Life of a sex worker and society: Nalini Jameela speaks

Thirteen years after publishing her first book, sex worker-turned-writer Nalini Jameela is back in the literary scene with her autobiography which is expected to create ripples in the society. Jameela exposes the attitude of the society towards sex workers in her latest autobiography titled ‘Njan Laingika Thozhilali’.

In an interview with Manoramanews.com, Jameela opens up about men in her life and also about the Kerala society which is reluctant to make a change in its attitude towards sex workers.

Jameela believes that her first book has influenced, at least in a minor way, a change in the attitude of the society towards sex workers. “Sex worker is not someone who sells girls. People realised the difference between trafficking and sex work. Besides, a few of them understood that Nalini Jameela is harmless and has no intention to hurt them,” noted the writer.

She said many complained that people buy her books wrapped from the book stalls. “Even if they purchase it wrapped, they have to open it to read, right? So I didn’t take such complaints seriously. There is a section in the society which remains adamant and they are not going to change despite reading books or knowing many things. Keralites keep reminding me that I still am a sex worker even if I conquer heights. Huge wars should be waged to change the mindset of such people,” says Jameela.

Jameela is of the opinion that Keralites have the worst attitude towards sex workers. She says that things are easier for them in places like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. “I tried really hard to find a house in Kerala. I am living like a fugitive. In fact I am still living in hiding,” she added.