Research TeamLead Outreach & interviewer:
Chuck Ferguson (they/them) Chuck is a queer, non-binary, disabled sex worker and sex worker advocate who is unabashedly obsessed with bats and goats. They are fat femme who always wears crop tops and has headphones on or music playing around them, obsessively listening to Sleep Token. After starting sex work in 2010, they quickly got involved in community advocacy and it is what drives their education. Chuck is interested in pursuing a Master's in Public Health after graduating with their bachelor's degree this summer. Chuck wants to do research in order to create and teach educational material to healthcare professionals and the public about the societal and health impacts of occupational stigma on sex workers. They also want to create access to healthcare for sex workers and other marginalized communities. “Nothing about us without us."
Lead Researcher:
Kari Lerum (she/her) is a member of the queer community and a longtime advocate for individuals in the sex trade. Find out more about Kari at her website. |
Details about the StudyObjectives
RationaleThere is an increasing amount of evidence regarding the need for increases in health and social services for trans individuals [i], as well as the need for human rights framework for sex workers [ii], but there is still a lack of empirical research documenting the unique overlaps and disjunctures between transgender, sex worker, and labor and immigrant rights stakeholders. This pilot research is one very few to attempt an inclusive study of trans and genderqueer sex workers, Knowledge about the social context of trans sex workers is important for thoughtful crafting and implementation of prostitution and trafficking policies and interventions, particularly at the local level (including city, county, state policing, health services, and community based organizations).
FundingFunding for this project provided by the Harry Bridges Center for Labor Studies, and a UW Bothell Scholarship, Research, and Creative Practice (SRCP) seed grant.
Research DesignThis is a community-based research partnership between members of University of Washington and three community based organizations serving trans and sex worker communities: Ailieen's, Gender Justice League, and UTOPIA Washington. Former and current trans, non-binary, & GNC sex workers are involved in many aspects of this study, including study design, recruitment, interviewing, and data collection and analysis. Confidential interviews will be conducted in Seattle and will last approximetly 60 minutes each. Participants receive a $50 Amazon gift card.
This study has been approved by the UW Human Subjects Division. |