Being Left Behind: Phenomenological Experience and Narratives of Sex Workers in Rural Philippines Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic uncovered and highlighted the existing social inequalities in the country, which further suppressed the marginalized people. This includes sex workers who were often discriminated and stigmatized because the topic of "sex" remains taboo in our country. The sex workers and their stories and struggles during these challenging times are still undocumented and unheard. In this regard, using phenomenological analysis, this paper studies the narratives and experiences of sex workers in the rural Philippines, specifically in Central Luzon. This study showed the lived experience of five (5) sex workers doing different and "creative" tools to survive. From the "traditional" doing of sex work, with the advent of technology, it transitioned to online. They are using various "techniques" to lure more clients and gain money. They use "thirst traps" (provocative photos to catch/attract attention), online selling of explicit images, and making online viewer requests such as doing cosplays. The primal reason for doing it is because of economic necessity. Because sex work pays more than many office jobs or other service work averaging 500 dollars up to 2,000 dollars a month. Moreover, this study showed how sex work was reconfigured and the resilience of women due to the pandemic.