Different use of words to avoid misunderstandings

Since opening my practice in 2015, I have always wanted to be as open and transparent as possible, says Tijs Breuer. I wanted to address themes that play a role in our personal lives, avoiding taboos and not judging based on my norms and values.

Unfortunately, I am forced to apply censorship to my own website. If I do not do this, my work will be seen as sex work and my practice will be seen in a bad light by certain organizations and authorities.

For example, on August 14, 2023, I received an email from Mollie, my Payment Service Provider: “We regret to inform you that we can no longer offer our payment services to your organization. We will close your Mollie account on October 13, 10. Unfortunately, during our periodic audit we have determined that we can no longer offer our payment services to your organization because your services fall outside our policy.” When pressed about the reason for this decision, they indicate that they cannot explain the specific reason. However, reference is made to a page that states: “We do not accept products and services that pose or could pose an unacceptable risk to Mollie's reputation.” In addition to prostitution, escort services and sex events, the list also mentions weapons, ammunition, narcotics, drugs and stolen products. I pointed out one more to them web page, in which I explain that tantra is not sex work, but they indicate that their decision remains the same.

Fortunately, my application with another Payment Service Provider – Stripe – was quickly accepted. But to prevent them from also searching the transcripts for terms such as "tantra" or "sacred intimacy", I have adjusted all terms as a precaution. I have also now screened my entire website and all other expressions for terms such as “tantra”, “sexuality” and “intimacy”. Instead, I now write about breath and energy work, sensuality and closeness.

Also in August 2023, I received an email from Marktplaats, more than a month after publication of my advertisement entitled “Professional deep tissue and relaxation massages”. Text of the advertisement: “Tijs Breuer from Neptunus Well-being offers various professional massages, from sports massage to deep tissue, from Swedish relaxation massage to Californian Esalen massage, from tantra to body work.”

The email from Marktplaats explains why my advertisement has been removed: “To keep the use of Marktplaats as simple and pleasant as possible, we have drawn up rules. This way we can keep the site as clean as possible. We have received a message that your advertisement does not meet our general terms and conditions. For that reason we have removed your advertisement.” Upon inquiry it appears that the word Tantra is associated with eroticism and is therefore not permitted.

Tantra has come into a bad light since #MeToo. Since its inception Tantra Abuse Reporting Center In October 2017, one hundred reports were received of inappropriate behavior by about sixty masseurs. This concerns serious inappropriate behavior, including 27 cases of rape. Several tantra masseurs were arrested by the police. Although tantra is becoming increasingly known among the general public and the sector has been professionalized with, among other things, the establishment of Tantrawijzer, tantra still retains a negative reputation.

So if you are wondering why it is no longer possible to book a tantra massage via my website, I can reassure you. I still give energetic massages. And you can still come to me for breathing and energy work. Old wine in new bags.