Trans woman Aysu shares the difficulties of living as a sex worker in Azerbaijan amidst the continuous violence. My name is Aysu, I am a trans woman, and also forced to be a sex worker. Yes, forced to be a sex worker.
In this country, there is no job opportunity provided for trans women. That's why I became a sex worker to survive and meet the basic needs of my life. Some people may think that trans individuals live comfortably and make good money. The reality is different. Since entering the sex work field, I have lost more than I have earned. First, I lost my family, then partially my freedom.
I started to be isolated and distanced from society. When I walk on the street, I can feel the hatred and aggression in people's eyes. If you can't see this transphobia and hatred, look at the news. There is not a year without the killing of trans women, especially those engaged in sex work. There is always a constant threat of death hanging over their heads. Surviving from one day to the next is just a matter of chance. That's why I am afraid to accept clients into the apartment where I live.
It is impossible to know in advance who is coming and what their intentions are. As sex workers, we deal with all kinds of people: drug addicts, alcoholics, and so on. We are forced to communicate and engage in sexual relations with such individuals.
Personally, I knew a trans woman named Aysun who was brutally stabbed six times in her own home by a client a few months ago simply because she was a trans woman.
