HuffPost Interviews Dr. Victoria Hartmann About Mental Health Care for Sex Workers

HuffPost Interviews Dr. Victoria Hartmann About Mental Health Care for Sex Workers

LAS VEGAS — Dr. Victoria Hartmann discussed mental health care for sex workers, social stigma and related concerns in a feature penned by Catharine Smith, titled “Sex Workers Deserve Mental Health, Too,” for HuffPost.

Hartmann is a sexologist and the executive director of the Erotic Heritage Museum in Las Vegas.

The article is particularly timely, she said, as it arrives in the wake of the Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act and the Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act, known as FOSTA-SESTA.

“Sex worker rights are human rights; I am glad to see the plight of sex workers, and the need to advocate for a community that is increasingly marginalized, receive national attention.”

Hartmann explains to Smith that “the basis of her work” is the fundamental belief that “sex workers are just like anyone else. They might do this work during the day and then go home and watch science shows at night with their kids.”

She urges society to “recognize the humanity in all of us and not put each other in a box and shut that box and close the door.”

Smith notes that few studies on the topic of mental health among sex workers exist and that existing research tends to exclude male and trans sex workers as well as people of color.

Further, the term “sex worker” can be used to describe a broad array of people and specific situations, each with their own unique needs.

“Mental health challenges are not unique to a few,” Hartmann observes. “And if we each as an individual can say, ‘Yes, I struggle with this,’ we might be able to give someone else permission — just in the act of being honest — to be honest as well, and to go and get the help that they need.”

Read the full article here.

Find Hartmann on Twitter. Follow Smith on Twitter here.

The Free Speech Coalition recently commended a broad coalition of groups that filed in federal court for a formal injunction against FOSTA-SESTA. Read its full statement here.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Ryan Keely, Nicole Doshi Topline Latest From Sweetheart Video

Ryan Keely and Nicole Doshi headline the 19th volume of "Lesbian Adventures: Strap On Specialists" from Mile High Media's studio imprint Sweetheart Video.

Wendy Raine Fronts 'Mamma Mia' Parody From MYLF

Wendy Raine stars with Eva Nyx and Quinton James in a “Mamma Mia” parody from MYLF, titled “Memories Cumming to My Mind.”

Briella Coley Makes Her Evil Angel Debut

Briella Coley has made her debut for Evil Angel alongside director/performer Richard Mann.

Jasmine Sherni Takes the Spotlight in 2-Part Brazzers Release

Jasmine Sherni stars in the two-part Brazzers scene titled “TroubleMakerzz.”

Linda Lan Performs 1st Anal, Headlines Jonni Darkko's 2nd 'POV Anal Sluts'

Linda Lan performs her first anal scene and toplines director Jonni Darkko’s sequel to “POV Anal Sluts,” from Evil Angel.

XBIZ Miami's Host Hotel Sold Out, General Registration Now Open

Guest rooms at XBIZ Miami’s exclusive conference venue, Nautilus Sonesta Miami Beach hotel in South Beach, are now completely sold out.

Leana Lovings, Aria Banks Front Latest From Reality Kings

Leana Lovings and Aria Banks star in the latest release from Reality Kings, titled "Synchronized Scissoring."

Penthouse Names Lennon Elizabeth April's 'Pet of the Month'

Penthouse Magazine has named model Lennon Elizabeth as Pet of the Month for April.

Bella Spark, Kelly Collins Star in Finale of VMG Cross-Site Feature 'Bang and Burn'

Bella Spark and Kelly Collins star with Vixen Media Group exclusive Jason Luv in the final installment of the cross-site spy feature "Bang and Burn."

Jade Kimiko, Cecelia Taylor Headline 'Women Seeking Women 199'

Jade Kimiko and Cecelia Taylor topline “Women Seeking Women 199” from Girlfriends Films.

Show More