Strapped for Cash: A History of American Hustler Culture

by Mack Friedman

An inside view of American hustler culture from the 1600s to today. Male and transgendered hustlers have been a mostly -invisible part of American life for more than 400 years. Their invisibility leaves these men unprotected, victimized and at risk for sexually transmitted diseases, assault and murder. Strapped for Cash is a critical examination of sex work that serves as both a cultural analysis and a guide for those who conduct HIV/AIDS and other interventions among male and transgendered sex workers. Mack Friedman brings to this work an unusual perspective informed by both his former life as a hustler and his current work as a case manager targeting prostituted youth. Drawn from many sources, including 50 oral histories from current and former male and transgendered sex workers, details of the work of anti-vice committees, academic research and uncovered materials from archives around the country, Strapped for Cash presents the first complete picture of the evolution of hustler culture. Friedman reaches back to European hustler history to find the influences that informed male-male sex trade in the New World and carries this research forward to examine media representations, the development of male pornography and the larger social implications of male sex work. Frank and unapologetic, Strapped for Cash is a powerfully provocative study of this marginalized world.
Features more than 70 black-and-white photographs. Mack Friedman is an HIV testing and prevention supervisor for the Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force. Formerly a youth advocate for Women Hurt in Systems of Prostitution -Engaged in Revolt (WHISPER), and the former vice president of Youth Services of Pittsburgh, he currently serves on the boards of both the Southwestern Pennsylvania AIDS Planning Coalition and Standing Against Global Exploitation (SAGE). A native of Chicago and a 2001 graduate of the University of Minnesota, he currently lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, LGBT, Queer

287 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2003

Reviews

[Liam Ostermann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this immensely fascinating book years ago because I admired the author's novel 'Setting the Lawn on Fire' so much. Despite its rather lurid cover the book is has much in common with 'New York hustlers: Masculinity and sex in modern America' by Barry Reay, but it is more personal and idiosyncratic.

To be honest I cannot post a proper review until I have reread it, which is why I only award it four stars though I am sure when I do reread it will get an extra star and be shelved as books-without-which-I-cannot-live and ultimate-favorites.

[Naomi Tiscione · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and informative. If you have an interest in the history of sex work, this is the book for you.

[Jackson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Alas I had hoped to like this book more. I found some of it informative however, it seemed to fall apart at the end and some of the writing was soporific. I really wanted a chapter at the end which pulled everything together but it never happened.

[Red · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book is so well researched. and i believe the only on its' topic.

[Jest · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book but the oblong shape of the paperback is impossible to deal with.

[Thirstyicon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Certain parts were interesting, but it also reads like a term paper at points.