When sex workers use the word "decriminalize", they mean remove all criminal penalties and not impose any new regulations. In other words, treat sex work like any other profession.
When they use the term "legalize" they mean to make legal but regulated, where regulations include things like: mandatory STD screening, red light zoning laws, anti-pimping regulations, etc. While sex workers prefer legalization to an outright ban, they prefer decriminalization to both.
It's confusing because "decriminalize" and "legalize" have opposite meanings in the context of drug law reform.
More on the issue here:
https://www.businessinsider.com/sex-worker-explains-the-difference-between-legalizing-and-decriminalizing-prostitution-2015-6?op=1
When they use the term "legalize" they mean to make legal but regulated, where regulations include things like: mandatory STD screening, red light zoning laws, anti-pimping regulations, etc. While sex workers prefer legalization to an outright ban, they prefer decriminalization to both.
It's confusing because "decriminalize" and "legalize" have opposite meanings in the context of drug law reform.
More on the issue here:
https://www.businessinsider.com/sex-worker-explains-the-difference-between-legalizing-and-decriminalizing-prostitution-2015-6?op=1