In this participatory photographic project, artist Sophie Gilkens invites sex workers to show and share their stories. Through prolonged conversations, shared time, and mutual trust, Sophie gained access to intimate worlds and personal perspectives. Based on these connections, she created images that do not speak about sex workers but resonate with them, starting from the question of how photography can contribute to breaking down prejudices surrounding sex work.

The result is a multifaceted, layered portrait of people who are often overlooked. The images depict everyday spaces, body language, and traces of presence — without explicit references or explanatory context. Some photographs are accompanied by text fragments: isolated sentences, reflections, or notes from the participants. Image and word exist alongside each other as autonomous forms of expression.

Je fais ce que je fais opposes stereotypical representations and chooses nuance, silence, and collaboration. The project is not a documentary about sex work, but an encounter with sex workers. It invites the viewer to look slowly, without judgment.

In this way, a space is created for recognition and empathy — an artistic and political gesture that transcends clichés and reveals what it means to be human.

With thanks to all the individuals who are part of the project, and to UTSOPI, the Belgian union for sex workers.