They don’t see themselves as victims … but it’s not empowering for them
February 25, 2015 6:49 AM Subscribe
The Urban Institute has released (PDF) the first study to focus on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer or questioning (LGBTQ) youth; young men who have sex with men (YMSM); and young women who have sex with women (YWSW) who get involved in the commercial sex market in order to meet basic survival needs, such as food or shelter.
Seconding josher. Thanks for bringing this to my attention.
posted by not that girl at 7:54 AM on February 25, 2015
posted by not that girl at 7:54 AM on February 25, 2015
It's not loading for me, but I'm looking forward to looking at it later.
posted by Dip Flash at 8:00 AM on February 25, 2015
posted by Dip Flash at 8:00 AM on February 25, 2015
I'm reminded of the experiences of my peers in LA during the late 80s, many of them homeless youth and most trading sex for survival. The movie Where the Day Takes You is an excellent snippet of what life was like for street kids (and left me sobbing because it was *too* much like life was like.)
posted by _paegan_ at 8:15 AM on February 25, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by _paegan_ at 8:15 AM on February 25, 2015 [2 favorites]
I had no idea that women who identify as heterosexual but who have sex with women for money exist. Like, I mean, I did know that this was a thing in terms of porn acting, but I didn't actually think or know that female johns (janes?) were a thing that happened on much of a perceptible scale. Huh. Still reading, mind, but... that's interesting.
posted by sciatrix at 1:40 PM on February 25, 2015
posted by sciatrix at 1:40 PM on February 25, 2015
However, more than 80 percent said there were positive aspects — notably helping meet their basic needs and in some cases fostering a sense of community.
“It’s not as bad as sleeping under the bridge, it’s not as bad as going without food,” one respondent said.
I think this is illustrative of the OP's title, and it's heartbreaking.
posted by moody cow at 12:23 AM on February 26, 2015 [2 favorites]
“It’s not as bad as sleeping under the bridge, it’s not as bad as going without food,” one respondent said.
I think this is illustrative of the OP's title, and it's heartbreaking.
posted by moody cow at 12:23 AM on February 26, 2015 [2 favorites]
I think this is illustrative of the OP's title, and it's heartbreaking.
Yes, when "food" and "sleeping indoors" are the "positive aspects" of something, that's a hell of a low bar.
posted by not that girl at 4:28 AM on February 26, 2015 [1 favorite]
Yes, when "food" and "sleeping indoors" are the "positive aspects" of something, that's a hell of a low bar.
posted by not that girl at 4:28 AM on February 26, 2015 [1 favorite]
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posted by josher71 at 7:01 AM on February 25, 2015 [1 favorite]