ABSTRACT
When we think of trans sex workers, we typically picture female-presenting trans sex workers rather than male-identified trans sex workers, a cohort whose invisibility increases the obstacles they face. There are only a handful of resources for or about male-identified trans sex workers; this chapter provides an analysis of the few existing studies and presents the results of a new online survey. Trans individuals in the sex work industry are most often drawn to sex work out of economic necessity because they are frequently excluded from the formal economy, where they are often subjected to transphobic discrimination and where their identification documents may not reflect their gender, gender identity, or gender expression. Some trans sex workers may find the self-determination offered by sex work empowering and may discover in the sex industry a supportive group of other trans sex workers. The criminalization of sex work poses particular danger for trans people, who face an elevated risk of being prosecuted based on their gender identity. Moreover, trans people are often victims of violence and discrimination. Because street sex work can be especially problematic for male-presenting trans persons, most trans masculine sex workers participate in online sex work rather than street work or brothel work. In addition, trans sex workers also mental and physical health-related issues, including a high prevalence of depression and increased risk of HIV and sexual assault. The respondents to the survey of male-identified trans sex workers reported being fearful of physical violence, rape, and murder. Many were also afraid of being arrested and not being able to go to the police after violent incidents occurred. An additional concern was the fear of being outed as a sex worker in other work or social and family settings.
