Community Meetings with Sex Workers

Right Side NGO, with the support of the Red Umbrella Fund, has organized four impactful community meetings over recent months, fostering dialogue and awareness among sex workers in Armenia. Through our gatherings we have addressed critical issues, encouraged self-expression, and built solidarity through shared experiences. Below is an overview of the key themes and activities from each event.

On July 9, 2025, the first meeting focused on workplace challenges and discrimination faced by sex workers. Participants engaged in open discussions, sharing personal experiences to highlight systemic issues. One participant bravely recounted a distressing incident of blackmail by a client. This session provided a safe space for attendees to process these challenges, exchange coping strategies, and summarize shared experiences, reinforcing the importance of collective support in combating exploitation and stigma.

The second event on July 11, 2025, centered on diversity and representation, featuring a screening of a film, which explores the lives of transgender sex workers. The film sparked meaningful conversations about the intersection of identity, family dynamics, and societal perceptions. Participants reflected on the parallels between the film’s themes and their own lives, fostering a deeper understanding of the unique challenges faced by transgender sex workers community.

On August 14, 2025, an interactive session brought together young transgender sex workers to discuss body perception and self-perception. The meeting included a creative exercise where participants were encouraged to draw self-portraits, free from insecurities. The activity required each drawing to include the head, torso, arms, and legs, symbolizing a holistic representation of self. Afterward, those who wished shared the thoughts and emotions embedded in their artwork, creating a powerful moment of vulnerability and connection. This exercise helped participants confront personal complexes and embrace their identities in a supportive environment.

Finally, on September 1, 2025, the community gathered for a short film screening about the lives of sex workers, followed by a dynamic exchange of opinions. The film prompted discussions about the realities of sex work, including societal stigma and personal resilience. Participants shared insights, debated perspectives, and explored ways to advocate for their rights and dignity, reinforcing the importance of storytelling in raising awareness and building empathy.

These meetings have been instrumental in strengthening more than 50 sex workers' resilience and promoting community bonds. Right Side NGO remains committed to creating safe, inclusive spaces where sex workers can share their stories, challenge stigma, and advocate for change.