You deserve care without judgment.
For people who engage in sex work or prostitution.
Have you avoided seeking help because you were afraid of being judged?
The work you do does not define your whole life or allow others to make assumptions about your health. You deserve respectful care, useful information and support that takes your priorities into account.
Your work is not a diagnosis
Doing sex work does not mean having HIV, hepatitis or another infection. Care decisions must be based on specific needs.
[4, 11]
Talk about what you need today
You can seek help with any health, wellbeing or social concern. Your appointment does not have to focus only on sexually transmitted infections.
[8, 11]
Ask for privacy and explain your limits
Ask what each piece of data is needed for and who can see it. Express which contact channel is safe for you.
[3, 11]
Prevention must be useful for you
Ask about tests, vaccines, condoms or other available supports. The team should explain options without pressuring you or blaming you.
[8, 11]
If there is violence, seek safe support
Violence and coercion are not your fault. You can ask a trusted organisation for help to assess protection and options depending on your situation.
[11]
Agree on care that fits your life
Talk about working hours, travel and barriers to returning. A community organisation can support you through the process.
[8, 11]
Your choices and safety matter.
Consensual adult sex work and trafficking are not the same. If there is coercion or exploitation, you need an adapted and safe response.
You can say, "I want to talk about what I need without being judged."
Sources and further information
- [4] UNAIDS / UNAIDS · Terminology (2024) (opens another tab) ↗
Avoid labels, assumptions and stigmatizing language.
- [11] UNAIDS / UNAIDS · Sex work and rights (2024) (opens another tab) ↗
Sex work, rights, stigma and barriers. Distinguish consensual sex work from trafficking; not automatically transfer to local legislation.
- [8] WHO / WHO · Key populations (2022) (opens another tab) ↗
Person-centered care and barrier reduction. Key populations does not equate to all stigma.info audiences.
- [3] SEISIDA · HIV-friendly words (2023) (opens another tab) ↗
Person-centered language, treatment preferences and consultation environment. Biomedical data are compared with WHO.
Editorial adaptation of principles of dignity, communication and person-centered care. The phrases and questions are practical proposals, not literal quotes or a guarantee of specific services or rights. Results from the Spanish study on HIV are not generalized to this population.
Professional, community and language review pending.
Edition: 18/10/2026
Contact: Antonio Martín · MOBHOPE · antonio.martin@iisgm.com
Do not send diagnoses or personal documents to this address.
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