Learn to understand and dispel the myths around Trans Sex Workers and their need for advocacy.
Have you ever wondered why it is illegal to pay someone to give you an orgasm? Does it make sense for the government to dictate the frame work in which two consenting adults are allowed to experience sexual pleasure?
Sex work is a Taboo topic, yet not discussing it allows for the perpetuation of many misconceptions and falsehoods about what it means to be a consensual and empowered Sex Worker.
Sex workers and Trans people are some of the most vilified and therefore vulnerable people in our society. So what would it look like for society to be supportive instead?
In this episode of Sex Is Medicine, Devi speaks with Trans Right Activist, Corey Keith, about the oppression of sex workers and Trans folks and what we can do as individuals, and a society, to flip that script.
Tune in to learn more about:
- How society oppresses sex workers and Trans folks
- Perceptions around exchanging sex for money
- The intersection of Trans Sex Workers
- Why Trans folks enter the sex trade
- Dispelling the myths
- Need for advocacy
- Ancient societies – Sex Workers were seen as Sacred/ Healers/ Priestesses
Watch below!
COREY KEITH | SPECTRA CONSULTING
Corey Keith uses the pronouns per and pers. Per provides passion, experience and knowledge through peer counselling, consulting, and workshops in the areas of sexuality and gender since 2006. Integrating Western and Eastern wisdom to enhance already existing practices to further create a sense of Radical Self Love, Authenticity, Spiritual Connection and Sacred Relationships. Per taught in the Bachelors of Social Work program, Sexual Orientation and Gender Expression, in 2013 and 2015. In 2009, Corey received a Bachelors of Aboriginal Social Work from NVIT, a diploma in Professional Counseling in 2011 from Rhodes Wellness College and then in 2016, a Masters of Education from Thompson Rivers University.
In addition to this work and education, Corey has also been a proud Sex Worker off and on for the last 15 years. Per presently resides in Victoria BC, continuing the work of Counselling, education and advocacy.
2 Responses
I love this presentation. The question I have is how does one address a person who has completely transtioned? If they now identify with their new gender, is it demeaning to refer to them as trans gender. Also, I have noticed an antipathy on the part of many in the LBG Q society who don’t really care about the T . As if the T people are riding on the coattails of the LGB Q people. They didn’t work as hard as we did!
Hi Gilbert, thank you for feedback and the questions. I would say it depends on the person, Some folks identify as transgender once they are finished transitioning and others don’t. It really depends on the person. Some it is a point of identity and others it is about the experience of transitioning their physical body, dress, ect to match their vision of themselves. So many want to be seen as a man or a women (depending) and that’s it, and it is important to honor that. For them, it can be demeaning to be called transgender. For others, they may identify as a transgender woman, transgender man, or a transgender person. I am non-binary and often use the term transgender. So at the end of the day, to keep it simple, ask what that person wants to be called. As far as the LGBQ communities ‘antipathy’ towards trans folks, its sad but true, and it does exist and I have experienced this. This is something I could write a long post on, but I will keep it as simple as I can. I will say it comes down to prejudice, although they want equity when it comes to same-sex marriage, ect. but for many it is hard for them to understand what it means to be trans*. On the flip side there are some transgender folks who want to disconnect themselves from the LGBQ communities due to the prejudices, that trans/ non-binary issues are different or because gender and sexual orientation often get conflated. For me, although all of those things are true, yet our histories have been together and as a queer/ trans person, I cannot separate the two aspects of myself and lastly because we are stronger together. And the only way we can address the prejudice is by engaging and having conversations with the rest of the LGBQ communities. It does not mean we don’t need to have our spaces at times, just as women need their spaces, It just means outside of those spaces we need to have those difficult conversations. I hope that is clear. let me know if you have any other questions. 🙂