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Sexuality Research and Social Policy

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29-04-2022

Interest in Sex Work-related Resources Among Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex With Men Engaged in Sex Work

Authors: Étienne Meunier, Karolynn Siegel, Anne E. Sundelson, Sabina Hirshfield, Eric W. Schrimshaw

Published in: Sexuality Research and Social Policy | Issue 4/2022

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Abstract

Introduction

Practicing sex work can present considerable risks to an individual’s sexual health and overall well-being. Though resources tailored for sex workers can help mitigate such risks, little is known about male sex workers’ interest in them.

Methods

From 2018 to 2020, we conducted in-depth telephone interviews with 180 US men who engaged in sex work with clients met online. We inquired about what sex work-related resources they were aware of or had used, the specific content of resources they would want, and whether they would use such resources or not.

Results

Few participants had used sex work-related resources, but many had found material related to sex work through organizations and online media. While some participants expressed interest in resources to help make their engagement in sex work safer and more profitable, others were interested in resources that would help them address the conditions that had led them to sex work in the first place. Participants also discussed some barriers to resource utilization such as low perceived need, privacy concerns, and low credibility of the material.

Conclusions and Policy Implications

Results show that there is substantial interest in sex work-related resources among men engaged in the practice. However, programs should carefully consider potential barriers to utilization when developing these resources.

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Title: Interest in Sex Work-related Resources Among Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex With Men Engaged in Sex Work
Authors: Étienne Meunier
Karolynn Siegel
Anne E. Sundelson
Sabina Hirshfield
Eric W. Schrimshaw
Publication date: 29-04-2022
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Sexuality Research and Social Policy / Issue 4/2022
Print ISSN: 1868-9884
Electronic ISSN: 1553-6610
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13178-022-00722-x

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Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusions and Policy Implications

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