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, […]
Jalan Besar Writers’ Incubation Programme Recap
Have you recently noticed that we put out an open call for sex workers to contribute to an anthology on sex work in Singapore? There is a sore need for sex worker-written narratives in a world full of sensationalist and sexist narratives surrounding the industry. Sex work is work, and there’s no one better to […]
Doing the work: How can the sexual liberation movement be an ally to sex workers?
The rise of femme-centered ‘wellness’ brands coupled with the changing attitudes of Singaporeans about sex, indicates that sexual liberation is an important subject matter in our times. But we are not there yet. Sexual liberation, female empowerment and true sex positivity cannot be achieved without first recognising the work of sex workers, and for this […]
A Love Letter to Sex Work by Mia
Dear you, People often ask me why I choose you. Some wonder if it is Stockholm Syndrome, others think that I must be manipulated by you, enticed by shiny diamonds and the allure of your glamour. People ask me why I stay, or, perhaps, why I let you stay. They tell me it is […]
International Day To End Violence Against Sex Workers Day 2022 Special: Organisational Statement
To condone violence against sex workers undermines the principle of rule of law in Singapore. Like the rest of us, sex workers in Singapore deserve to be treated with dignity and have their agency acknowledged. Did you know? According to the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, there are approximately 4200 sex workers in […]
“Whatever that I’m doing now, who am I now, when I’m no longer [around], I wish to be accepted [in the eyes of God] and I will go away peacefully.” Alisha’s Journey of Authenticity, Self-Determination and Self-Acceptance.
Trigger Warning: Substance use Too often, we only give flowers to people once their walk on Earth comes to an end. Since 1999, the world observes Transgender Day of Remembrance every 20th of November. On this day, we honour the memory of those who lost their lives due to transphobic violence. While violence within […]
“I’m just always afraid that someone’s gonna reject me when they find out this part of myself”. Sugar’s story: Sex Work and its Implications on Mental Health.
Trigger Warning: Mental Health Challenges, Body Image Sugar’s Shrine (Clay Sculpture by Sugar) As part of Mental Health Awareness Month, I hoped to capture a sex worker’s journey in navigating mental health. In an industry with its own set of complexities and implications, I wondered how individuals regulate their emotional and mental states, […]
Person-Centred Care: Notes from the Gilead Life Beyond HIV Conference ’22
Hello all, It’s me, Nor! If you haven’t already met or heard about me, I am the newly-appointed Programmes Manager at Project X. I’ve been with the team for a little more than 6 months and I can’t say enough how much it’s been my greatest pleasure to work in an organisation like Project X. […]
International Women’s Day Special: Why Sex Workers Rights Are Women’s Rights
Singapore has committed itself to ensuring women’s rights and advancing gender equality in society. Home Affairs and Law Minister Mr K Shanmugam has even called gender inequality a ‘deep violation of fundamental values’ and has since put effort into eradicating it.
Since most sex workers in Singapore are women, both cis and trans, protecting their rights is an integral part of advancing gender equality. Sex workers continue to be discriminated against on multiple levels and subjected to violations of their rights. Women enter the sex industry for a variety of reasons. But regardless of what these reasons are, they still deserve the same protections that are afforded to those working outside the sex industry. Sex workers face the same forms of misogyny, toxic masculinity and stigma faced by non-sex worker women but at a more specific – and sometimes heightened – level. This is why sex workers rights need to be part of the effort to advance women’s rights.
Sex Work & Mental Health
A large body of public health research reports links between doing sex work and a history of trauma/abuse. It also reports a greater propensity for poor mental health due to experiences of sexual coercion, abuse by clients, discrimination, and drug use. Drawing such causal links without delving into the context of the situation implies that […]