Summarize what is currently known about male sex workers (MSWs).

A minority of males who work as sex workers are gigolos-heterosexual men providing sexual services for women in exchange for money. Their customers are usually wealthy, middle-aged women who seek sex, a social "companion," or a young man. The gigolo phenomenon illustrates that women, like men, will pay for sex. Another type of male sex worker is "kept boys"-young men financially supported for sexual services by an older "sugar daddy." The overwhelming majority of male sex workers sell their sexual services to other males and one study of 38 MSWs from a single escort service found that most identified as gay or bisexual. Young male sex workers are called "chickens," and the customers who are attracted to them are known as "chickenhawks." Most males are introduced to prostitution through the influence of their peers. A typical male begins when a friend suggests that he can make "easy money" on the streets. Hustlers sometimes live alone or with roommates. The hustler's life is characterized by theft, drug-dealing, panhandling, and violence. Some consider themselves heterosexual or bisexual. They tend to congregate in the "sex zones" of urban centers. Gay male sex workers seek erotic expression as well as money. They are often fleeing rejection by their family and community.