Relationships3 min(s) read
Twins, 82, known as world’s oldest sex workers claim to have 'serviced 355,000 men'
There are few people who can boast of having had hundreds of thousands of men in their beds, but the Fokkens sisters, Louise and Martine, can claim just that.
Over their five-decade-long careers in Amsterdam’s famed Red Light District, they’ve become legendary figures, even inspiring a documentary that captured their lives as sex workers.
The Documentary That Shared Their Story
In 2011, a documentary explored the fascinating lives of Louise and Martine Fokkens, who were 69 years old at the time of filming.
The movie delved into the realities of aging while working as sex workers, shedding light on their experiences in one of the most famous red-light districts in the world.
Their story resonated globally, giving audiences a deeper look into their unique careers and personal lives.
A Career That Started Over 50 Years Ago
The Fokkens sisters began their work over 50 years ago, making them pioneers in their field. Having worked in the Red Light District for decades, they were intimately familiar with the business. However, as with any profession, the work changed over time.
Both women retired around the age of 70, sharing that the physical toll of their job had become too much to bear. "I started finding it a bit of a struggle," said Louise.
Arthritis, she admitted, made certain positions "too painful," while Martine noted that fewer customers visited them as they aged.
The End of an Era: Fewer Clients and Physical Challenges
Martine spoke about how the number of regulars had dwindled, mentioning that there was only one elderly man who continued visiting for his regular S&M sessions.
“I couldn’t give him up. He’s been coming to me for so long it’s like going to church on a Sunday," she told MetroUK. It was a testament to the deep connections they formed with their clients over the years, even as their careers began to wind down.
The legalization of brothels in the Netherlands in 2000 didn’t necessarily make life easier for the sisters. While it brought a level of legitimacy to their trade, Martine pointed out that the benefits were often skewed.
“It is better for the pimps and the foreigners, but not for the Dutch girls,” she explained, suggesting that the legal shift didn’t always have a positive impact on local workers.
How Louise and Martine Entered the Business
At just 17, Louise entered the world of sex work, initially introduced to the profession by her husband. She quickly found herself working in one of the famous Red Light District windows, where sex workers often advertise themselves to passing customers.
Louise described to The Sun how swiftly things unfolded: "That is how fast it went. You do not have time to think. It just happens."
When their family discovered Louise’s work, it was Martine who tried to convince her to quit. However, Louise’s path was already set, and Martine eventually joined her in the trade.
She worked as a cleaner at a brothel, initially declining the advances of clients. But after her husband lost his job during a building strike, Martine’s family faced financial hardship.
Seeing her sister already in the industry made the idea less intimidating. “Without her I would never have done it,” Martine confessed. “But with her it felt less frightening.”
The Fokkens' Business Ventures and Memorable Moments
Throughout their careers, the Fokkens sisters made a name for themselves, even venturing into the business side of things. They opened their own brothel and Dutch eatery called De Twee Stiertjes, adding another layer to their already rich legacy.
While they may no longer be active in sex work, the sisters still fondly remember the lighter moments of their time in the windows.
One particular memory involves a "filthy little gnome" who visited Louise. The man was so excited at the prospect of seeing his “dirty little gnome” wife that Louise remarked, “He looked like he was about to burst into confetti.”
Today, the Fokkens sisters are retired from the industry, but the royalties from their documentary continue to support them.