Introduction: Occupational therapy is evolving to address systemic oppression and expand inclusive care. Sex work, often called “the world’s oldest profession,” has been historically overlooked within the field. Kieper et al. (2018) emphasize that neglecting sex work as an occupation silences lived experiences, limiting our profession’s capacity to support all individuals. This presentation seeks to inform the OT profession on innovative, occupation-based harm reduction strategies while challenging biases and fostering cultural humility to shape a future where sex workers receive equitable, destigmatized healthcare.
Objectives: Understand the historical implications of sex work and sex trafficking. Analyze policies that impact sex workers and the benefits of decriminalization. Explore how sex work contributes to health and wellness. Identify harm reduction strategies and de-stigmatized care approaches.
Methods / Approach: This session will integrate discussion, media, and interactive activities to inform OT practice: Review the historical context and define terms of sex work as an occupation. Examine sex work and its intersection with disability, oppression, and occupational justice. Explore systemic barriers and advocacy related to policy and decriminalization. Facilitate audience in collaborative self-reflection and highlight OT’s role in promoting cultural humility, harm reduction, and occupation-based strategies. Participants will engage in an interactive “Harm Reduction Activity,” encouraging critical thinking and practical application.
Results / Practice Implications: This session will equip OTs with tools to challenge stigma, integrate harm reduction into practice, and advocate for inclusive policies—fostering creative approaches at both individual and systemic levels.
Conclusion: By addressing occupational injustices faced by sex workers, this presentation advances OT's commitment to equity, expanding our role in building innovative, inclusive futures for all.