Experiences of Transgender/Nonbinary Young Adults Doing Online Sex Work: An Occupational Health Perspective

• DOI: 10.31235/osf.io/bu64g_v2
• Publication Date: 2025-05-09T13:28:25Z
• Authors: Gabriel R. Murchison; Aster J. Aguilar; Benjamin Eisenstadt; Allegra Gordon; Kaylia Carroll; Zachary Soulliard

As sex workers increasingly seek clients online, and exclusively online sex work (e.g., sexual content creation) expands in popularity, it is crucial to understand and address online sex workers’ occupational health concerns. There is a particular need for research with marginalized online sex workers, including transgender/nonbinary (TNB) people. Accordingly, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 14 U.S.-based TNB young adults, ages 22-30 years, who had done online sex work. We triangulated interview data through focus groups with 17 clinicians and advocates. Using template-style thematic analysis, we developed themes addressing reasons for doing online sex work (five themes); stressful dynamics (six themes); fulfilling dynamics (five themes); and protective factors (two themes). Participants did online sex work for a mix of financial and personal reasons. Stressful dynamics included pressure to conform to sexual stereotypes, restrictive platform rules, and sex work stigma. Fulfilling dynamics included skill/career development, self-exploration, and opportunities to promote healthier sexual norms. Economic stability and longer-term sex work experience emerged as protective factors. Clinicians and advocates should recognize the diversity of TNB young adults’ online sex work experiences, oppose restrictive laws and platform policies, and advocate for safety net programs that help young adults maintain economic stability.