Sex work, the exchange of sexual services for money or resources, faces significant challenges due to criminalization and limiting access to essential healthcare and protection. LGBTQ+ people have a long-standing connection to sex work, which has been rooted in systemic oppression. A recent study found that 80% of sex workers identified as LGBTQ+ and 33% as gender diverse.
Due to discrimination, stigma, and criminalization, sex workers continue to be dismissed from government protections, healthcare access, and fundamental human rights. One report showed that nearly 25% of sex workers have been denied healthcare despite facing disproportionate rates of physical and sexual violence, STIs, substance use, and mental health conditions.
This OutTalk episode discusses ways to create equitable healthcare for sex workers and explores how healthcare professionals can help establish safe environments and reduce stigma. Panelists include: Addison Laczkowski (he/him) – Case Manager at the COIN Clinic; Randi Singer, PhD, CNM (she/her) – UIC College of Nursing and Southside Health Advocacy Resource Partnership; Ashley Madness, J.D. (she/her) – Steering Committee Member at DecrimSexWorkCA; & John Sovec, LMFT (he/him) – OutTalk Moderator & Host, Therapist – Coach – Speaker – Author of “Out: A Parent’s Guide to Supporting Your LGBTQIA+ Kid Through Coming Out and Beyond”
Watch Episode on Vimeo