The novel coronavirus disease is a threat regardless of ethnicity, sexual orientation, social class, profession or religion. I was curious about the struggles of sex workers in Guyana due to the outbreak.
Sex workers constantly face a number of risks. They may be alienated by their families, their communities may stigmatize them, and the religious community may condemn them because they believe they are practicing an immoral way of life. They are harshly judged by society as those occupying the seats of judgment are often uninterested in the circumstances that may have led these persons to sex work. Many of those who engage in sex work have suffered childhood abuse and some have been forced to run away from home because of mistreatment. Others may be otherwise employed but engage in sex work to supplement their income. This is especially true for many female sex workers who are also mothers. There are those who simply choose the profession because of the financial benefits. Some transwomen, too, who also face oppression because they are often not free to express their gender identity, also find it difficult to find employment outside of sex work. Regardless or the circumstances, the freedom of choice should be respected.
Sex work is described as the oldest profession in the world and it is unlikely that there will be a time when it disappears. It is the age of liberalism and in many societies sex work is decriminalised. Therefore, we can expect to see more tolerance with time. In some communities, such as the mining communities in Guyana, sex work is openly practised. However, sex work is still criminalised in this country. Though their clients are diverse and may include some in law enforcement, sex workers continue to face the risk of being prosecuted and imprisoned.
Discrimination against sex workers is often overlooked, partially because as aforementioned there are those who believe that sex work, even though one of the oldest professions, is immoral. Sex workers are verbally and physically abused and some have even been murdered. Against this background, it is no surprise that sex workers are facing several challenges during the current global pandemic.
Curious as to the specific challenges sex workers in Guyana are facing during this crisis, I spoke with Miriam Edwards, Executive Director and founding member of the Guyana Sex Work Coalition and co-chair of the Caribbean Sex Work coalition and Gulliver McEwan, Director of Guyana Trans United.
Employment
Since April 3rd, a curfew has been imposed nationally from 6 pm to 6 am daily. It is no secret that many, if not most, sex workers in Guyana work at night. Night is more the preferred time, notwithstanding the exceptions to the norms in the mining areas. The darkness is a shield not only for the clients but also sex workers as it minimises the chances of exposure and prosecution.
Therefore, with little or no income during this time, many sex workers are unable to adequately provide for themselves, their children and extended families.
Housing
Despite the current crisis, which has affected the earning ability of many persons, there are those landlords who are not concerned about the plights of their tenants. They are threatening eviction if rent is not paid. I am aware that in some instances landlords are indebted to the banks because of mortgages and I know at least one bank that has called customers to demand their payments instead of deferring them. It is one indication that this society was not prepared for an outbreak such as this. Our election crisis exacerbates it. There are not many provisions in place to assist those who cannot work during this time. Hampers may feed a family for a few days, but when bill collectors are also making demands of those who have lost income during this time, it speaks to a society in decline. Sex workers cannot escape this.
Health risks
Though some sex work may occur outside the curfew, the risk of coronavirus threatens that also. Many sex workers may have regular clients, but the nature of their job exposes them to many people. Like the general population, sex workers too must practice physical distancing and other safety practices. Working even during the day deviates from the recommended safety practices and will put them at great risk. It is now not only about practicing safe sex with clients, but because there is no telling who may be infected with the coronavirus given that some persons are asymptomatic, the safest choice is not work during this time.
Relief
To date, sex workers have not received much assistance according to Edwards and McEwan; not from government or local humanitarian organisations. Many have called on the Sex Worker Coalition and Guyana Trans United for help. Ms. Edwards said that she has been helping as much as she can with her personal resources. Her daughters were also successful in raising some funds to buy and distribute some hampers to sex workers. However, there is no certainty of funding even though there have been promises. One has to wonder what effects this would have on the general population if it were to continue for a few more months.
Guyana Trans United also has not received any local funding to help alleviate the pressures trans sex workers are facing during this crisis. However, the organisation was able to access some funds to assist with hampers. A GoFundMe was also set up by a Guyanese transwoman living in New York. Twinkle Paul is raising funds to help transwomen in Guyana and a few Guyanese transwomen living in Suriname. The goal set is at US$5,000, which will help with needs such as food, safety supplies and rent. Almost US$3000 has been raised thus far.
McEwan said that she would like to see equality in Guyana. All Guyanese should be treated with respect and systems should be in place to improve the lives of all Guyanese regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, profession, ethnicity or social class.
When this global pandemic ends, sex workers will continue to face risks in Guyana. Many of these risks will be alleviated if sex work is decriminalised. But even if decriminalisation occurs, the belief by a significant section of the population that sex work is immoral will likely remain one of the threats to those who engage in it for their livelihoods.
