When prostitution is discussed, the dominant image is usually that of women and male clients. However, men who are exposed to these exploitative structures often remain invisible. This article examines how men work in prostitution, whether “voluntarily” as call boys or involuntarily as victims of forced prostitution within the context of human trafficking.
The Many Facets of Male Sex Work
Male sex work is not a marginal phenomenon but exists in various forms. Escort services, call boys, and street hustlers represent a growing sector of male sex workers who increasingly advertise and arrange their services online. The distinction is that the term street hustler refers to male prostitutes who offer sexual services directly in public spaces, while call boys and escort services are typically arranged through agencies or the internet. Call boys are booked directly for private homes or hotels, whereas escorts are more commonly hired to accompany clients to events or dinners.
However, sexual services do not necessarily have to be included in escort work, unlike the services typically provided by a call boy. Social workers emphasize that male prostitution is no longer concentrated solely in traditional public locations but is increasingly negotiated in virtual spaces. This development creates new opportunities for prevention efforts and counseling while simultaneously challenging traditional support structures. These changes demonstrate that male sex workers, unlike the stereotypical image of street-based prostitution, often work in flexible, multifaceted, and digitally connected ways. The scene is highly diverse, ranging from self-employed call boys who earn supplemental income to men who regularly provide sexual services.
A Side Job and a Double Life – A Call Boy’s Story
In an interview published by edit.Magazin in 2021, a man working as a call boy described the many ways men can be involved in prostitution. He maintains a conventional career in the automotive industry while earning additional income as a call boy under a pseudonym, meeting women and couples.
He does not view his work as immoral but rather as a professional service, no different from any other job. One of the most striking aspects of the interview is his observation that men experience far less stigma than women, even when engaging in the same activity. He speaks openly about his life, the reactions of friends and family, and approaches the topic with a practical, matter-of-fact attitude, far removed from moral judgment.
His personal testimony contrasts sharply with stereotypical portrayals of male sex work and demonstrates that there are many motivations for men’s involvement beyond poverty or violence. Personal autonomy, sexuality, and identity can also play significant roles.
More Than Just Voluntary Work?
When discussing human trafficking and forced prostitution, the experiences of men are often overlooked, despite the fact that they, too, can become victims of exploitation. Austria’s MEN VIA initiative provides an example of how men affected by trafficking-like structures can receive support.
Affected men may:
- Be forced into prostitution through threats, violence, or the confiscation of their freedom and personal documents.
- Be exploited in risky and often illegal activities, such as begging or prostitution.
- Have no regulated wages or safety protections and instead be kept in situations of dependency.
The realities faced by men can extend far beyond voluntary sex work. Men, too, can become victims of structural violence within the context of prostitution.
Health Risks and Prevention
A frequently underestimated issue is the health perspective. According to experts, male sex workers, particularly those who work with other men, face an elevated risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Reliable assessments of health risks are complicated by the lack of comprehensive data on the number of male sex workers. Many individuals involved are not connected to traditional sex work networks and may have migrant backgrounds, limited language skills, and restricted access to healthcare services.
These realities underscore that male involvement in prostitution is not only a social issue but also a matter of public health policy.
Conclusion
Men in prostitution are neither rare exceptions nor fringe cases. They are part of a complex social reality shaped by personal autonomy, economic pressure, digital transformation, and structural violence.
A closer look at male sex work makes one thing clear: there is no single story. Between the self-determined call boy leading a double life and the man who becomes a victim of coercion, dependency, or human trafficking lies a broad spectrum of lived experiences. These issues are further exacerbated by health risks, which are heightened by a lack of data, limited visibility, and inadequate prevention programs. The invisibility of affected men is not accidental, it is the result of societal gender roles. Men are often perceived as clients or consumers rather than workers or even victims. This perception influences political debates, support systems, and public awareness. As a result, protection measures, counseling services, and research efforts are frequently focused primarily on women, while men in similar situations receive less attention and support. For this reason, the issue of men in prostitution must be brought to light in order to protect all victims of sexual exploitation and human trafficking.
Translated by Julia Matzinger
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