In a pioneering study by the University of Birmingham, a sex worker known as 'Sam' courageously shared her story, revealing the deep-seated stigma she faces in her profession. Sam described how she felt unfairly judged and dehumanized, especially by healthcare providers, who often treated her differently upon learning about her occupation.
Sam explained, “People’s body language and the way they talk to you change completely when they find out what I do. I feel very judged. It’s intimidating when you need support for healthcare, and you have to mentally prepare for that. It’s not just in healthcare; in general, people assume your whole identity revolves around your work. I’m a human, not just a sex worker.”
The research, a collaboration between the University of Birmingham and Birmingham City Council’s Public Health Division, revealed that sex workers’ health needs are often unmet, with many facing significant stigma and being perceived through a narrow lens of their profession. The study highlights a critical gap in healthcare access, noting that existing services primarily focus on sexual health rather than addressing broader health needs.
Sam’s experiences reflect the findings of the study, which indicates that sex workers struggle to access comprehensive healthcare and need better support for mental health, physical conditions, and substance use. The study revealed alarming statistics: sex workers are 35 times more likely to use drugs, significantly more likely to smoke, and up to 20 times more likely to experience mental health issues.
Professor Caroline Bradbury-Jones, lead author and Professor of Gender-Based Violence and Health at the University of Birmingham, emphasized the study's significance: “This is the first study of its kind to give a voice to sex workers regarding their healthcare needs. We found that stigma creates a barrier to accessing help, and sex workers are often reduced to their occupation, rather than seen as whole people. Our research also showcases good practices, including training and services tailored to the diverse needs of sex workers.”
Dr. Justin Varney, Director of Public Health at Birmingham City Council, highlighted the marginalization sex workers face: “Sex workers are often forgotten members of our community, frequently discussed only in relation to crime. They face significant stigma, discrimination, and social exclusion, and often deal with overlapping health challenges such as violence, trauma, substance misuse, and poverty. Despite being recognized by the NHS as a vulnerable group, their health needs are poorly understood.”
Dr. Eleanor Molloy, co-author and researcher at the Institute of Applied Health Research, stressed the need for compassion in healthcare: “The report shows that a more empathetic approach is necessary to provide healthcare to this marginalized group. Collaborating with those who have lived experience has greatly enhanced our understanding and has helped us to empower sex workers to voice their needs.”
This study represents a crucial step toward addressing the structural discrimination faced by sex workers and aims to improve healthcare access and support for this vulnerable and socially excluded population.