Health and Wellness Services for Male Sex Workers

Justin Gaffney, Mary Laing

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

What is refreshing about this chapter is that it gives some attention to the issue of exiting sex work, whereas most research on male sex work has been focused on people entering. In terms of what brings people into sex work, most early accounts assumed sex work to be a product of exploitation and economic survival. Only recently has there emerged a professional discourse on male sex work in which it is examined as a rational career choice. Exiting sex work might also be considered a choice. If we can develop a better understanding and appreciation for the factors associated with exiting, it would help service providers deal more effectively with the health and welfare of male sex workers. Exiting sex work also brings into focus the mature male body and mature masculinities. Much of the research on male sex work has focused on the youthful male body and youthful expressions of masculinity, which promotes the idea that male sex workers are typically young men who have been exploited by older clients. The idea that older male sex workers could be desired by younger clients has remained largely unexamined, yet a cursory examination of escort sites from around the globe indicates that men of all ages are engaged in sex work.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationMale sex work and society
EditorsVictor Minichiello, John Scott
Place of PublicationNew York
PublisherHarrington Park Press
Pages260-284
ISBN (Print)9781939594013
Publication statusPublished - 2014

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