Recession Woes Bring U.S. Prostitutes And Older Housewives To Tijuana’s Red Light District

More and more U.S. sex workers are heading south of the border (you shut up) in order to seek work in a safer, regulated and potentially more lucrative environment than on U.S. streets - even despite recent reports that suggest their patrons could do a little better when it comes to wrapping it up. 

An article about this new phenomenon contains a few instances of unintentional hilarity, not the least of which was the mention that a seasoned Mexican prostitute originally thought the American prostitutes (one of whom was described as wearing a sheer red and white top and leggings) were simply tourists. But, no. That wasn’t a fannypack.

The Tijuana-based prostitututes, some of whom belong to “Las Magdalenas,” a group aimed at enforcing sex workers’ rights, say the U.S. women tend to be friendlier, although many speak not a word of Spanish.

Another new trend that the sex workers must compete with is the influx of Mexican housewives - usually middle-aged or older - who also work the streets of Tijuana for extra spending cash. Some women have even been seen bringing their grandchildren into hotels that charge by the hour, presumably because they cannot afford to have someone watch them while they work. 

One prostitute explained that Tijuana has always been something of a land of opportunity, even beyond the “Zona Norte” where prostitution is legal and (supposedly) regulated:

Tijuana has always been a haven for people seeking work. In the past, the unemployment rate has been 2%, ie well below the national unemployment. Now, even though unemployment is at 8%, it is still very attractive to many people, even the homeless across the border looking for work here.

So if you’re an American tourist strolling Tijuana in a pair of Lucite sandals and an ill-fitting tank top (like you do), you might end up bringing home a little extra money. Just don’t bite the worm.

Sexoservidoras de EEUU en zona de tolerancia en Tijuana [Impre.com]