Through a Different Lens: Occupational Health of Sex-Working Young Trans Women

Abstract

Purpose: Sex work is a common form of work among young trans women (YTW). Methods: Using an occupational health frame, we measured associations between demographics, sex work, and vocational outcomes in 18-month visit data from the SHINE study (n=263, San Francisco). Results: Overall, 41.8% reported lifetime sex work, primarily escorting/paid sex. Motivations included "better pay"and "can't get a job due to gender discrimination."Occupational injuries included anxiety (53.6%) and depression (50%), with significantly higher relative risk for YTW doing multiple types of sex work. Criminalization experiences (i.e., incarceration, arrests, and police interaction) were common. Conclusion: Results echo calls for sex worker-affirming mental health care for YTW.