Prostitution is the practice or occupation of engaging in sexual activity with someone for payment. People engage in prostitution when they provide sexual favors to others in exchange for money, gifts, or other forms of payment. In the dictionary (which dictionary?), the word prostitute designates a person, generally a woman, who engages in sexual activity for remuneration. Prostitutes can be of either gender, but throughout history many have been women who usually entered prostitution due to economic hardship or because they were forced into it. Many people are against prostitution because of the health risks associated with this profession. Others are concerned because it can harm families, the financial situation and even the image of the “buyer”. It also seems very degrading for a human to sell their body (opinion?). Even if these things are true, I think it's a good thing that prostitution has become legal in Nevada. Prostitution is one of the oldest professions in the world and in the United States it is only legal in Nevada. Brothels have been licensed in Nevada since the mid-19th century, and a brothel in Elko has been open since 1902. These brothels can only be opened in rural areas of Nevada, not in areas with large populations, such as Las Vegas. and Reno (why?). As of August 2013, there were 19 brothels in Nevada. (Wikipedia) Brothels have existed in Nevada since the mining days of the 1800s and were first licensed in 1971. In 1859, gold prospectors discovered high-grade silver in the hills of what we know it today as Virginia City. The miners came to live in tents, dens, caves and dugouts. Front 1...... middle of paper ...... to male prostitutes. " Lasvegassun.com. June 18, 2011. Web. November 20, 2013. Cuckman. " Jockstrip: The World as We Know It. " United Press Intnl. June 5, 2003: Print. Goldman, Marion S. “Violence against prostitutes”. Gold miners and silver miners: prostitution and social life on the Comstock mine. 114. Print. Hausbeck, Kathryn . Sex: Tourism, Sex, and Sin in the New American Heartland.” : Web.Hegne, Barbara. Harlots, Hurdies and Spirited Women of Virginia City, Nevada. ., 2001. Print.James, Susan. “Queen of tartlets.” Historic Nevada. 47-51. Print. Noruesis, Daina. “Reflections, ramblings, chance. » (2009) Web. “Prostitution in Nevada. February 3, 2011. Web. Seagraves, Anne. “The Hanging of John Millian”. Prostitution in the Early West. 66-67. Printed, Sarah, November 22.. 2013.