Double-Edged Sisterhoods: Transgender Identity, Peer Groups and the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Transgender Girls

ABSTRACT

One of the existing gaps in the literature on the commercial sexual exploitation (CSE) of children is on transgender (trans) girls. Most of the available literature is heavily skewed toward experiences of cisgender girls. However, there is an undeniable need to understand the experiences of trans children given their unique experiences and vulnerabilities to CSE related to their identity. This article is a case study on the complex interaction between trans identity, peer influence, and other micro, meso, and macro factors that have predisposed trans girls to CSE. The paper is based on interviews with six trans girls, complemented by interviews with four social workers, research notes, and a review of related literature. Data was analyzed thematically. Based on the findings, peer groups provide critical support to trans girls, particularly, in terms of trans identity formation, gender transition information, security and protection, and other forms of support. Ironically, they play the contradictory role of priming and initiating them to CSE. Various structural and personal factors have compounded these and predisposed them to victimization. An interplay of macro (societal), meso (interpersonal), and micro (individual) factors have come into play in the commercial sexual exploitation of these trans girls.

KEYWORDS:

• Transgender girls
• commercial sexual exploitation of children
• child rights
• sexual abuse
• transactional sex

Acknowledgments

This research was made possible through funding from ChildFund Philippines. The article benefited from the comments of Elizabeth Protacio-de Castro, Allan Nuñez, Christian Joy Cruz, Lolita Ganapin, JanMell Dugenio and the double-blind peer reviewers, who read and critiqued earlier versions of the article. The author also wishes to thank the members of the research team who helped in gathering data for the first phase of the research project this article partially draws its data from: Nikki Jean Jurisprudencia, Marie Sharon Guerrero, and Maria Clarissa Coronel.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Ethical Standards and Informed Consent

All procedures followed were in accordance with ethical and child rights standards. Informed consent was obtained from all participants for being included in the study. All identities have been anonymized and any identifying information included in the article have been removed.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by ChildFund Philippines.

Notes on contributors

Arnie Cordero Trinidad

Arnie Cordero Trinidad is a PhD in Sociology candidate at Trinity College Dublin in Ireland and former Program Manager of the Psychosocial Support and Children’s Rights Resource Center at the time of the research.