In Pictures: Hong Kong sex work exhibition explores violence and bodily autonomy in an underground industry

An exhibition in Hong Kong, titled A Body of One’s Own, delves into the world of sex work, unveiling its history and addressing issues of violence, choice, and bodily autonomy. The two-week-long showcase, organized by three NGOs – Action for Reach Out, Teen’s Key, and Midnight Blue – aims not only to celebrate sex work but also to question the persistent stigma surrounding it.

Hong Kong's sex work industry boasts a history stretching over 3,000 years, a fact that curator Wong Ka-ying, an artist and writer, highlights during the exhibition's media preview. Despite its ancient roots, the understanding and perception of sex work remain limited today. Wong, along with executives from the supporting NGOs, seeks to provoke thought and discussion among visitors.

For the preview, the exhibition invited four individuals with firsthand experience in the sex work industry to share their stories. Among them was Daphne, who identifies as a "professional domme" and has been in the industry since 2022. Daphne, who teaches rope bondage, discovered her interest in BDSM while studying fashion design. She is captivated by latex and has transformed this fascination into a career.