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 […]

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, […]

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 […]

“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. […]

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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.