Film Review: Pleasure Factory (2007) by Ekachai Uekrongtham
Trigger Warning: Graphic depictions of abuse and non-consensual sexual acts An official selection for the Un Certain Regard competition at the 2007 Cannes Film Festival, Pleasure Factory depicts three different stories that take place throughout the same night at Singapore’s infamous red light district Geylang. Whether it’s a young NS man looking to lose […]
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 […]
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 […]
“People like us, we cannot dream like others” Zoe’s Story: Being A Mother and a Sex Worker
TW: Mention of R*pe, Molest, Substance Use The annual celebration of Mother’s Day honours the contributions mothers make in the name of motherhood. In Project X, we have observed many sex workers who are also mothers. As with any working parent, sex workers must balance their professional and parenting duties. This profession faces unique challenges […]
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 […]
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 […]