Peru: sex work or school?
In the city of Iquitos, in the Peruvian Amazon, attitudes towards gender roles and sexual orientation are comparatively relaxed. But despite the thriving gay and transvestite scene, members of the cross-dressing community, known as chivas, still face prejudice and violence. Sixteen-year-old Rober has been working as a transsexual prostitute since he was 12. Donning his girlish clothes and wig every night, he says that he's happier on the streets than at school, despite the risks to his safety
* Guardian Weekly, Tuesday 11 November 2008 09.00 GMT
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/nov/11/peru-prostitutionI became a prostitute out of necessity, but also for the adventure. At first it seemed nice, but later I realised that what we do is very risky. But that is how you get to know life.
I used to watch the older chivas [transvestite prostitutes] and it looked like fun. I started from my own free will – no one forced me to. I was 12 years old.
