Table 2.

“Critical Moments” and Key People in the Lives of Cercado Sex Workers

Name	Age	Narrative
José Luis	18	José Luis is from the jungle and lived with his parents until his third year of high school, at age 15, when they separated and each went to live elsewhere with new partners. José Luis’ parents sent him to live with his uncle, who would drink alcohol and hit José Luis. Hence, a few months ago, he decided to escape to Lima on his own “to try his luck” (a probar suerte). He was working in a public bathroom for his first few months but lost his job and has been working as a sex worker for a few months.
Micky	19	Micky is from the jungle. He lived with both of his parents until age 11 when they separated and he went to live with his father, who produces and deals drugs, and one of his three siblings. Micky came to Lima for the first time when he was 14, with his 29-year old gay male friend who convinced him to travel for better opportunities. As soon as they arrived, Micky's friend introduced him to sex work and drugs. A year or so later, Micky went home to the jungle and was involved in an assault with some friends in which they killed a police officer. Micky was in juvenile detention for two years. When he was released, he went into the Army for two years. Upon leaving the Army, Micky returned to sex work, which he's been doing for the past 6 months.
Arián	23	Arián is from the highlands and came to Lima to find work and get ahead without asking his parents – who are poor – for money. Arián had been working selling furniture but his boss didn't treat him well or pay him. When Arián left his job, his best friend introduced him to the world of sex work and taught him about sex work, which he's been doing for several months.
Eduard	27	Eduard is from the coast and came to Lima to get ahead. He said that he used to be “calm, transparent and poor... so poor,” but that he decided to pursue technical studies. Eduard had problems paying almost immediately and since his parents are separated, he asked a good friend to lend him money. Eduard's friend said that he couldn't lend him money, but that he could introduce him to an older man that could, in exchange for “sexual favors.” This experience – which took place 8 years ago –was Eduard's initiation into sex work.
Patrick	20	Patrick is from Lima. His father died the previous year and Patrick became very depressed and stopped going to his temporary jobs. Patrick used to go out to gay venues in the center of Lima (not in his neighborhood) to avoid problems with his mother and siblings. Patrick's acquaintances there started to offer him money in exchange for sex. Patrick has been a sex worker since then, for about one year.