Male prostitution

Miyagawa Isshô, Samurai kisses male actor, ca. 1750

Male prostitution is the act or practice of men providing sexual services to either men or women in return for payment. Male prostitutes today commonly advertise themselves as male escorts, gay escorts, rent boys or gigolos through escort directories, escort agencies and classified platforms.

Male prostitutes are known by various names and euphemisms including male escorts, gigolos (usually implying female customers), rent-boys, hustlers, models or masseurs (although the last three do not always refer to prostitutes). A man who does not regard himself as gay but is prepared to have sex with male clients for money is sometimes called "gay-for-pay" or "trade".

Clients who hire prostitutes are often called "johns" or "tricks". Those working in prostitution, especially street prostitutes, sometimes refer to the act of prostitution as "turning tricks".

Male prostitutes frequently advertise through escort directories and classified sites. For major international directories see Top 10 Best Male and Gay Escort Sites and Directories in the World.

History

Male prostitution has existed in most cultures throughout history. References appear in ancient Greek, Roman and Asian societies.

In ancient Greece prostitution was often linked to slavery. A well-known example is Phaedo of Elis who was captured during war and forced into slavery and prostitution before eventually becoming a pupil of Socrates.

Male brothels existed in both ancient Greece and ancient Rome.

Gay bathhouse or brothel, The Bowery, c. 1884.

Court records and vice investigations from as early as the 17th century document male prostitution in what is now the United States. With the growth of large cities and the emergence of urban gay communities during the late 19th century, male prostitution became more visible.

Male street prostitutes solicited clients in districts known for the trade. Historical locations associated with male street prostitution include parts of 53rd Street in New York City; Santa Monica Boulevard in Los Angeles; Forsyth Street in Atlanta; Piccadilly Circus in London; Darlinghurst in Sydney; Rue Saint-Anne in Paris; Polk Street in San Francisco and Taksim Square in Istanbul. Bars such as those in Patpong, Bangkok, Thailand were also known meeting places.

Examples

In India, a hijra is a physically male or intersex person who may sometimes enter prostitution. Many hijras however identify as female and participate in traditional ceremonies such as weddings and births.

Cuban male prostitutes are known as jineteros.

In the Caribbean a male beach hustler who approaches tourists for companionship or sex is sometimes called a Sanky-panky.

Present-day male prostitution

Male prostitution today takes place in a variety of environments.

Online

Professional escorts commonly advertise online either independently or through an escort agency. Escort directories allow clients to browse profiles, photographs and reviews before making contact.

Streets, bars and clubs

Most large cities have areas where male street prostitutes work. These areas can be risky for both clients and prostitutes because of legal issues or crime. In places where street prostitution or solicitation is illegal these locations may also be monitored by law enforcement.

Some male prostitutes also approach potential clients in public places such as parks, transport terminals or nightlife districts.

Bathhouses and sex clubs

Male prostitutes sometimes attempt to find clients in gay bathhouses, adult bookstores or sex clubs. In many venues prostitution is technically prohibited but may still occur informally.

Male brothels

Male prostitutes may also work in a male brothel, sometimes called a "stable". This is more common in parts of Asia but has appeared in some Western cities as well.

The Cleveland Street scandal involved a London male brothel frequented by aristocrats in 1889, when homosexual acts were still illegal in Britain.

Until 2009, when it outlawed all prostitution, Rhode Island was the only U.S. state where indoor prostitution was effectively legal.

In January 2010 a luxury brothel catering to gay men opened in an industrial district of Zurich, one of the first openly gay brothels in Switzerland.

Sex tourism

Much sex tourism involving male prostitutes caters to female clients. Women travel to Southern Europe (Italy, Greece, Spain), the Caribbean (Jamaica, Barbados, Dominican Republic), parts of Africa such as Kenya and Tunisia, and destinations like Bali in Indonesia or Phuket in Thailand.

Tourists sometimes seek a "temporary boyfriend" who combines the roles of sexual partner, tour guide and social companion.

German tourists are frequently reported in Sosua in the Dominican Republic and other resort areas.

Risks

As with all forms of prostitution, male prostitutes and their clients face various risks.

For sex workers these may include social stigma, legal problems, violence, unstable income and health risks such as STD infection.

Clients may face social embarrassment, legal consequences, robbery or blackmail. However the perceived risk is often higher than the actual risk when escorts are hired through established agencies or reviewed online platforms.

The traditional role of a pimp is relatively uncommon in male prostitution in Western countries where most escorts work independently.

Stigma

Differences in age, social status or income between escorts and their clients often generate social criticism.

Relationships that involve financial support without explicit prostitution may occur through Sugar Dating. In such arrangements an older benefactor may be known as a Sugar Daddy or Sugar Mommy, while the younger partner may be described as a Sugar Baby.

Sexual Health and STD Risks

Sexual health is one of the most common concerns among clients and male sex workers. As with all forms of prostitution, the risk of STD infection depends on sexual practices, number of partners and use of protection.

Can you get an STD from oral sex

Oral sex is generally considered lower risk for HIV/AIDS transmission than unprotected anal intercourse. However infections can still be transmitted through oral contact.

These include

PrEP and HIV prevention

Modern HIV prevention methods include medications such as PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis). PrEP is taken by HIV-negative individuals to reduce the risk of contracting HIV.

What is PEP

PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) is an emergency medication used to reduce the risk of HIV infection after possible exposure. It must usually be started within 72 hours and taken for about 28 days.

PEP may be prescribed after situations such as condom breakage during sex or other potential exposure to HIV.

Condom broke with a prostitute – what to do

One of the most common concerns after visiting a prostitute, escort or ladyboy is a condom breaking during sex.

Condom breakage can occur because of alcohol use, incorrect condom size, lack of lubrication or rough intercourse.

If a condom breaks during sex with a new partner there may be a risk of exposure to HIV/AIDS or other STDs. The first step is to stay calm and seek medical advice as soon as possible. Doctors may recommend testing or treatment such as PEP.

Testing after condom break

After a possible exposure doctors often recommend testing for infections including:

Testing may be recommended immediately after exposure and again several weeks later.

Male escort prices

Prices for male escorts vary widely depending on location, reputation and whether the meeting is arranged through an escort agency or independently through escort directories.

In many Western cities hourly rates commonly range between US$150 and US$500. Highly advertised escorts in major cities such as London, New York City or Berlin may charge considerably more.

For global comparisons see Global prostitution prices.

Top male and gay escort websites

Most male escorts advertise online rather than on the street. Escort directories allow clients to browse profiles, read reviews and contact escorts directly.

For a list of international escort platforms see Top 10 Best Male and Gay Escort Sites and Directories in the World.

Many escorts also advertise independently through classified platforms such as WikiSexGuide Adult Classifieds.

Male Escorts

Check out WikiSexGuide Adult Classifieds and see also Top 10 Best Male and Gay Escort Sites and Directories in the World.

Gay Escorts

Check out WikiSexGuide Adult Classifieds and see also Top 10 Best Male and Gay Escort Sites and Directories in the World.

See Also

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