Marko Vuorinen’s documentary Vianey (2018) and discussion on sex work

Text written by Venla Törmä

On Thursday the 19th of October, the Kota Nest hosted a documentary film screening of Vianey (2018) and a Q&A with the filmmaker, Marko Vuorinen. According to the FCINY’s website, Marko Vuorinen focuses on telling the stories of marginalized women and non-binary people. He approaches his work through the life story of an individual, aiming to address themes related to e.g. sexuality, social issues, and gender. Vuorinen's work often delves into the diverse and underground culture of New York City, where he finds compelling stories that he believes deserve to be seen and heard.

Vuorinen's approach to filmmaking is to focus on the story of one individual as a way to make larger societal issues tangible and to provide an honest perspective. He believes that women or non-binary people offer a truthful view of the world with depth and nuance and is not interested in portraying them as victims but as people with complex life experiences. His goal is to document not only why they have become marginalized in society but also how that person has processed it and what their future direction looks like. He emphasizes the importance of portraying the main character as a human being and maintaining a balanced and equal perspective. While Vuorinen's work touches on sensitive topics such as substance abuse and sex work, he is committed to approaching these subjects without passing judgment. He builds trust with the individuals in his films, and they willingly share their stories in the hope of gaining recognition and raising awareness about their experiences.

The documentary film Vianey (2018) tells a story of a young woman from her childhood to current life situation. From the beginning, it is clear that the person hasn’t had an easy life. The film deals with topics such as death and murder, gang violence, childhood abuse, sex work and being brought up by the streets of New York. Vianey has experienced a lot in her life, but she still maintains a positive outlook on life and talks about the things she had learned from her experiences and how that has made her stronger. One of the main topics of the documentary is sex work that is something Vianey has taken part in since she was 18. The documentary showed sex work through a neutral lense but highlighted the struggles of someone who’s a sex worker. In the Q&A afterwards, this sparked a conversation around the legalization of sex work, which will be the topic of this blog post.

In general, sex work is a complex and highly contentious topic that has spurred a wide range of opinions and attitudes in a societal level as well. However, one thing that needs to be recognized - sex work is not going away; it exists in every society, regardless of its legal status and thus societies should adapt to the reality sex workers are living in. While it remains illegal in many places, a growing movement is advocating for its legalization and the recognition of sex workers' rights even if a lot of stigma still prevails the industry. Criminalization perpetuates stigma and discrimination against sex workers and thus legalization can help change societal attitudes by acknowledging the rights and dignity of those involved in the profession. This text aims to highlight the perspective that sex work is a form of work and that it should be legalized, granting sex workers the same rights and protections as any other profession.

First and foremost, it is crucial to acknowledge that sex work is work. Just like any other occupation, it involves individuals offering a service in exchange for compensation. By recognizing it as legitimate work, we open the door to improving the safety and well-being of those engaged in the profession. Legalization allows for regulation, oversight, and the implementation of labor standards to protect the rights and health of sex workers.

Thus, one of the most compelling reasons to legalize sex work is the protection it offers to vulnerable individuals. Many sex workers, especially those who work in clandestine and illegal environments, face significant risks, including violence, exploitation, and human trafficking. Legalization provides a framework for monitoring and regulating the industry, making it easier to identify and combat exploitation and coercion while ensuring the safety of sex workers. Additionally, legalization allows for the implementation of health and safety regulations, such as regular health check-ups, condom use, and safe working conditions. By embracing sex work as a legitimate profession, society can work towards reducing the spread of sexually transmitted infections and improving the overall health and well-being of sex workers and their clients.

Legalizing sex work offers economic empowerment to individuals who may otherwise struggle to find gainful employment. It provides an opportunity for financial stability and independence, allowing sex workers to support themselves and their families while reducing their reliance on underground and potentially exploitative work environments. In addition to economic empowerment to individuals, legalization of sex work permits governments to regulate and tax the sex industry, generating revenue that can be used for social services and support systems for sex workers. This financial contribution can improve the overall quality of life for those involved in sex work and society as a whole.

In conclusion, the argument in favor of legalizing sex work is rooted in the recognition that sex work is work, and those who engage in it should be afforded the same rights and protections as any other workers. Although, while the argument for legalizing sex work is compelling, it's essential to underscore the importance of addressing the associated challenges and potential negative consequences. Human trafficking, exploitation, and coercion are very real and concerning issues within the sex industry. These criminal activities often prey on vulnerable individuals, and it is imperative that any effort to legalize and regulate sex work also includes stringent measures to combat human trafficking and protect those who might be coerced or forced into the profession. Legalization should be coupled with strict regulations, law enforcement efforts, and social support systems to prevent and combat human trafficking, ensuring that sex work is entered into voluntarily and safely. With these guidelines, legalization has the potential to improve the safety, health, and economic stability of sex workers, while reducing the social stigma that often surrounds their profession. By embracing empathy and equality, societies can take a significant step toward creating a more just and equitable world for all.

References

Hollander, X. (1973). The Happy Hooker: My Own Story. E.P. Dutton.

Smith, M., & Mac, J. (2018). Revolting Prostitutes: The Fight for Sex Workers' Rights. Verso.

Grant, M. G. (2014). Playing the Whore: The Work of Sex Work. Verso.

Cho, S. Y., & Neumayer, E. (2017). The Impact of Decriminalization of Prostitution on Sex Trafficking. World Development, 102, 116-132.

Friedland, B. A., & Salters, K. A. (2008). HIV prevention among female sex workers in Africa: A systematic review. Social Science & Medicine, 68(4), 791-799.

Agustin, L. (2008). Beyond 'Rescue' and 'Rights': The Complexities of Anti-Trafficking in the Sex Industry. Sexualities, 11(6), 621-635.

American Journal of Public Health. (2015). The Decriminalization of Sex Work: Implications for Sexual Violence and Public Health, 105(10), 1962-1966.

Open Society Foundations. (2018). The Legal Framework Surrounding Sex Work in Different Countries.