Sex work in Mexico: vulnerability of male, travesti, transgender and transsexual sex workers

Abstract

In Mexico, male sex workers (MSW) and travesti, transgender and transsexual (TTT) sex workers are among the groups most affected by HIV. They suffer from stigma and discrimination, yet are often absent from the design of programmes and HIV prevention campaigns. The objective of this study was to provide an account of the social context in which MSW and TTT sex workers live, by focusing on their sexual identities, sexual practices and vulnerability to HIV. Data collection took place in Mexico City and involved observational work together with 36 in-depth interviews. Findings reveal a differentiation of vulnerability by sub-group. In general, vulnerability is influenced by the social context, stigma related to homosexuality and sex work, as well as sex workers' access to scarce social capital and the lack of response in terms of social and health programmes. In order to diminish the vulnerability of MSW and TTT sex workers and reduce their risk of HIV infection, preventive measures are needed which take into account their specific health and social needs, promote meaningful participation and the encourage respect for human rights.

Occupational health and safety among commercial sex workers

“…Of the male sex workers, 14% reported having sex with both males and females. As was also reported by Infante et al (57), younger sex workers were particularly poorly informed.…”

“…Although they are technically men who have sex with men, issues of stigma, sexual practices, and available health services may place them at greater risk. Such sex workers are referred to as "TTT" (travesti, transgender, and transsexual) by Infante et al (57). The vulnerability of transgendered sex workers in Mexico, they note, is compounded by the additional stigma (related to higher visibility and lower ability to "pass"), lack of social capital, and absence of specific health services and risk reduction outreach programs.…”

“…Inappropriate injection of silicone or other substances to create or enhance breasts may also constitute a risk. Particularly important, Infante et al (57) noted the lack of availability of any governmental health service that engages in response to the health and informational needs of the transgendered sex worker population, thus compounding the risks.…”

“…The need to maintain a feminine appearance despite a male habitus adds additional risks for transgendered sex workers. Infante et al (57) note that transgendered sex workers needed to buy hormones and oils, which are frequently used incorrectly, both in terms of inappropriate dosage and administration (eg, damaging skin and muscles by injecting oil). Inappropriate injection of silicone or other substances to create or enhance breasts may also constitute a risk.…”

Understanding the HIV/AIDS Epidemic in Transgender Women of Lima, Peru: Results from a Sero-Epidemiologic Study Using Respondent Driven Sampling

“…For transwomen this framework has to consider the interaction of factors that go from the structural level (such as exclusion, marginalization and transphobia) to the individual level (sexual behaviors, affirmation of identity) contributing to a dynamic process of increased vulnerability to HIV/AIDS among this group [7,8,[39][40][41][42][43][44].…”