Understanding Health and Care Among Sex Workers (eBook)

This book examines sex worker health and the concept of care among sex workers in Rhode Island using mixed methods research conceived of and led by Ocean State Advocacy (O$A), a grassroots collective of sex workers in Rhode Island. Drawing upon survey data, in-depth interview research, as well as ethnographic and grounded theory principle, this text provides a nuanced look at why sex workers face disparate health outcomes, what defines the area of sex worker health, and practices of care that exist among sex workers in Rhode Island. Throughout this book, the authors examine how criminalization and stigma impact care and why sex workers find themselves in a distinctly challenging position when trying to stay healthy and well. Throughout this book, the authors explore both these vulnerabilities and sources of strength among the sex work community with the goal of gaining a better understanding of what sex workers in Rhode Island need for a healthier future.

This book will be of interest to scholars and students within the fields of Sociology, Gender and Sexuality Studies, Labor Studies, Public Health, Social Medicine, Medical Humanities, and Medical Education.

Claire Macon is a community organizer and researcher originally from the deep south and currently living in Providence, RI. Her work in the community focuses on issues related to housing, drug users' rights, and sex workers rights. As a member of O$A, she brings perspective of lived experience and previous research on harm reduction strategies and overdose prevention. She is interested in exploring the role of labor and survival practices amongst criminalized populations through her work.

Eden Tai is an artist, researcher, and sex worker. She is currently a member of the O$A research team. Tai hopes her work allows people to feel closer to home in their bodies, in relationship to others, and in the places they live. 

Sidney Lane is a trans BIPOC stoner born and raised in Rhode Island. They found their way to O$A through their relationships with local sex workers, drug users, and party-people. Leading up to this project, Lane has worked in the sex industry, within the non-profit industrial complex, and as a community organizer. Their career has centralized around care and support for trans sex workers of color living and working in Rhode Island; their favorite people in their favorite place.