Introduction to Sex Work-Affirming Clinical Practice (Pt.1)

Sex work exists in many forms, and not all people working in the sex trade identify as sex workers. Many of the issues sex workers face in their personal lives are directly related to the stigma surrounding erotic labor in our culture. Stigma affects sex workers at different levels, largely dependent on their other identities and their access to resources. Many sex workers find themselves “closeted” due to the criminalized nature of their work and struggle to find safe spaces to talk and heal. In this training, we will explore how the cultural narratives surrounding sex work and sex workers’ varied identities impact their lived experiences. Together, we will discuss ways to support our clients in the sex trade as they navigate their work, personal relationships, and the complex experiences of stigma and oppression that often accompany criminalized work.