'Desires, Dreams and Perceptions': The Erotic Paradox of Male Sex Workers

This project will explore through creative practice and critical reflection, society's perception of the male sex worker (MSW) as a paradoxical figure of both erotic fantasy and social stigma, and the effects of this conflicting perception on their health and wellbeing. It will involve writing a full-length novel 'Paved with Broken Gold' (60,000 words) and an accompanying critical commentary (20,000 words).

I will investigate the image of the 'rent boy' in modern Britain, exploring how 'the rent boy denotes the desires, dreams and perceptions inscribed upon the bodies of "same-sex prostitutes" ' (Coleman, 2014) alongside the effects of social devaluation and homophobia. While, according to Coleman 'The rent boy was talked about, but rarely ever allowed to speak' (2014), this project will give the rent boy a voice.

My novel will focus on a group of MSWs in London, building on my MA dissertation on MSWs, and my short story 'Angel' performed at The Quad in Derby. The narrative will seek to demystify the role of the 'rent boy' in gay sex fantasy, exploring the representation of MSWs as both subjects of capitalist exploitation and objects of erotic fantasy. My critical commentary will examine literary portrayals of the MSW, including 'The Orton Collection,' held at UoL, and playwright Joe Orton's explicit account of 1960s gay sexual culture in London.

I will explore how MSWs are often depicted in popular culture as 'muscular athletes, even bodybuilders, in control of their bodies and destinies' (Curtis and Boe, 2023), whilst medical studies show 'the extent and nature of violence committed against MSWs remains under reported.' (Raine, 2021) My research will include interviewing MSWs and organisations supporting their health and wellbeing, including 'Spectra' and Sasha'. I have preliminarily interviewed 'Trade Sexual Health.'

Research questions:

How has social class played a role in literary portrayals of the MSW, and why is the 'rent boy' perceived as an erotic 'working-class' figure of 'upper-class' fantasy?

How can the contemporary novel give a voice to MSWs, to answer back their stereotypical portrayals in fiction and popular culture? How does gay culture's relationship with consumer capitalism impact the literary portrayal of the 'rent boy'?

Minichello and Scott suggest that 'Historically male sex work has been of significantly less public concern than female sex work' (2014), whilst evidence indicates uniquely different experiences of MSWs, due to 'compounding effects of social stigma associated with prostitution and queerness. Yet, literature in this area remains largely diffused.' (Curtis and Boe, 2023) My PhD will contribute significantly to the understanding of society's perception of MSWs, exploring the mental and physical effects of their paradoxical image, from inside the MSW's own subjective and experiential perspective.

Through giving a 'voice' to the 'rent boy,' I will bring new informed insight to identify and address their needs in the present digital age, building upon the research of Curtis and Boe (2023) who states that 'scholars' understanding of MSWs' experiences remains partial tellings, limiting our ability to effectively support MSWs' health and wellbeing.