Wk 7 Queering sex work and co-production_2025_Slides

Queering Sex Work and Co-production

• Dr. Mary Laing from the University of York discusses the intersection of sex work and LGBTQ+ identities.

Who Am I?

• Dr. Mary Laing has over 20 years of experience in sex work research.

• Strong interest in collaborating with sex workers and engaging in outreach.

• Involved in various research areas:

  • Focus on men who sell sex to men.

  • Research on queer sex work and experiences of trans sex workers.

  • Examined sex work in Canada and the impact of technology and policy.

Today’s Session Structure

Part One

1. Queering sex work

2. Co-production

3. TransActions

Break

Part Two

4. Questions

5. Exercise (if time allows)

Queering Sex Work

Historical Context

• Traditional focus of sex work research has predominantly been on women selling sex to men.

• This reflects gendered research, policy, and theory, often in limited spatial contexts.

• Current observations highlight a need for broader perspectives beyond these limits.

Exploring Male Sex Work in Manchester

• Focus on experiences of men selling sex in various locations: bars, clubs, streets, and saunas.

• Conducted participant observations and interviews.

• Analyzes practice, performance, and regulation in the context of sex work.

• Critique of existing policies that often exclude men, representing them solely as clients or traffickers.

Queering Sex Work: Moving Beyond Heteronormativity

• Reference to queer sex work initiatives and literature.

• Key contributions from various researchers highlighting non-traditional narratives:

  • The Limits of Labelling (Max Morris).

  • Walking While Trans (Gwyn Easterbrook Smith).

  • Touching Encounters (Kevin Walby).

  • Transmasculine and Non-binary Experiences (Angela Jones).

Co-production

Research Dynamics

• Much research conducted "on" sex workers lacks their input or control over representations of their lives.

• This can reinforce notions that sex workers lack agency and understanding of their situations.

• Research traditionally focused on pathological inquiries about entry into sex work.

• Marginalization of sex workers' voices leads to misrepresentation of their realities.

What is Participatory Action Research (PAR)?

• PAR is a collaborative approach for social transformation, focusing on inclusion, mutual respect, and equality.

• It aims to conduct research "with" participants rather than "on" them.

• Essential ethical principles include collective action, democratic participation, and personal integrity.

Principles of Participatory Action Research

• Recognition of the diverse knowledge of sex workers.

• Inclusion of various perspectives in the research process.

• Respecting and valuing all voices.

• A focus on material change and redistribution of power.

• Knowledge production through collaborative efforts and action-oriented interventions.

PAR with Sex Workers

• Growing adoption of PAR methodology in research involving sex workers, allowing for deeper engagement.

• Focus on creating spaces for dialogue that respect social justice and cultural citizenship.

Needs of Trans Sex Worker Communities

• Necessity to center the voices of trans individuals in sex work discourse.

• Recognition of their lived experiences and expertise, promoting research led by diverse coalitions.

TransActions

Importance of TransActions

• Discussion on national trends in trans health care and recognition of structural harms faced by trans individuals.

• Emphasis on lived experiences of sex workers to inform care practices.

Learning from Trans Sex Workers

• Aim to produce accessible knowledge to improve service provision.

• Collaborated with 15 sex workers from 2017 to 2023 for valuable insights.

Participant Experiences

Positive Experiences

• Generally reported positive interactions with third sector organizations, especially those with inclusive staffing.

• Importance of respect and dignity highlighted as key factors for positive service experiences.

Negative Experiences

• Common issues include transphobic remarks, receiving inappropriate support, and feelings of judgment.

• Long waiting times for specialized services noted as a persistent concern.

• Encountering a lack of understanding about intersectional identities from health professionals.

Ideal Service Design

Participant Suggestions

• Suggestions for ideal services included:

  • Counseling, mental health support, housing assistance, and safe communal spaces.

  • Staff awareness of diverse identities and needs.

  • Anonymity and accessibility as essential service features.

Key Themes

• Mixed experiences among participants depending on intersecting identities.

• Highlighting the need for improved health care understanding relating to trans and sex worker identities.

• Opportunities for knowledge sharing between diverse groups.

Further Discussion

Questions

• Dr. Mary Laing invites further questions via email: Mary.laing@york.ac.uk.

Group Exercise (Time Permitting)

• Small groups tasked with designing a project to better understand the needs of cam workers, highlighting participants, methods, and ethical considerations.