Work

Becoming “Marc of Frankfurt”: queer sexual encounters, “entering” sex work and career management in Germany around 2000

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This article examines how Stefan Hülsmann, known as Marc of Frankfurt, began selling sex in Frankfurt around the year 2000 and how he conceptualized sex work as a long-term occupational project. Drawing on diaries, notes and a business plan from his estate, the article argues that ‘entering’ sex work should be understood as a process rather than a single event. This process included sexual experimentation, concerns about sexual performance, efforts to construct a credible professional identity, and broader reflections on the gay sex market and the long-term viability of sex work as a career. Using rare self-produced sources and foregrounding queer male sex work in the context of a changing legal framework in Germany around 2000, the article contributes to the history of sex work by centering sexual practices.

Source: Sexualities

DOI: 10.1177/13634607261500712

Authors: Sonja Dolinsek, Annalisa Martin

Institutions: Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg, University of Glasgow

Language: English

Topic: Sex work and related issues

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,650