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Reframing sex work

  • Series
Artwork made up of a black and white photograph of a female figure from behind, from the waist up, against a black background. Her arms are held above her head and her wrists cross, fingers extended. Embroidered into the photographic print with grey thread is a crisscross floral pattern which exactly covers her head and hair. Across her back, embroidered in silver thread is a large triangle connected to a smaller triangle. Either side of the figure are two large curved forms made up of a layered texture of dots.
Sex work, stigma and whorephobia. © Jessa Fairbrother for Wellcome Collection.

Dr Kate Lister invited five contributors to share their diverse, profound and often heartbreaking personal experiences of sex work, with each reflecting upon how the stigma of sex work can have a significant impact on sex workers’ mental health, on their place in society and on their physical safety. The result is a series of unique perspectives that question the political and societal reluctance to legitimise sex work and how it might better protect those who are the most vulnerable.

  • Article

Sex work, stigma and whorephobia

Like everyone, sex workers sometimes need medical or mental health support. But shame and stigma seriously affect attitudes and access.

  • Article

Selling sex and sacrificing safety

Sex workers who report crimes against them can face a “what do you expect?” attitude. But one organisation is working to protect vulnerable people in the sex industry.

  • Article

Sex work and critical campaigners

When campaigners filmed secretly in the club where she worked, exotic dancer Ella Smith felt frightened and degraded. Here she speaks out about the attack on her livelihood.

  • Article

Surviving sex work on the streets

In care at four, on the streets at nine, Charmaine has had a traumatic journey to reach life as it is now: no drugs, no sex work, looking after her mum, and enjoying her grandchildren. Here she writes honestly about her past.

  • Article

Being trans in the world of sex work

Unstable. Predatory. Risk takers. Dr Adrienne Macartney sheds stark light on the hostile and negative assumptions faced by trans sex workers.

About the contributors

A headshot of Kate Lister, who has short blonde curly hair, is wearing a blue jumper and is leaning against a brick wall.

Dr Kate Lister

Editor

Kate is a sex historian and author of several books, including 'A Curious History of Sex'. She is the host of the hit podcast 'Betwixt the Sheets', a weekly columnist for iNews and occasional TV presenter.

Jessa Fairbrother

Jessa Fairbrother

Artist

Jessa Fairbrother is an award-winning artist concentrating on themes of yearning and the porous body. Initially training as an actor, she later completed an MA in Photographic Studies, amplifying her knowledge of how artwork and audience collide. Jessa uses embroidery, performance, photography and writing in her work. The artist’s book of her work, ‘Conversations with my mother’, is held in collections including Tate Britain and the V&A, London. Her companion piece, ‘Role Play (Woman with Cushion)’, is part of ‘Acts of Creation: On Art and Motherhood’ – a Hayward Touring exhibition curated by Hettie Judah.