A BROTHEL DURING THE F1?

Who’s Really Putting on a Show During the F1 Grand Prix? The Media!

Does Montreal Really Turn into a Brothel During the Grand Prix?

As the Grand Prix approaches, Montreal is abuzz with anticipation. Amid the excitement, there’s a persistent myth: the city supposedly transforms into a haven for sex trafficking during the event. But is this claim based on reality or merely sensationalism? Let’s explore the truth behind these fears.

Sports and Misogyny in Media

Montreal, famed for its nightlife and beautiful women, draws sports fans and journalists from around the world. However, the portrayal of sports events and sex work often gets muddled. Jenn, a coordinator at Stella, an organization supporting sex workers, highlights that the issue lies in the misogynistic and capitalist depiction of women’s bodies in sports media, not the sex industry itself.

Misguided Assumptions About Fans

Prohibitionist groups frequently claim that major sporting events like the Grand Prix lead to a spike in sex trafficking. They wrongly assume that male fans, intoxicated and away from home, will inevitably seek out sex. This narrative is not only simplistic but also unfairly stigmatizes both the events and the sex workers.

Conflating Trafficking with Consensual Sex Work

Feminist movements emphasize “no means no,” but often overlook that for sex workers, “yes means yes.” The UN defines human trafficking as exploiting individuals through coercion or control, which is vastly different from consensual sex work, where services are exchanged willingly for money. This conflation fuels unnecessary panic and misguided policies.