Editor's note: The following story may contain content that is disturbing or graphic to some readers. From glory holes to making moves virtually, public health advice for sexual contact during COVID has varied across Canada.
During the pandemic, people engaging in sex work are facing unique challenges not only because of the novelty of the virus, but also due to the unregulated nature of their work and the social stigma that goes along with it. In Simcoe County, police are noting an increase in congregation complaints related to sex work, but a steep drop off in human-trafficking tips. Jessi not her real name has made the move from stripper to sex worker due to major changes that have hit the industry throughout COVID She was working as a stripper in Barrie up until the pandemic hit in March.
While the club opened again in June for a short time, Jessi says everyone was required to wear masks and stay six feet apart, which made it impossible for her to make money on private dances. Sarah Tilley has worked at the harm reduction co-ordinator at the Gilbert Centre since January Prior to that, she worked for the centre as the sex worker outreach and support co-ordinator.
While the organization has evolved over the years to help members of the LGBTQ community due to need, other affected communities, such as those engaging in sex work or struggling with addictions, are also included as part of their mandate.
There are so many different forms of sex work. As COVID is spread primarily through through respiratory droplets and aerosols, there are ways for people engaged in sex work to do so safely. Public perception of people engaged in sex work can be a barrier to making sure proper protections are in place. Jessi provides any services a customer might request, but she says she does observe COVID safety as best she can. This includes only meeting clients at a specific hotel, always insisting all participants, including herself, are wearing masks, and sanitizing the hotel room between clients.
