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Sex Work and Massage

By Hazel

During an outreach visit to Sham Shui Po, I met a friendly Thai sex worker who had been living in Hong Kong for many years. She spoke fluent Cantonese and was very open about why she entered the sex industry. Previously, she worked at a legitimate massage parlour, but the inflexible hours prevented her from spending time with her daughter. Now, she proudly talked about her daughter, who is studying at a university in Hong Kong, and how they meet several times a week to watch movies together. Her only wish is for her daughter to find a good boyfriend soon, so she can return to working at a proper massage parlour.

When we talked about her current work, she mentioned that since she started offering Thai massage services in recent years, around 80% of her clients only come for massages. She found this arrangement more suitable and less tiring. However, we reminded her that while providing sexual services in a one-sex worker-apartment isn’t illegal, offering full-body massage services to clients of the opposite sex without a proper license is. Offenders could face fines or even imprisonment.

You might ask, "Why don't these women simply apply for a massage parlour license?" But it turns out that getting a license in Hong Kong is no easy task. The application process involves approval from multiple departments, including the Fire Services Department, Buildings Department, Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, and the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department. Everything from windows to exit signs and electrical installations must meet strict standards. The process takes time, requires paperwork, and the license must be renewed every 12 to 24 months. Most small apartments used for sex work can't meet these requirements. Society holds many prejudices against sex work, yet it seems to be the only option for many women.

After hearing this, the Thai fellow sister quietly said, "Maybe I should stop offering massage services. I can handle a fine, but if I go to jail, I won’t be able to see my daughter."

I didn't know how to respond. I could only wish that her daughter would find a good boyfriend soon.

Image source: https://news.sina.com.cn/c/2010-06-10/101317638492s.shtml