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Digital Exclusion and the Structural Barriers to Safety Strategies among Men and Non-Binary Sex Workers Who Solicit Clients Online

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Listed:
  • Brett Koenig

    (Centre for Gender and Sexual Health Equity, 1190 Hornby St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada
    School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, 2206 East Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada)

  • Alka Murphy

    (Centre for Gender and Sexual Health Equity, 1190 Hornby St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada)

  • Spencer Johnston

    (Health Initiative for Men, 1033 Davie St, Vancouver, BC V6E 1M5, Canada)

  • Jennie Pearson

    (Centre for Gender and Sexual Health Equity, 1190 Hornby St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada
    Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada)

  • Rod Knight

    (Centre for Gender and Sexual Health Equity, 1190 Hornby St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada
    British Columbia Centre for Substance Use Research, 1045 Howe St Suite 400, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2A9, Canada
    Division of Social Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 2755 Laurel St, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada)

  • Mark Gilbert

    (Centre for Gender and Sexual Health Equity, 1190 Hornby St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada
    School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, 2206 East Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada)

  • Kate Shannon

    (Centre for Gender and Sexual Health Equity, 1190 Hornby St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada
    Division of Social Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 2755 Laurel St, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada)

  • Andrea Krüsi

    (Centre for Gender and Sexual Health Equity, 1190 Hornby St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada
    Division of Social Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 2755 Laurel St, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada)

Abstract

Background: Evidence shows that online solicitation facilitates sex workers’ ability to mitigate the risk of workplace violence. However, little is known about how end-demand sex work criminalization and the regulation of online sex work sites shape men and non-binary sex workers’ ability to maintain their own safety while soliciting services online. Methods: We conducted 21 semi-structured interviews with men and non-binary sex workers in British Columbia between 2020–2021 and examined their ability to enact safety strategies online in the context of end-demand criminalization. Analysis drew on a structural determinants of health framework. Results: Most participants emphasized that sex work is not inherently dangerous and described how soliciting services online facilitated their ability to enact personal safety strategies and remain in control of client interactions. However, participants also described how end-demand criminalization, sex work stigma, and restrictive website policies compromise their ability to solicit services online and to enact safety strategies. Conclusions: Alongside calls to decriminalize sex work, these findings emphasize the need to normalize sex work as a form of labour, promote access to online solicitation among men and non-binary sex workers, and develop standards for online sex work platforms in partnership with sex workers that prioritize sex worker safety.

Suggested Citation

  • Brett Koenig & Alka Murphy & Spencer Johnston & Jennie Pearson & Rod Knight & Mark Gilbert & Kate Shannon & Andrea Krüsi, 2022. "Digital Exclusion and the Structural Barriers to Safety Strategies among Men and Non-Binary Sex Workers Who Solicit Clients Online," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 11(7), pages 1-17, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jscscx:v:11:y:2022:i:7:p:318-:d:868036
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