By A Correspondent- Male sex workers are haunted by stigmatization that’s why they don’t want to come out in the open like their female counterparts.

Over the years the society has learnt to live and tolerate female sex workers but it looks like society may not be ready for their male counterparts.

The Standard spoke to the Zimbabwe Rainbow Community Director Mr Lawerence Phiri who said:

There are so many male sex workers in Zimbabwe, but most of them do not want to be called sex workers. They prefer to be referred to as dancers, Ben Ten or stress relievers depending on individuals

Most male sex workers do not really tell people what they do. The community has not yet embraced male sex workers. The stigma they face from female sex workers on its own is traumatising, what more someone who is not in the industry

Most male sex workers face violence and blackmail from the mainstream society and their clients. Most of the dangers they face are not reported or documented,

“There is a barrier between them and law enforcement agencies. One can never walk into a police station and report violations. The police themselves will start judging you because of the work you do.

Yes, male sex workers do get raped too, but how do you explain that to someone who’s not sensitised around marginalised groups?”-Standard