KerriM

Correction: Fifth paragraph should read that "clients, outreach workers, etc., do NOT get paid." Sex workers do. Thanks.

Thank you so much for the comments and advice. Well, I'll tell you a little about myself. I'm a sex worker ally, which is only part of the reason why I'm interested in this subject. I moreso am really interested in the lives of minority cultures and subverting stigma that is associated with those cultures. St. John's, like you said, is small and much of its population is quite traditional. People not only reject the idea that sex work can be thriving in this city, but they also don't understand it. My goal in writing this book is to shed some light on this industry - the good, the bad and the ugly. There is no particular story I'm looking for, just honesty. Some interviewees include a transwoman who finds her work very gender affirming, a male sp who was brutally victimized but still works, a woman who runs a sensual massage parlour, a highly educated woman who paid her way through grad school with this work, and many more. A few clients have contacted me as well. I have had nothing but positive exchanges with these individuals. I give those who are interested the option to tell as little or as much as they want. I do not require real names or other identifying info. My process involves an interview that I record (if it's not via email). I transcribe the interview myself as soon as possible after and delete the audio from my phone. (Phone is protected by password too). The file name is saved using the handle/pseudonym. I leave out any identifying details such as neighbourhood where someone grew up, the year they graduated college or their physical appearance. I make those details very fuzzy. I also promise to let the subjects read the section of the book that highlights them before I publish it. Anything that is shared in confidence during the call or interview, is not included in the transcription. When I first started this research and would tell people about it, some suggested I go "undercover" to get to the heart of the story and the facts, and I rejected that outright. I have been 100% honest about my intentions. How can I expect honesty from the participants if I am not the same? Additionally, I was noticing in the media, CBC and such, that sex work portrayal was generally very one-sided. It was very rare to ever see any comments or quotes from anyone with lived experience. And I believe to make laws, to set policy that protects and helps people, you need to go to those with experience and the first step in learning about anything, is to listen and not just listen, but to accept and appreciate. I have been in touch with SHOP here in SJ which is a fabulous organization that provides items and other support to sex workers. Laura has agreed to an interview and has been supportive. What else can I tell you.... so yes, right now, my interest is only in St. John's. If you live away but have worked in this area, that's fine too. As long as you have some connection to St. John's or the island via your work is what matters. I pay SPs $50 an interview. Clients, outreach workers, etc., do to get paid. The $50 honorarium is a one-time fee. The interviewee agrees to not make claim to any other money I make if/when I publish a book. At the end of the research I hope to have a collection of stories that while non-fiction, read like fiction. They will not be essays. More like story but steeped in truth. Further comments, advice or questions are welcome. Thanks, K.

Hi, I am writing a book on the sex industry in St. John's, Newfoundland and am looking for interviews of all kinds. Interviews from clients, sex workers, dancers, web cam folks, etc. There is no ideal subject or story, just stories (good, bad, ugly, empowering - whatever your experience is). If you would like to hear more about this project please reach out to me and I'd be happy to fill you in. Interviews can be anonymous. Discretion, respect and confidentiality is a promise. Thanks, Kerri.