The Missing Anthology: Stories from Singapore's Sex Workers

by Vanessa Ho (Editor), Raksha Mahtani (Editor), Nor.

Sex workers in Singapore — and most places around the world — tend to be dehumanised, glamourised or sensationalised by the public and media alike. Rarely do mainstream narratives centre sex workers’ voices and agency. The Missing Anthology presents fifteen bold new voices from sex workers, whose writings resist society’s simplistic assumptions about sex work. In these works, authors recount their lived experiences, share their struggles and triumphs, and imagine different futures for the sex industry.

Born from an open call and writing workshops organised by Project X — the only non-profit organisation in Singapore that provides social, emotional, and health services to people in the sex industry — these pieces daringly experiment with form, genre, and perspective. In these pages, you’ll find two “chickens” discussing their dreams while blowing up a condom; pieces on the dynamics of domme-ing and servicing second-hand hearts; essays on the importance of activism and its obstacles; short fiction exploring fantasies of violent liberation; tender letters to loved ones and younger selves that reflect on their journeys and how far they’ve come.

The Missing Anthology re-centres sex workers’ voices from the margins, bringing them into the conversation about an industry often treated as illicit and taboo. By doing so, it aims to address issues of inequality, social and economic mobility, stigmatization, and safety that are fuelled by misconceptions about sex workers and their profession.

Genres: Nonfiction

140 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 14, 2025

Reviews

[JY]

"who will mommy these mommyless men."

[Phi (lurkingcrow on pagebound) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this collection deserves more visibility. A tough one to rate; I never like putting a rating on books that intersect with awareness and advocacy work.

I really enjoyed the stories and artworks overall. It was a quick read for me though I took my time. Found myself wanting more similar content. Due to my personal reading preferences, I especially enjoyed the ones with fantasy/wish fulfilment elements.

My heart goes out to all contributors - thank you for giving the reader a window into the lives of sex workers here. I can't say I wasn't already aware of some of the issues that were described, but it's different when learning through personal works derived from or based on lived experiences. It's a very different (and important) lens than just reading about it in academic fashion.

Will definitely support future volumes if any! And sex work is work.

[Akshaya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the format of this book. It stands out not only by enabling sex workers to tell their own stories but, also keeps the format of expression fluid - artworks, fiction, biography, anecdotes, hobbies, poetry, letters and what not.

I’m glad the focus wasn’t on making the content homogenous for the sake of cohesion.

[Chen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very heartfelt...I cried a lil

[Cherry (cherryreadsbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall amazing, especially the prose and poetry! I think one of the personal essays could’ve done with a lot more editing because there were many logical gaps/leaps and confusing segues that made the reading experience frustrating. I could barely understand most of it. I’m interpreting this as a deliberate decision on the editors’ part to preserve the original voice as much as possible, but I think there’s a way to improve the writing while retaining the essence of the piece.

This tiny gripe I have aside, all the other pieces were great to read and witness. I really liked the dark elements to Mai’s fiction and Alvarez’s art in particular. I thought the scripts were a delightful break from prose and offered different perspectives and definitions of sex work than what we’re more used to. I am definitely looking forward to more of such anthologies.

[Aquila M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why do sex workers choose to be in this industry? Was it a voluntary choice, or are there more complex factors at play? How do they feel about it? I think people often make quick judgments about this profession (I admit I did), but what if we take a step back and listen to what they have to say?

Through a diverse range of mediums, including prose, poetry, essays, short fiction, letters, and artworks, The Missing Anthology sheds light on the underrepresented community of sex workers in Singapore.

This short but powerful collection humanises and challenges perceptions of a profession that is often frowned upon, giving a voice to the voiceless. It is certainly a book that broadens our worldview and fosters greater empathy for these marginalised individuals. I only wish it were longer.

My rating: 4.25/5

[Marisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good read!

It caught my attention while I was browsing at a local bookstore.

I love how the individual stories are expressed in different ways or even in the form of visual art. It’s really empowering and beautiful that their voices are heard and represented here. I think it’s really bold of them to take a leap of courage to even be vulnerable to share their different modes of art form in this book.

Ultimately, I think the book’s agenda or objective has been met as I read it and I’m thankful I got to understand them better. :)

[nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

one of the better anthologies on sex workers i have read as of late (reference - invisible trade lmfaooo)! you can tell the people behind project x, the outreach collective behind the book, put in much care to platform the contributors' stories and lives both in and out of sex work :3 much love to everyone involved

[Arthur · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read, if not for the heart-felt verse and prose, then for the intimate insight into the psyche and life of a forgotten slice of society, one of many.

Some brilliant lines and pieces as well.
Enlightening and absorbing work.
It must not have been easy getting this written, compiled and published.

Thank you.

[Jeremy Poh · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good insight into the life and emotional status of the sex workers in Singapore.