Issues Concerning the Informality and Outdoor Sex Work Performed by Travestis in São Paulo, Brazil

• Published in: Archives of sexual behavior Vol. 40; no. 6; pp. 1211 - 1221
• Main Authors: Garcia, Marcos R. V., Lehman, Yvette Piha
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Boston Springer US 01-12-2011; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Behavioral Science and Psychology; Brazil; Economic Competition; Humans; Low income groups; Male; Original Paper; Psychology; Public Health; Qualitative research; Sex industry; Sex Work - psychology; Sex Work - statistics & numerical data; Sex Workers - psychology; Sex Workers - statistics & numerical data; Sexual Behavior; Sexual orientation; Social Environment; Social Sciences; Transsexualism - psychology; Brazil; Sao Paulo Brazil; Informal work; Sex work; Travestis; Transgenders
• ISSN: 0004-0002; 1573-2800
• DOI: 10.1007/s10508-010-9702-4

The objective of this article was to discuss a series of issues pertaining to outdoor sex work practiced by low-income
travestis
in São Paulo, Brazil. Qualitative methods conducted among this segment of the population revealed sex work as almost inseparable from the existence of
travestis
as a social group. Among them, the outdoor modality was the most prominent and social stigma was a predisposing factor for their entrance (and permanence) in sex work. The results showed that some of the difficulties they faced regarding work must be understood as a consequence of them being self-employed, informal workers occupying public spaces, much like street vendors. The points they shared in common with Brazilian street vendors included the struggle for street space, their rejection by local residents and shopkeepers, police persecution, and higher credit and rental expenses. All this led to mutual exploitation within the group, difficulties in changing occupations, predatory competition for customers, and difficulties in forming professional associations.