Sex work is complex. Sex workers come from many different walks of life. Sex workers are female, male, and transgendered. Many assumptions are made about sex workers and their experiences that are not representative. The following document outlines the diversity and complexity of the sex-work industry.

Entry into Sex work:

• While some sex workers enter the industry through choice, others become sex workers through coercion (by pimps, friends, family, acquaintances etc…), force, poverty, economic duress, lack of choice, drugs and alcohol, history with child welfare, violence and abuse, isolation, enticement, or as a runaway, or as a result of being sexually exploited as a young person and for other reasons.



• Some adult sex workers were sexually exploited as youth and continued into adult sex work.


Statistics have shown a high percentage of sex workers were in the care of the Ministry at one time.


• Some adult sex workers have few alternatives and feel that their only viable option is sex work.



• Some adult sex workers become involved in the industry through their use of illicit drugs.



• Some sex workers become involved through curiosity or enticement to the life that often includes the promise of quick easy money.



• Some sex workers start out as dancers and cross the line into sex work with time.



• Some male sex workers enter into the industry at an early age because of homophobia from within their family. Homophobia in the home leads some young men to experience issues of abandonment, isolation and the loss of personal security.



• Some transgendered peoples (Transsexuals and Crossdressers) enter sex work because they find no one will hire them as women.



• Some transgendered peoples enter sex work because they find all the expenses that go into transition is rarely if barely covered by medical; electrolysis, breast augmentation, gender correction, female face reconstruction, voice surgery, and/or adams apple removal.



• Some transgendered peoples enter sex work because they have been thrown out of their homes by un-accepting parents and/or foster homes.



• Some transgendered peoples enter sex work because they have been fired by their employers for attempting to transition on the job.



• Some transgendered peoples enter sex work because they find it is the only place where they feel accepted by their peers.

The B.C. Coalition of Experiential Women (BCCEW) has developed the Continuum of Sexual Exchange. The diagram below shows an acknowledgement where projects are focussed and to ensure that initiatives along this spectrum is explored.