Recent reports on HIV infection among gay men in HCM City showed that an increasing number of people in this group are becoming infected due to unsafe practices. And often the services involve a third party, either the client's lover or another sex worker, increasing the risk of spreading sexually transmitted diseases. Most of the workers are young, aged between 16 and 27.Ĭlients are both male and female. Many of these establishments provide their clients with a 'menu' including provocative pictures of their workers to choose from. These, he said, are usually situated in densely-populated areas like districts of Binh Thanh, Tan Binh, 6, 8, and 12.
Others who are experienced, or a bit past their prime, wander parks.Īn anonymous employee of one health care centre in HCM City that services male sex workers said, as far as he is aware, the city currently is home to around 15 'man brothels' and 20 massage parlours which provide sex services. Most of male sex workers in the city operate out of massage parlours and 'dens', but some others have begun to use internet chat rooms to find potential clients. Taken from the point of view of the health sector, lacking efficient safety and awareness programmes, this issue could cause a problem by contributing to the rise of HIV/AIDS in Vietnam.Īccording to the latest report by the municipal Department of Labour, Invalid and Social Affairs, an increasing amount of male students are becoming involved in the sex industry.
Most of the men work in massage parlours or 'man brothels', while some have even taken to working outside in parks.Ī recent national health survey the found that 40% of admittedly-gay men in Vietnam work in the sex industry.
Most of the workers are young, aged between 16 and 27 The number of male sex workers in HCM City has been on the increase, with an approximate number now around 8,000.