Experiences of Transgender Women on OnlyFans

East Tower 

Since its surge in popularity in early 2020, OnlyFans has emerged as a platform where individuals can create sexual content and develop skills crucial for financial success and visibility. Drawing on 11 semi-structured interviews, this study examines the experiences of transgender women as content creators on OnlyFans. It explores their perceptions of content creation, financial management, key relationships, personal aspirations, stigma, and the unique challenges and successes of engaging in virtual sex work. Thematic findings include the persistent need for cross-platform advertising, the importance of authentic self-presentation, the integration of personal interests and gender identity into content, strategies of resilience against online stigma, and overall job satisfaction. This study offers a more nuanced understanding of transgender experiences as gig-economy workers in the digital sex industry. It highlights how strategies employed by transgender women demonstrate that sex work is an active, skill-intensive profession, requiring expertise developed through experience. This research also underscores OnlyFans as a crucial, yet temporary, platform for transgender women to access economic opportunities while exploring personal authenticity.