In the Big Apple, prostitution is no longer an industry comprised solely of women; the number of male prostitutes is on the rise.

"Raúl" (not his real name) maintained that an attractive physique isn't the only requirement for having a large number of clients; many women solicit their services in order to feel heard and understood.

"We work for an American and he gives us the contacts. We charge $300 an hour and we generally go to Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Staten Island. Many Hispanic women have become more free-spirited and call us to have fun, but others just want to feel emotionally satisfied," said Raúl.

He is aware that his activities pose a constant risk to his health since he could contract sexually transmitted diseases like AIDS, so every six months he gets tested to make sure he stays safe.

Compromised dignity

Raúl's family doesn't know about his work. Back in Mexico, "morals and values" prevent him from telling "his truth." He prefers to lie, assuring them that he works as a carpenter for a construction company on Staten Island.

Like many men, Raúl wants to have a partner and fall in love, but his job makes it difficult for him to find someone who would understand and still love him. Because of this, he must cope with loneliness, despite the fact that he constantly has a companion.

This young man – originally from Mexico City – said that although he has been a sex worker for four years, he doesn't feel good doing it because on many occasions, he's been discriminated against.

"I remember at one private party, a group of women insulted me because I speak English with an accent and they threw food in my face. I felt very ashamed, but anyway, they paid me for being there," said Raúl. He said that his dignity is compromised during every encounter, and he can't defend himself, so says his boss.

Raúl asserted that people who are sex workers deserve respect. Just because they sell their bodies doesn't mean they don't have feelings or a family that loves them, despite what they do.

"I've never stopped believing in God. I also haven't stopped loving my family. I've lost respect for myself and perhaps it doesn't make sense to ask others to respect me, but I'm a human being and I don't harm anyone. It's just a way of earning money," he said.