Sex Work Patterns Among Transgender and Gender Diverse People

A Latent Class Analysis

Bibliographic Data

ID3648910
AuthorsMadeline Stenersen (0000-0002-2361-9768, Saint Louis University, corresponding author), Anjum Umrani (Saint Louis University), Irelan Fricke (0000-0002-1827-5892, Saint Louis University), Jessica Zemlak (Marquette University), Jessica L Zemlak (0000-0002-4770-5070, Marquette University)
Year2025
Volume72
Issue11
Pages2134-2152
Publication date2025-09-19
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Homosexuality (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0091-8369 • E-ISSN: 1540-3602
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/00918369.2024.2415419
PMID39480167
OpenAlexW4403944194
LanguageEN
Citations received6
References cited38

Sex work is a diverse profession encompassing a broad range of people, and services. Though overrepresented in sex work communities, transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals are underrepresented in sex work literature. Further, sex work literature continues to underrepresent the heterogeneity evident in the sex work community and the practices that occur within it. The present study utilized data from the 2015 United States Transgender Survey (USTS) to conduct a latent class analysis (LCA) to identify patterns of different types of sex work among TGD adults (N = 2,153) and understand the demographic characteristics associated with engagement in different types of sex work. Conceptual and statistical fit indices indicated an ideal 5-class model. Classes include (1) High Online Primary, (2) Low Online Primary, (3) Varied Sex Work, (4) Erotic Dancer, and (5) Street Primary. Results also revealed multiple differences in class membership based on demographic variables including gender identity, race/ethnicity, and sexual orientation. For example, individuals in Class 5 were significantly more likely to report no income, or income below $10,000, compared to all other classes. Taken together, the current findings highlight the varied and diverse settings, activities, and circumstances of TGD sex workers. Findings also point to a continued need to acknowledge, account for, and value the voices of sex workers across the industry when conducting research, health services, and advocacy

Class (philosophy · Developmental psychology · Gender identity · Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV · Intersectionality · Latent class model · Men who have sex with men · Sex work · Sociology · Transgender · Transgender people · Transgender women · Gender Studies · LGBTQ Health, Identity, and Policy · Medicine · Psychology · Sex work and related issues · Sexuality, Behavior, and Technology · Social Psychology

Tools

Open DOI