“We Need To Earn Money” – Bleach-Bottle-Wielding Bolivian Sex Workers In “Biosecurity Suits” Prepare For Work

Bolivian sex workers are preparing for a post-corona world, one where they will sport skimpy see-through “biosecurity suits” while performing sex acts on clients, reported Reuters.   

The sex workers, based in brothels in the capital La Paz, have been given a 30-page safe sex manual drawn up by the Organization of Night Workers of Bolivia (OTN). 

OTN outlines sex workers should wear “biosecurity suits” and be prepared to carry sanitary tools to mitigate COVID-19 spreading, such as bottles of bleach, masks, and gloves. The industry group is demanding the government relax day-time business restrictions for brothels that remain heavily restricted. 

Lily Cortes, a spokesperson of OTN, told Reuters that some sex workers would resort to prostitution on the streets if brothels remain close. Another sex worker, who goes by the name Antonieta, showed Reuters earlier this month her space-suit-like outfit, consisting of a raincoat, gloves, plastic visor, and face mask. She said bleach is used on a pole she uses for clients at the brothel. 

“The biosecurity suit will allow us to work and protect ourselves,” she said.

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AP said kissing would be banned, and mask-wearing is mandatory in brothels. 

Sex worker Luna hopes for the sake of her family that she can get back to work: 

 “We are part of society. The majority of us are single mothers. We have children and live alone. We need to earn money,” Luna said. 

Landlocked Bolivia has more than 49,000 cases and nearly 1,900 deaths on Tuesday. In early June, government officials relaxed some lockdowns but left brothels closed. 

We noted Tuesday sex workers in Germany were furious the government continued to refuse brothels reopening status.