‘Blowjobs are Jobs Too’: An Exploratory Study into Victimization Experiences of Male Sex Workers in Botswana

Abstract

This study conducted in-depth face to face interviews with twenty male sex workers (MSWs) servicing sex tourists in Botswana. Expert opinions were also sought with support organizations and the police in Botswana to understand more about male sex work in Botswana. The research questions were directed at exploring (a) how male sex workers experienced and perceived victimisation in their interactions with sex tourists, (b) what role support groups played, and (c) what reforms both male sex workers and support groups propose for the male sex work industry. The article presents their victimisation experiences, health risks and opinions of the support groups. The study found out that MSWs frequently experienced physical violence and sexual assaults such as stealthing, especially male sex workers who identified as gay or bisexual. MSWs never reported their victimisation experiences to the police due to fear of stigmatisation, shaming and possible arrests given the partial criminalisation of sex work. Support groups on the other, as non-governmental organizations offered the much-needed support services such as distribution of lubes, condoms, HIV screening, counselling, and ARV and PrEP access and management for sex workers. This study contributes to the limited literature examining the experiences of MSWs, demonstrating their vulnerability and the need for interventions to mitigate their victimisation and protect their health. Many sex workers emphasised constitutional protections of their rights, the need to decriminalise, as well as the promotion of safety and security. The study argues that traditionally, culture and religion have produced a gender-biased socio-cultural parameters that place males as providers, hence, their vulnerability to victimisation and sexual violence is often unnoticed, which also makes reporting difficult to law enforcement.