Four Corners. Topic: Prostitution. Daniella, a talented stylist, became a professional escort to make ends meet. Transgender men and women are highly marginalised in terms of access to employment, health care and housing, and also endure disproportionate amounts of discrimination and violence. Yet many Australians are unaware of the daily difficulties faced by this remarkable community. Three brave transgender women, from high-class escorts to street prostitutes, shared their stories with Four Corners.
Daniella always knew she wanted to be a girl. Born and raised in the Philippines, she began transitioning into a woman when she was 16 years old. Most of the trans world is only marginalised when it comes to having a job. Maybe there's acceptance. I know we're being tolerated. If I say something, would it make people judge me? Or should I keep it to myself and live my life as it is? A talented stylist, Daniella said the task of transgender people getting a good job in Australia is extremely and unfairly difficult.
You would not let yourself loiter in the street. You have to make ends meet. Due to systemic discrimination, many transgender people end up doing sex work because they cannot find gainful employment. Divina became addicted to ice after she started working as an escort. Divina had to escape poverty and abuse to get to Australia. She is now the main breadwinner for her family and sends money home every month.
Unable to get a job even as a cleaner, Divina's friend introduced her to escorting. I drank shampoo. I eat the make-up sponge. To make me beautiful inside and out. She was quickly exposed to clients offering free drugs and more money. At the request of clients, Divina began using ice. Addicted, she spiralled into a drug-induced psychosis.
You're very strong and you cannot feel any pain in your body," she said. I didn't eat, I didn't have water. No sleep for seven days. I ate the ants, I ate the grass. Then I started hallucinating. I felt that a spirit came to my body. She has remained drug-free since her arrest by police in April this year. Nora turned to street prostitution in order to make ends meet and feed her drug addiction.
