SEX WORK
What is sex work and who are sex workers?
Sex workers are adults who may perform consensual sexual services or erotic performances in exchange for money or goods. There are many different types of sex work, and they can span across many different platforms: whether physical or through the media. It is important to realize that sex work is real work.
Why might someone choose sex work?
For many people who are sex workers, it is the best option for them to earn a living. Many sex workers struggle with poverty, in which case sex work may be the only possibilty for earning money. Others find sex work to have good pay and more flexible hours, and others may pursue sex work as a way to explore and express their sexuality. Just like any other job, people choose sex work for many different personal reasons, and just like any other workers, they must be respected.
Sex work and Sexual stigma
Due to the cultural sexual stigma in India, sex work is especially looked down upon and sex workers are continually shamed. This is problematic because it only forces sex work to go underground with even less protections for sex workers and their rights. A person who chooses sex work is still a person, not someone who is “disgraced” or “immoral.” By dismantling the negative connotations of sex work in the public eye, we can begin to work against the plight of sex workers and all of the discrimination they face.
Why is it is important to learn about sex work?
Although sex work itself is technically not illegal in India, here are many negative connotations and taboos that surround sex workers which lead to many dangerous situations. Due to this stigma, sex workers are often discriminated against in matters of basic human rights such as healthcare, education, employment, housing etc. This discrimination means sex workers face a disproportionate amount of violence and lack of basic needs. Since many sex workers face poverty, they are also struggle with systemic issues at a higher rate: in cases such as the COVID-19 pandemic, sex workers are especially vulnerable because they do not have access to resources.
How can you help?
We can all begin to better understand sex workers by learning about them from their own words. Try to seek perspectives of sex workers and educate yourself! If it is possible, you can also support sex workers by donating resources to or supporting local or national organizations. Also, speak up to decriminalize and destigmatize sex work! Help the people around you understand these different perspectives to slowly reverse the negative stigmas that surround sex work in society today.