38. OVERCOMING SEXUAL PREJUDICE
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HOW DO YOU PERCEIVE SEX WORK AND SEX WORKERS? AND WHY DOES THE STIGMA AROUND SEX WORK EXIST?
Sara and co-host Prescott interview Vanessa Ho of Project X, a non-profit group dedicated to advocating for sex workers’ rights in Singapore.
Vanessa helps to clarify some of the biggest misconceptions around sex work, and shares with us how the nature of sex work has changed over the years.
We discuss the draconian laws in many Asian countries surrounding sex work and the risks and dangers many sex workers face because they are afraid to come forward due to the stigma and shame associated with the profession.
By learning more about the why’s, what’s and who’s of sex work, this thoughtful episode helps us examine where our own biases and prejudice regarding sex work come from, and challenges us to regard the profession with more compassion.
More Juicy Bits on the Show
15:30 – 17:41 – Legal framework for sex work in Singapore
18:50 – 19:56 – The injustices faced by undocumented sex workers
30:30 – 31:10 – Clarifying misconceptions about sex workers
33:20 – 36:00 – Where prejudice towards sex work comes from
39:35 – 41:15 – Simple ways to support sex worker rights
44:24 – 48:43 – How you can learn to overcome prejudice
52:30 – 54:00 – Responding to prejudice if you’re on the receiving end
AUDIO GUIDE: WANT TO GET BETTER IN BED?
Download this FREE audio guide to get 3 critical strategies to help you creatively and confidently rock it between the sheets.
Strategies for Overcoming Sexual Prejudice
Be aware. It’s possible to dislike the idea of prejudice and still act in prejudiced ways. Accept that implicit bias will always exist but take steps to challenge it and cultivate empathy.
Listen. Surround yourself with people who are different from you (e.g. sex workers) and listen to their stories. Try to understand what life is like for them. Focus on seeing them as individuals rather than labels.
Learn. Arm yourself with the facts and clarify misconceptions about groups or people that may be experiencing prejudice.
Be an Ally. Identify ways you can support and advocate on behalf of the causes and people you care about. Get started by following them on social media or even volunteering.
Words of Wisdom
“When you think a certain way about things, then there is a meeting of people and there is an expanding of your world. And that expanding of your world, if you can actually be present and listen to people and talk to people who are different than you or different than your assumptions, you have this new awakening of ‘oh these are people and here are their stories”
“If you ask sex workers what sex work means to them, a lot of them would just say ‘it’s a job, I go to work, I wake up, I put on my make up and go to work’ Sometimes they are like ‘oh today business is bad or business is good’ and so they see it as a job.”
“It is so important to be authentic and it’s really like an act of courage to stay true to who you are, for example, you can look at that criticism and judgment from society and you can just bow to it and be like ‘I’m not going to do what I’m going to do anymore because I’ve decided not to do it because it feels shitty to be judged’ or you can be brave and say this is who I am and what I believe in and one day I hope that one day by being who I am and showing up that I will change your mind or open your mind.”
Other Great References You’ll Love
Project X — A nonprofit group that is dedicated to destigmatizing sex work and advocating for sex workers’ rights in Singapore.
Empower Thailand — An NGO based in Thailand that helps educate, employ, and advocate for sex workers’ rights.
Red Umbrella Diaries — A documentary about 7 sex workers in New York as they describe their stories, successes, and mishaps of working this trade.
Understanding Sex Work in an Open Society – A short article about sex work, the stigma and unsafe conditions they face, while simply trying to complete their job.
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK!
Did this episode make you think differently about sex work and sex workers? Hit reply and let us know, we’d love to hear your thoughts!