Male Prostitution's Self-Proclaimed "Rosa Parks" Gives Up Front Row Seat to History

LAS VEGAS (CBS/AP) I guess the gigolo business ain't what it used to be.

After working two months at the Shady Lady Ranch, "Markus," America's first legal male prostitute, has left the rural Nevada brothel.

His arrival generated plenty of media attention,but fewer than 10 paying customers.

Brothel owner Jim Davis said Friday the Shady Lady Ranch had parted ways with the "prostitude" who worked under the name "Markus."

The tiny yellow brothel is located 150 miles northwest of Las Vegas.

Markus, who like other sex workers has asked that his real name not be used, didn't immediately respond to an e-mail message sent by The Associated Press seeking comment.

He remained listed under the name "Markus Destin" by adult talent agency OC Modeling.

Bobbi Davis, who co-owns the brothel with her husband and runs it as its madam, told the Las Vegas Review-Journal the departure of Markus was a mutual decision.

She said the brothel would keep employing men to have sex with women, including its latest hire, a Las Vegas man in his mid-30s who works under the name "Y. Not," who has also had about 10 customers.

The focus of the business, however, will remain on women prostitutes serving men, she said.

The Shady Lady Ranch created a stir in Nevada's brothel industry when it successfully won state and county approval to hire a male sex worker.

After hiring Markus, the Davises cut him off from speaking with reporters after his first two interviews, in which he compared himself with Rosa Parks and Mahatma Gandhi.

MORE ON CRIMESIDER
January 15, 2010 - First Legal Male Prostitute: "Sex Pioneer" Markus Compares Himself to Rosa Parks (Really)