ILGA-Europe are working for the protection of the fundamental rights of all LGBTI people. Based on the principle of self-determination, ILGA-Europe believe that everyone has the right to be protected against violence and discrimination. To achieve this goal, we work with activists and policymakers to craft legislation and policies to form the basis of such protection.
Crucially, we also support LGBTI communities to self-organise and make sure their own experiences are heard. This position paper is based on these core principles. LGBTI sex workers should have agency and their voices need to be included in the LGBTI communities and in the discussion and adoption of any policies affecting their lives.
For the purpose of this position paper, the term ‘sex work’ refers to consenting adults exchanging sexual services, without coercion, for some form of remuneration. Sex work does not involve violence and coercion – as otherwise it is a criminal offence.
ILGA-Europe are very clear about not conflating sex work and trafficking. Trafficking is a serious human rights violation, and an extremely worrying reality across Europe, Central Asia and beyond. We therefore stand in full solidarity with voices calling on decision-makers to make sure that existing laws aimed at combating trafficking are effectively implemented, and that victims get all the support they need in the countries where they find themselves.
Moreover, ILGA-Europe are aware that young LGBTI people, including minors, may resort to sex work as a means of survival in a context of family rejection and social marginalisation. However, the issue of support and protection of minors selling sex services is outside the scope of this policy, because commercial sex involving children is a criminal offence. In addition, any policy affecting young people who sell sex should take into consideration their capacity to exercise agency.
There are many reasons why LGBTI people engage in sex work, from personal motivations to structural LGBTI-phobia and exclusion. Marginalisation, discrimination, bullying at school, rejection of family and friends, limited employment and economic opportunities are all factors that can push LGBTI people into sex work. Read more via Ilga-Europe