HOOK began in 1998 as a grassroots non-profit all-volunteer publication created by, for, and about men in the sex industry. HOOK's introduction followed a short history of male sexwork activism that set the groundwork for this multimedia program, which would include printed 'zines, the Internet publication, workshops, live appearances and special events.

The program’s focus on resources and peer-to-peer education was inspired from other harm reduction models, but the adjustments reflect HOOK’s unique qualities as a safe space for male sexworkers, their clients, and health and human service-providers who support them.

Today, HOOK has over two dozen volunteers throughout the United States reaching thousands of individuals each month.

OUR MISSION: TO COMMUNICATE

HOOK is a national, grassroots organization that seeks to support men who are or were part of the sex industry. By creating positive relationships among sexworkers to enable communication, sharing, and support, HOOK educates male sexworkers, clients, and the general public about the industry—its risks and benefits—to reduce harm and to develop a network of trained sexworker-sensitive service providers and nonprofit programs.

OUR VISION: A FUTURE OF SHARING

HOOK envisions its future as the leading educational, advocacy, and support network for local, national, and international male sexworker populations in order to encourage:

Dialogue between male sexworkers as guides, friends, and assists to making positive choices for long-term health and well-being;

Visibility and representation of the needs and issues of male sexworkers within public and private forums, particularly in discussions regarding the social, economic, and personal factors which influence men to choose prostitution or who have no other apparent alternative;

The creation of a knowledgeable public about the male sexwork industry;

Sex industry businesses to recognize and adopt harm reduction efforts as a smart and responsible business practice that does not interfere with bottom line profitability;

Other nonprofit agencies and service providers to communicate the needs of and to serve male sexworker populations in a non-stigmatizing manner.

OUR PHILOSOPHY: SMART SEX SELLS.

We believe that sexwork is a choice that people will make (and have made) regardless of the legal and political status in any country. We believe that people engage in sexual trade for more than cash – some for rent, for food, for drugs, and some because they actually enjoy it. We believe that trial-and-error education does not need to be the only method for individuals to understand the challenges of sexwork. It is the philosophy of this organization that we support the right to choose freely to work in the industry, but that those who perceive no alternative option should have helpful information to achieve their temporary goals and leave the business. We believe that sexwork clients should begin educating themselves on the industry and their responsibility to families, if applicable, and the sexworker.

OUR HISTORY: PUTTING TOGETHER THE IDEAS

The first issue of HOOK was a photocopied collection of stories and thoughts from all over the West Coast of the United States. Put together as a ‘zine, the initial idea was the result of a challenge from several teenagers. Hawk Kinkaid was the Art Programs Administrator for one of the nation’s only YMCA Teen Services program (an AmericCorps volunteer position). Through this program, he had introduced literary ‘zines to his students who were being challenged by a variety of tough issues including alcohol, displaced families, and depression. As they made strides in the program, the students threw the ball to Hawk to deal with his own history and issues in the sex industry. From this, the initial HOOK was born as an outlet to voice multiple points of view on the industry, from the critical to the celebratory. Photocopied by way of his copyboy-boyfriend for free and distributed throughout the West Coast, HOOK managed to reach a number of men in the industry by some of the strangest channels.

When it was launched on the Internet 3 months later from Toronto (while Hawk was working as an Internet porn model), HOOK began gaining a strong reputation throughout the country. Feedback about the project encouraged the second issue (left) to come out a few months later with its first categories.

The third issue (right) pulled together a new group of interviews and content all under the image of a Seattle-ites manhood. It may have pushed the envelope of good taste, but it was a fun way to tackle the sobering content and remind us that there is balance between the challenges and successes, personal and work.

With the fourth issue (below, left), HOOK redesigns the entire publication for the first time, breaking into clearer site navigation and beginning to build a brand and more solid purpose. HOOK would also begin making some appearances in various locations including Seattle’s gay pride parade, some other queer publications, and on the Internet. The logo (below, right) was a not-so-subtle recall of the penis from the previous issue and certainly raised a lot of eyebrows.

The fifth issue would grow the strength of the publication, although like the next two issues, would be released at various times when schedules allowed. HOOK was now based in Seattle, and volunteers would submit work from across the country. In addition, HOOK would initiate a relationship with Will Clark and his Bad Boys Pool Parties that would become the first foray into special event appearances.

The sixth and seventh issues (seventh, pictured below) continued along this trend, building relationships with Justice Resource Institute in Boston, AIM Healthcare in Los Angeles, and Night Ministries in Chicago through a test program called The HOOKup which sought to produce a complete list of sexworker-friendly resources for male hustlers on the street. Difficult to coordinate and unfortunately, the initiative fell to the wayside, but spawned a different test program of ‘flier cards’ that have become very popular. Cards were produced with several non-profits and distributed throughout the United States.

In addition, Hawk from HOOK began speaking on public panels about men in the sex industry developing workshops taught throughout the West Coast. Special appearances and discussions included the Sex Workers Art Show in Washington, which brought sold out crowds to a theater to see male and female sexworkers share their artwork and discuss the industry.

Managing Editor Daniel Lee joined HOOK in the past year as well as Health Programs Manager Michael Downs to begin building up the strength of the publication’s content and focus on expanding the purpose of the programs. This included HOOK’s first Live events, an expanded appearance at the New York Pride events in 2002, the launch of HOOK’s newsletter.

This latest issue and redesign launch marks over five years of grassroots organizing and contributions to discuss and provide tips, true stories, and more for men in the sex industry.

It represents a clarification of purpose and our hopes for a future building a project that contains the experience of those who read it, the energy of those who support it, and an education for the public that most needs it.

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