Being a Queer Sex Worker

TW: Mention of Biphobia, Transphobia  When most people think of sex workers, they envision a woman in tall heels, scantily dressed either in red or covered in glitter or both, ready to pounce on any man with money. Unsurprisingly, that is not how the average sex worker portrays themselves on a day-to-day basis. It’s a […]

After Bugis Street… places and spaces for transgender sex workers in Singapore

1.1 History of Bugis Street: Bugis Street is often touted as one of the many go to places in Singapore for cheap trendy clothes and delicious delicacies today. Right below the refurbished pavement of Bugis Square, lies the remnants of the original Bugis Street, internationally renowned for being a glorious haven for the trans community […]

Sex Work in ASEAN – The Philippines

Preface: This is the third post in Project X’s new series ‘Sex work in ASEAN nations’ – a series designed to encourage greater understanding of, and dispel common myths about, sex work in the region. This series will consider the state of the sex industry and sex workers rights in each of the 10 ASEAN […]

Film Review: Bugis Street (1995) by Yonfan

Trigger Warning: Depictions of r*pe, Sexual Assault, Slurs, Transphobia   Yonfan’s Bugis Street is an iconic cornerstone of Singapore’s queer history, a kitsch depiction of the lives of transgender sex workers in the titular Bugis Street of yesteryears. The first of its kind, Bugis Street humanised transgender sex workers in a period where neither sex […]

Sex Work in ASEAN Countries – Indonesia

Preface: This is the second post in Project X’s new series ‘Sex work in ASEAN nations’ – a series designed to encourage greater understanding of, and dispel common myths about, sex work in the region. This series will consider the state of the sex industry and sex workers rights in each of the 10 ASEAN […]

I love decriminalisation, and here’s why.

In Singapore, certain aspects of sex work remain in the grey area, leaving those in the industry vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. In this blog post, we will delve into the specifics of legalising and decriminalising sex work in Singapore. We will also discuss what both can mean for the rights of sex workers. Under […]

Film Review: GEYLANG by Boi Kwong

  Trigger Warning: Violence, R*pe    GEYLANG is a Singaporean film, produced and directed by Boi Kwong. The film features a star-studded ensemble with the likes of Sheila Sim, Mark Lee, Shane Mardjuki, Patricia Lin, and Gary Lau. This film also features a cameo appearance by Project X’s Sherry Sherqueshaa, our beloved Head of Community […]

Sex Work in ASEAN Countries – Thailand

Sex Work in ASEAN Nations – Thailand  Preface: This is the first post in Project X’s new series ‘Sex work in ASEAN nations’ – a series designed to encourage greater understanding of, and dispel common myths about, sex work in the region. This series will consider the state of the sex industry and sex workers […]

Transgender Day of Visibilility 2023 Feature: “I want people to see me not only from my outlook, but also my inner beauty.” – Farainna

This 31st March, the world commemorates Transgender Day of Visibility. While Transgender Day of Remembrance honours the memory of transgender lives lost to transphobic violence, Transgender Day of Visibility celebrates the living and the contributions the transgender community have made to society. For our TDOV feature, we had the privilege of speaking to 27-year-old Farainna, […]

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Vanessa Ho

Executive Director | [email protected]

Executive Director
[email protected]

Vanessa has been full-time with Project X since 2011, and as a result, has had many opportunities to meet and connect with sex workers in Singapore and around the world. Under her leadership, the organisation has grown from a small group of volunteers to one where there are three paid staff and a team of over 60 volunteers. Correspondingly, she has increased the annual operating budget of the organization five times, and is now recognized as the leading organization that empowers and assists women in the sex industry.

Vanessa has written and spoken extensively about sex work, human trafficking, rape culture, and LGBTQ rights in Singapore. She believes that if people can speak about sex, gender and sexuality in open and in non-judgmental ways, society will become a safer place for everyone.

Vanessa holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from the University of Warwick, and a Masters Degree in Gender, Society and Representation from University College London.