THE SOCIAL AND WORK CONTEXT OF COMMERCIAL SEX BETWEEN MEN - A RESEARCH NOTE

A qualitative approach was used to explore the social and work context s of the commercial sexual encounter between male sex workers and thei r clients. Male sex workers aged between 19 and 34 were interviewed in Melbourne. This preliminary, exploratory study suggests that dominant traditional models of male sexuality and masculinity may be reflected in how male sex workers give meaning to commercial sex. The study als o reveals that, by using a career orientation towards their work, male sex workers may be able to separate work sex from personal sex, under stand their work within the broader social context of work, reject the stigma of commercial sex, use their bodies as a resource that allows them to capitalise on male sexual privilege, and practise safe sex wit h their clients. Suggestions for further research into safe sex negoti ations and practices in male commercial sex encounters are outlined.