for standing up for us and demanding this misrepresentation be rectified."

"I appreciate that ABMP is interested in pursuing this topic. However, I think the larger picture here is to try to separate therapeutic massage therapy from sex work in the eyes of the public. So long as there are establishments that are allowed to perform “massage” as a code for sex work, it will continue to be confusing (and/or perpetuated as fantasy) for the consumer."

"I appreciate that you wrote Netflix and I have attempted to make my own comments to them regarding this episode. However, I don’t think demanding an apology is enough. They need to make a public statement via Twitter or some other avenue outlining how they were wrong, and then remind viewers that this episode does not reflect how LMTs should be treated (or how legitimate ones operate)." 

"Thank you, (ABMP President and CEO) Les Sweeney and ABMP for sending this letter. This is an issue that is deeply important to me. I am a current Netflix subscriber and am now considering canceling my membership with them because this misrepresentation happens much too often in movies and TV shows on their streaming platform. I have submitted an endorsement of this letter to Netflix and will be interested to see and/or share any feedback they provide." 

"It is my opinion that unless and until there is a full/thorough understanding of a massage therapist’s role and the potential dangers we face, Netflix and their creators should not speak on, for, or about our profession, in addition to not irresponsibly depicting damaging images and ideas that may have a real impact on the real lives of real massage therapists.

"Netflix’s insensitivity and ignorance in the area is sickening. Do better, Netflix. ABMP, I thank you for your diligence and watchful eye."