Lecture 10: The Sexual Exploitation of Young Men in (Western) Canada Flashcards
Sexual Exploitation
Abuse of children and youth by exchanging sexual activity for money, drugs, and/or basic needs.
National Youth in Care Network
Organization run by youth and former youth from government care who advocate for youth in care.
What is the demographics of sexually exploited young men?
- Mostly Aboriginal.
- Most involved with child protective services.
- Most didn’t finish high school.
- Most thrown out.
- Most sexually or physically violated.
- Most witnessed aggression.
- Most involved with police.
What were some reasons that young men became involved in the sex trade?
- Physical, mental, and emotional health.
- Necessity and survival.
- Drug and alcohol dependency.
- Family history.
- Camaraderie and acceptance.
At what age did most of the young men get into the sex trade?
Under the age of 18 (16-17).
What is a potential economic problem when young boys are involved in the sex trade?
As adults, they lack employment skills and work experience. Don’t have transferrable skills.
Sex work in and of itself is not illegal. However, why do most individuals involved commit crime when they hit older ages such as 24?
They must innovate to sustain habits.
How long do most young men stay in the sex trade?
Over 2 years.
Which gender tends to enter the trade earlier and stay twice as long?
Men.
Why do men struggle exiting the sex trade?
There are very few exiting services. Women are offered exit when they birth children, which brings along state support.
Where do male sex trade workers mainly work?
In cars, hotels, apartments, truck stops, abandoned buildings, parks. Rarely go to a home. Mainly unconventional spaces.
How do male sex trade workers act and dress?
They act normal, and tend to walk and keep moving. Wear everyday clothing to remain undetectable.
True or false? Male sex trade workers never make use of shelters.
False, most report staying in shelters.
True or false? Male sex trade workers report negative experiences at shelters.
False.
Dissociation
Majority did not enjoy working in the sex teamed but felt victimized and traumatized. Dissociating themselves from the sex acts the were performing.
How are family relations strained due to involvement in the male sex trade?
Families generally disapprove of involvement in the sex trade, especially when they are aware that the customers are predominantly male.
Gay Bashing
Humiliation and violence from the community and customers.
True or false? Most male sex workers have experienced a bad date.
True.
What are some common preoccupations of the male sex trade workers?
- How and when to exit the trade.
- Fear of never getting out.
- How to improve lives/lives of families.
- Moving on to a better lifestyle.
How do male sex trade workers hustle safely?
- Do not hustle alone.
- Stay in safe/well-lit areas.
- Seek ‘sugar daddy’ relationship.
How are drugs and the sex trade related?
Sometimes the trade introduces them to drugs. Most see drugs as a way of life, and drug use in private life fuels the need to work and enables them to remain in the trade.
What are the 3 types of sexual orientations in the male sex trade?
- Gay for pay.
- Straight for pay.
- Transgender.
Gay for Pay
Make who is heterosexual in non-hustling/working life but will become involved in sexual activities with male customers during the period in which he is hustling/working.
Straight for Pay
Gay male who will take on a straight personae during the period in which he is hustling/working.
