Lost boys in the shadow economy : why male sex trafficking has been eclipsed in An Giang, Vietnam.

Abstract

Male sex trafficking has been obscured from counter-trafficking efforts in An Giang, province, Mekong Delta, Vietnam. Lost Boys abound from the inherent limitations of existing counter-trafficking practices. Individual, societal and institutional perceptions of the gender binary have filled the narrative space of trafficking discourse with assumptions of sexuality and gender identity. These assumed realities have been cemented over time to negate the possibility of male sex abuse and vulnerability. These, coupled with inherent institutional incongruencies and systemic socio-economic issues, blight the vision of the Public Domain. Compromising the State, international organizations and non-governmental organizations, the Public Domain has not been successful in eradicating sex trafficking despite millions of dollars being invested into the combat. Lack of interest in research and investigation have resulted in male sex trafficking falling into obscurity among the realm of sexual fault lines. Capitalizing upon such oversight is the Shadow Economy of the trafficking community that offers an alternative social contact. Taboos do not exist in the practical, capitalistic and exploitive world of the Shadow Economy. No norms are too scared to be breached. Variant sexualities and sexual desires are but economic demands to be met by the abundant supply of young, unemployed and impoverished. A conspiracy of silence reigns among male victims of sex trafficking who have no recourse to their plight. Rare as it occurrence may be, male sex trafficking should be eclipsed no more. The search for Lost Boys must begin.