AZIS`- Male Prostitution: A Subjective Photographic Documentary

Exposing the Reality of Young Male Prostitutes in Dortmund

Dortmund, the center of male prostitution in Ruhrgebiet, is home to around 250 young men, with an average age of 21, who work as male prostitutes. Shockingly, 40 percent of them have an immigrant background, driven to Germany by the desire to financially support their families. However, there is a dire need for information regarding health and education in this community. Through a collaboration with AIDS-Hilfe, photographer Rosa Maria Rühling embarked on a nine-month project to shed light on the lives of these boys and provide them with a platform to express themselves.

Rosa Maria Rühling's project, titled "AZIS`- Male Prostitution," is a subjective photographic documentary that captures the harsh reality faced by young male prostitutes in Dortmund. The subjects of her photographs face numerous challenges, with only a few of them speaking German or having access to education or knowledge about health. Their workplaces range from bars, saunas, and cinemas to parks, parking places, and roadsides. Their customers, predominantly men between the ages of 40 and 80, pay between 5 and 30 Euros for their services.

What sets Rühling's project apart is her focus on the stark contrast between the strong social cohesion among these individuals and the harsh realities of their working lives. Through her lens, she captures the resilience and strength of these young men, showcasing their ability to form connections and support one another despite the challenging circumstances they face.

The "AZIS`- Male Prostitution" project serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of addressing the needs of marginalized communities. By providing a platform for these young male prostitutes to share their stories and experiences, Rühling aims to raise awareness about their living conditions and the challenges they encounter on a daily basis. Through her photographs, she invites viewers to reflect on the societal factors that contribute to the existence of such a vulnerable community.

Awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in Photography and Photo Manipulation in 2019, Rühling's project stands as a testament to her outstanding creativity and ingenuity. The A' Design Award recognizes designs that embody excellence and resourcefulness, incorporating best practices in art, science, design, and technology. By shedding light on the lives of young male prostitutes, Rühling contributes to improving the quality of life for marginalized communities and making the world a better place.