When did you begin doing sex work and why?
I started doing sex work when I was 19, by my own choice together with a friend of mine. She came over and told me she has an idea that we can easily do and all I had to do was to consent to it if I wanted. When I heard the amount of money I could earn, I accepted and consented without much thought. I was motivated by the financial gains, but also by the opportunity to meet many different people. Afterwards, I really fell in love with my work and I never stopped doing it.
How did you feel when you met your first client?
Honestly, I was a bit afraid of meeting somebody that I know, because we live in a small and judgmental society. Luckily I did not know my first client, though I was a bit shy at the beginning. In the end it all went great.
How long have you been doing sex work and have you ever experienced any problems because of your gender identity?
I am doing sex work for more than 10 years now. My clients know exactly who I am because every time when a new client contacts me, I am very straight forward about being transgender woman. If they do not mind it, they just come and I have never had any issues from them about my gender identity.
Illustration: Hester Scholma
Have you ever been abused (physically, sexually or psychologically?
Yes, around 7 years ago I was sexually abused by three clients who forced me to have sex with all three of them. They were under the influence of alcohol at the time and I could not handle them. Immediately after what happened I called a legal representative and explained what happened, but I could not press charges because one of the perpetrators was a minor and the legal representative advised me that it would be probably used against me.
Have you ever been asked to have unprotected sexual intercourse?
It happens on a daily basis, but I stand firmly that I never consent to sexual favors without condom. This is mainly to protect my own sexual and reproductive health, but also to protect my other clients.
Do you earn enough by doing sex work?
Before COVID-19, I can honestly say that I was earning even more than enough, but with the pandemic many things changes, so has sex work. I am reluctant to meet clients in person, they are reluctant to meet sex workers because of the coronavirus. I can not know if they are protecting themselves enough, so now I mostly work with long-time clients.
How has the COVID-19 pandemic influenced your work?
Before COVID-19 I used to work by myself, but since the crisis with COVID-19 began the work load has decreased and I had to find a solution around my monthly expenses related to rent and bills. So I started working together with another sex worker, so that we can share the costs and expenses. I also realized that I feel safer when I work with a co-worker and there is someone else at the working premises.
Have you ever faced any discrimination in your daily life (outside of sex work) because of your gender identity?
So many times! I have been discriminated and offended by employees in public institutions and services. Anytime I have to go somewhere where an ID document is required, is a huge stress for me. Once in a bank, when handing my ID card, the clerk was offending me and clamed I was giving fake documents. Also, when I changed my name and went to pick up my new birth certificate, I was ridiculed by the head of department. Another time, police officers routinely checked my ID and they were making fun of me.
Do you receive any medical care and legal protection?
I receive medical care and legal protection from NGOs who support and work with sex workers and transgender communities. I am mostly helped and supported by STAR, TransForma, Coalition Margins, HOPS and HERA.
What it feels like to be a transgender person in your surrounding and what can be done to change?
It is quite difficult to be “different” than others, but in my closest surrounding everyone is aware of my gender identity and accept me as I am. We must speak openly about our diversity, so that the rest can get to know us and accept us. I have a feeling that many people just do not understand what it is like to transgender person and by coming out we can actually change things for better.