MEXICO: The women of Casa Xochiquetzal, a unique shelter for elderly sexworkers (46 images)

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  • Portrait of Jimena, a resident of Casa Xochiquetzal, at the shelter in Mexico City on March 14, 2008. Casa Xochiquetzal is a shelter for elderly sex workers in Mexico City. It offers its residents refuge, food, health services and a place to learn about their human rights, as well as courses to help them rediscover their self-confidence and deal with traumatic aspects of their lives. Casa Xochiquetzal provides a space to age with dignity for a group of vulnerable women who are often invisible to society at large. It is the only such shelter in existence in Latin America. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus

  • Portrait of Marilu, a resident of Casa Xochiquetzal, at the shelter in Mexico City on March 14, 2008. Casa Xochiquetzal is a shelter for elderly sex workers in Mexico City. It offers its residents refuge, food, health services and a place to learn about their human rights, as well as courses to help them rediscover their self-confidence and deal with traumatic aspects of their lives. Casa Xochiquetzal provides a space to age with dignity for a group of vulnerable women who are often invisible to society at large. It is the only such shelter in existence in Latin America. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus

  • Portrait of Reynita, a resident of Casa Xochiquetzal, at the shelter in Mexico City on March 14, 2008. Casa Xochiquetzal is a shelter for elderly sex workers in Mexico City. It gives the women refuge, food, health services, a space to learn about their human rights and courses to help them rediscover their self-confidence and deal with traumatic aspects of their lives. Casa Xochiquetzal provides a space to age with dignity for a group of vulnerable women who are often invisible to society at large. It is the only such shelter existing in Latin America. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus

  • Portrait of a resident of Casa Xochiquetzal, at the shelter in Mexico City on July 28, 2008. Casa Xochiquetzal is a shelter for elderly sex workers in Mexico City. It offers its residents refuge, food, health services and a place to learn about their human rights, as well as courses to help them rediscover their self-confidence and deal with traumatic aspects of their lives. Casa Xochiquetzal provides a space to age with dignity for a group of vulnerable women who are often invisible to society at large. It is the only such shelter in existence in Latin America. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus


  • Portrait of Marilu, a resident of Casa Xochiquetzal, at the shelter in Mexico City, Mexico on November 20, 2008. Casa Xochiquetzal is a shelter for elderly sex workers in Mexico City. It offers its residents refuge, food, health services and a place to learn about their human rights, as well as courses to help them rediscover their self-confidence and deal with traumatic aspects of their lives. Casa Xochiquetzal provides a space to age with dignity for a group of vulnerable women who are often invisible to society at large. It is the only such shelter in existence in Latin America. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus


  • Jimena, a resident of Casa Xochiquetzal, in her bedroom at the shelter in Mexico City, Mexico on March 7, 2009. A solitary woman, she tends to spend much of her time alone in her own room. Casa Xochiquetzal is a shelter for elderly sex workers in Mexico City. It offers its residents refuge, food, health services and a place to learn about their human rights, as well as courses to help them rediscover their self-confidence and deal with traumatic aspects of their lives. Casa Xochiquetzal provides a space to age with dignity for a group of vulnerable women who are often invisible to society at large. It is the only such shelter in existence in Latin America. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus

  • Main courtyard at Casa Xochiquetzal in Mexico City, Mexico on July 4, 2013. Casa Xochiquetzal is a shelter for elderly sex workers in Mexico City. It offers its residents refuge, food, health services and a place to learn about their human rights, as well as courses to help them rediscover their self-confidence and deal with traumatic aspects of their lives. Casa Xochiquetzal provides a space to age with dignity for a group of vulnerable women who are often invisible to society at large. It is the only such shelter in existence in Latin America. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus

  • Carmelita, resident of Casa Xochiquetzal, prepares lunch at the shelter in Mexico City, Mexico on September 14, 2012. Casa Xochiquetzal is a shelter for elderly sex workers in Mexico City. It offers its residents refuge, food, health services and a place to learn about their human rights, as well as courses to help them rediscover their self-confidence and deal with traumatic aspects of their lives. Casa Xochiquetzal provides a space to age with dignity for a group of vulnerable women who are often invisible to society at large. It is the only such shelter in existence in Latin America. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus

  • Luchita, a resident of Casa Xochiquetzal, during lunch time at the shelter in Mexico City, Mexico on August 16, 2013. Casa Xochiquetzal is a shelter for elderly sex workers in Mexico City. It offers its residents refuge, food, health services and a place to learn about their human rights, as well as courses to help them rediscover their self-confidence and deal with traumatic aspects of their lives. Casa Xochiquetzal provides a space to age with dignity for a group of vulnerable women who are often invisible to society at large. It is the only such shelter in existence in Latin America. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus

  • Lunch time at Casa Xochiquetzal in Mexico City, Mexico on October 4, 2010. Casa Xochiquetzal is a shelter for elderly sex workers in Mexico City. It offers its residents refuge, food, health services and a place to learn about their human rights, as well as courses to help them rediscover their self-confidence and deal with traumatic aspects of their lives. Casa Xochiquetzal provides a space to age with dignity for a group of vulnerable women who are often invisible to society at large. It is the only such shelter in existence in Latin America. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus

  • Normota, a resident of Casa Xochquetzal, eats lunch at Casa Xochiquetzal in Mexico City, Mexico on may 20, 2013. Casa Xochiquetzal is a shelter for elderly sex workers in Mexico City. It offers its residents refuge, food, health services and a place to learn about their human rights, as well as courses to help them rediscover their self-confidence and deal with traumatic aspects of their lives. Casa Xochiquetzal provides a space to age with dignity for a group of vulnerable women who are often invisible to society at large. It is the only such shelter in existence in Latin America. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus

  • Reynita, a resident of Casa Xochiquetzal, walks with her walker to her bedroom after she had lunch at the shelter in Mexico City, Mexico on October 4, 2010. Casa Xochiquetzal is a shelter for elderly sex workers in Mexico City. It offers its residents refuge, food, health services and a place to learn about their human rights, as well as courses to help them rediscover their self-confidence and deal with traumatic aspects of their lives. Casa Xochiquetzal provides a space to age with dignity for a group of vulnerable women who are often invisible to society at large. It is the only such shelter in existence in Latin America. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus

  • Marilu and Gloria, both residents of Casa Xochiquetzal, watch television at the shelter in Mexico City, Mexico on June 14, 2013. Casa Xochiquetzal is a shelter for elderly sex workers in Mexico City. It offers its residents refuge, food, health services and a place to learn about their human rights, as well as courses to help them rediscover their self-confidence and deal with traumatic aspects of their lives. Casa Xochiquetzal provides a space to age with dignity for a group of vulnerable women who are often invisible to society at large. It is the only such shelter in existence in Latin America. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus

  • Marbella, a resident of Casa Xochiquetzal, in her bedroom at the shelter in Mexico City, Mexico on July 8, 2013. Marbella is from Michoacan and is 61. She ran away from home at age 9, a year after her father began molesting her. When she got to the Mexico City bus station, she met a woman selling food on the street who offered her a home and education. Marbella had nearly finished her studies to become a teacher when her caretaker died, so she turned to sex work at 17 to pay for her rent and studies. She later married, but when her husband passed away, she went back to prostitution to pay for her three children’s schooling and her daughter’s Leukemia medication. When her daughter succumbed to the disease, Marbella fell into a deep depression and was unable to work. Unable to pay her rent, she was evicted, and that’s when she arrived at Casa Xochiquetzal. She is very thankful to live at Casa Xochiquetzal. Her biggest sadness is that her surviving children no longer speak to her because of her sex work. Marbella loves to read, and she also writes her own poems. She says it’s therapeutic. "This house taught me that my life is worth a lot, that I am as dignified as any other woman," Marbella says. Casa Xochiquetzal is a shelter for elderly sex workers in Mexico City. It offers its residents refuge, food, health services and a place to learn about their human rights, as well as courses to help them rediscover their self-confidence and deal with traumatic aspects of their lives. Casa Xochiquetzal provides a space to age with dignity for a group of vulnerable women who are often invisible to society at large. It is the only such shelter in existence in Latin America. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus

  • Three residents of Casa Xochiquetzal wash their clothes at the shelter in Mexico City, Mexico on September 3, 2013. Casa Xochiquetzal is a shelter for elderly sex workers in Mexico City. It offers its residents refuge, food, health services and a place to learn about their human rights, as well as courses to help them rediscover their self-confidence and deal with traumatic aspects of their lives. Casa Xochiquetzal provides a space to age with dignity for a group of vulnerable women who are often invisible to society at large. It is the only such shelter in existence in Latin America. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus

  • Raquel, a resident of Casa Xochiquetzal, puts on makeup before going out to work on the streets of La Merced's neighborhood of Mexico City, Mexico on October 15, 2010. Raquel, 66, is from Michoacán and came to Casa Xochiquetzal when it first opened its doors. She wears a wig and pads her bra. She is very animated; words and songs come easily to her. She has also suffered from schizophrenia for 22 years, but despite hearing voices, she works hard not to lose touch with reality. As a way of earning a little money, she gathers plastic bottles to recycle and also helps to sell clothes in a stand operated by her boyfriend of 31 years. Casa Xochiquetzal is a shelter for elderly sex workers in Mexico City. It offers its residents refuge, food, health services and a place to learn about their human rights, as well as courses to help them rediscover their self-confidence and deal with traumatic aspects of their lives. Casa Xochiquetzal provides a space to age with dignity for a group of vulnerable women who are often invisible to society at large. It is the only such shelter in existence in Latin America. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus

  • Marilu, a resident of Casa Xochiquetzal, visits her daughter in Pachuca, a city located an hour northeast of Mexico City, Mexico on June 26, 2013. Most women who live at Casa Xochiquetzal have relatives, though in a number of cases, contact is sporadic or non-existent. Casa Xochiquetzal is a shelter for elderly sex workers in Mexico City. It offers its residents refuge, food, health services and a place to learn about their human rights, as well as courses to help them rediscover their self-confidence and deal with traumatic aspects of their lives. Casa Xochiquetzal provides a space to age with dignity for a group of vulnerable women who are often invisible to society at large. It is the only such shelter in existence in Latin America. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus

  • Gloria, a resident of Casa Xochiquetzal, in her bedroom at the shelter in Mexico City, Mexico on May 13, 2013. Casa Xochiquetzal is a shelter for elderly sex workers in Mexico City. It offers its residents refuge, food, health services and a place to learn about their human rights, as well as courses to help them rediscover their self-confidence and deal with traumatic aspects of their lives. Casa Xochiquetzal provides a space to age with dignity for a group of vulnerable women who are often invisible to society at large. It is the only such shelter in existence in Latin America. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus

  • Norma Angelica, a resident of Casa Xochiquetzal, dances and sings in her bedroom at the shelter in Mexico City, Mexico on May 25, 2016. Norma Angelica is from Tabasco and is 53. She came to Mexico City at age 18 and married Ramiro. They were together 11 years. When her husband died, she went home to care for her ailing mother. Ten years ago, her mother died, and her brothers took everything, including the house, and left Norma Angelica in the street. She returned to Mexico City very depressed and turned to prostitution. She came to Casa Xochiquetzal in 2013. Casa Xochiquetzal is a shelter for elderly sex workers in Mexico City. It offers its residents refuge, food, health services and a place to learn about their human rights, as well as courses to help them rediscover their self-confidence and deal with traumatic aspects of their lives. Casa Xochiquetzal provides a space to age with dignity for a group of vulnerable women who are often invisible to society at large. It is the only such shelter in existence in Latin America. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus

  • Elia, a resident of Casa Xochiquetzal, talks to her dolls as a method of coping with her past life, in her bedroom at the shelter in Mexico City, Mexico on June 8, 2016. Casa Xochiquetzal is a shelter for elderly sex workers in Mexico City. It gives the women refuge, food, health services, a space to learn about their human rights and courses to help them rediscover their self-confidence and deal with traumatic aspects of their lives. Casa Xochiquetzal provides a space to age with dignity for a group of vulnerable women who are often invisible to society at large. It is the only such shelter existing in Latin America. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus

  • Portrait of Luchita, a resident of Casa Xochiquetzal, at the shelter in Mexico City, Mexico on May 25, 2016. Casa Xochiquetzal is a shelter for elderly sex workers in Mexico City. It offers its residents refuge, food, health services and a place to learn about their human rights, as well as courses to help them rediscover their self-confidence and deal with traumatic aspects of their lives. Casa Xochiquetzal provides a space to age with dignity for a group of vulnerable women who are often invisible to society at large. It is the only such shelter in existence in Latin America. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus

  • Notebook inside the purse of Luchita, a resident of Casa Xochiquetzal in Mexico on September 7, 2013. Casa Xochiquetzal is a shelter for elderly sex workers in Mexico City. It offers its residents refuge, food, health services and a place to learn about their human rights, as well as courses to help them rediscover their self-confidence and deal with traumatic aspects of their lives. Casa Xochiquetzal provides a space to age with dignity for a group of vulnerable women who are often invisible to society at large. It is the only such shelter in existence in Latin America. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus

  • Raquel, a resident of Casa Xochiquetzal, in her bedroom at the shelter in Mexico City, Mexico on may 28, 2012. Raquel, 66, is from Michoacán and came to Casa Xochiquetzal when it first opened its doors. She wears a wig and pads her bra. She is very animated; words and songs come easily to her. She has also suffered from schizophrenia for 22 years, but despite hearing voices, she works hard not to lose touch with reality. As a way of earning a little money, she gathers plastic bottles to recycle and also helps to sell clothes in a stand operated by her boyfriend of 31 years. Casa Xochiquetzal is a shelter for elderly sex workers in Mexico City. It offers its residents refuge, food, health services and a place to learn about their human rights, as well as courses to help them rediscover their self-confidence and deal with traumatic aspects of their lives. Casa Xochiquetzal provides a space to age with dignity for a group of vulnerable women who are often invisible to society at large. It is the only such shelter in existence in Latin America. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus

  • Normota, a resident of Casa Xochiquetzal, rests in her bedroom at the shelter in Mexico City, Mexico on May 24, 2013. Although she remembers her early childhood fondly, she was raped by one of her brother’s friends when she was 9 years old while walking back from school in a small rural town in Jalisco. She was also assaulted by a priest where she lived. Soon after, at age 14, she ran away from home to escape her abusive brother, finding work as a waitress in various red-light districts. Norma had many lovers but only one real love. She had four children, the first one at age 16. She told me she tried to kill herself four times. She says “I make jokes about my life so I can live day to day, but my sadness has no end.” One day, Norma explained why she got her name tattooed on her arm: if she died alone on the streets, people would know who she was. Thanks to Casa Xochiquetzal, the women have escaped a fate that they once feared: dying on the streets, alone and anonymous, only to be buried in an unmarked grave. Now they know they will have dignified burial. And that they won’t die alone. Casa Xochiquetzal is a shelter for elderly sex workers in Mexico City. It offers its residents refuge, food, health services and a place to learn about their human rights, as well as courses to help them rediscover their self-confidence and deal with traumatic aspects of their lives. Casa Xochiquetzal provides a space to age with dignity for a group of vulnerable women who are often invisible to society at large. It is the only such shelter in existence in Latin America. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus

  • The personal belongings of Laeticia, a resident of Casa Xochiquetzal, in her bedroom at the shelter in Mexico City, Mexico on October 17, 2012. At the age of 8, Leticia watched as her mother said goodbye from the back of a trailer. She never saw her again. Originally from Chihuahua, Mexico, Leticia began working at nightclubs and eventually married. She didn’t walk out on her husband when he hit her—he made good money—but she did leave when he brought other women into their house. She abandoned everything, including her children, and has tried twice to commit suicide. At Casa Xochiquetzal, she practices yoga daily and tries to be a peacemaker and a good housemate; however, her sweet expression can quickly turn to anger. She stays active by knitting, embroidering, and reading the Bible. Casa Xochiquetzal is a shelter for elderly sex workers in Mexico City. It offers its residents refuge, food, health services and a place to learn about their human rights, as well as courses to help them rediscover their self-confidence and deal with traumatic aspects of their lives. Casa Xochiquetzal provides a space to age with dignity for a group of vulnerable women who are often invisible to society at large. It is the only such shelter in existence in Latin America. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus

  • Juanita, a resident of Casa Xochiquetzal, takes a shower at the shelter in Mexico City, Mexico on September 3, 2013. Casa Xochiquetzal is a shelter for elderly sex workers in Mexico City. It offers its residents refuge, food, health services and a place to learn about their human rights, as well as courses to help them rediscover their self-confidence and deal with traumatic aspects of their lives. Casa Xochiquetzal provides a space to age with dignity for a group of vulnerable women who are often invisible to society at large. It is the only such shelter in existence in Latin America. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus

  • Gloria, a resident of Casa Xochiquetzal, shows an old picture of her with her boyfriend Mau in Mexico City, Mexico on June 14, 2013. Casa Xochiquetzal is a shelter for elderly sex workers in Mexico City. It offers its residents refuge, food, health services and a place to learn about their human rights, as well as courses to help them rediscover their self-confidence and deal with traumatic aspects of their lives. Casa Xochiquetzal provides a space to age with dignity for a group of vulnerable women who are often invisible to society at large. It is the only such shelter in existence in Latin America. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus

  • Portrait of Juanita, a resident of Casa Xochiquetzal, in her bedroom at the shellter in Mexico City, Mexico on May 27, 2014. Casa Xochiquetzal is a shelter for elderly sex workers in Mexico City. It offers its residents refuge, food, health services and a place to learn about their human rights, as well as courses to help them rediscover their self-confidence and deal with traumatic aspects of their lives. Casa Xochiquetzal provides a space to age with dignity for a group of vulnerable women who are often invisible to society at large. It is the only such shelter in existence in Latin America. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus

  • Sonia, a resident of Casa Xochiquetzal, in her bedroom at the shelter in Mexico City, Mexico on October 2, 2013. Sonia is from Sonora and is 62. At age 6, she went to live in Mexico City with her family. Sonia left home at 11 to escape her demanding mother and the religious education she sought to impose on her. Her mother abused her, and her stepfather tried to molest her several times. Her parents never sent her to school, and at a young age she began working as a housekeeper and waitress. During a party, when she was 14, a man raped her, then shot her in the head to keep her quiet. The bullet remains lodged in her head to this day and cannot be removed. The attack left her partially paralyzed on her left side, and pregnant. She moved to Casa Xochiquetzal after one of her daughters stole her life savings. Casa Xochiquetzal is a shelter for elderly sex workers in Mexico City. It offers its residents refuge, food, health services and a place to learn about their human rights, as well as courses to help them rediscover their self-confidence and deal with traumatic aspects of their lives. Casa Xochiquetzal provides a space to age with dignity for a group of vulnerable women who are often invisible to society at large. It is the only such shelter in existence in Latin America. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus

  • Jimena, a resident of Casa Xochiquetzal, in her bedroom at the shelter in Mexico City, Mexico on March 7, 2009. A solitary woman, she tends to spend much of her time alone in her own room. Casa Xochiquetzal is a shelter for elderly sex workers in Mexico City. It offers its residents refuge, food, health services and a place to learn about their human rights, as well as courses to help them rediscover their self-confidence and deal with traumatic aspects of their lives. Casa Xochiquetzal provides a space to age with dignity for a group of vulnerable women who are often invisible to society at large. It is the only such shelter in existence in Latin America. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus

  • Marilu and Gloria, both residents of Casa Xochiquetzal, at the shelter in Mexico City, Mexico on October 6, 2013. Casa Xochiquetzal is a shelter for elderly sex workers in Mexico City. It offers its residents refuge, food, health services and a place to learn about their human rights, as well as courses to help them rediscover their self-confidence and deal with traumatic aspects of their lives. Casa Xochiquetzal provides a space to age with dignity for a group of vulnerable women who are often invisible to society at large. It is the only such shelter in existence in Latin America. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus

  • Lourdes, a resident of Casa Xochiquetzal, portrayed at the shelter in Mexico City, Mexico on February 19, 2009. Casa Xochiquetzal is a shelter for elderly sex workers in Mexico City. It offers its residents refuge, food, health services and a place to learn about their human rights, as well as courses to help them rediscover their self-confidence and deal with traumatic aspects of their lives. Casa Xochiquetzal provides a space to age with dignity for a group of vulnerable women who are often invisible to society at large. It is the only such shelter in existence in Latin America. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus

  • Raquel, a resident of Casa Xochiquetzal, in the bathroom at the shelter in Mexico City, Mexico on October 2, 2013. Raquel, 66, is from Michoacán and came to Casa Xochiquetzal when it first opened its doors. She wears a wig and pads her bra. She is very animated; words and songs come easily to her. She has also suffered from schizophrenia for 22 years, but despite hearing voices, she works hard not to lose touch with reality. As a way of earning a little money, she gathers plastic bottles to recycle and also helps to sell clothes in a stand operated by her boyfriend of 31 years. Casa Xochiquetzal is a shelter for elderly sex workers in Mexico City. It offers its residents refuge, food, health services and a place to learn about their human rights, as well as courses to help them rediscover their self-confidence and deal with traumatic aspects of their lives. Casa Xochiquetzal provides a space to age with dignity for a group of vulnerable women who are often invisible to society at large. It is the only such shelter in existence in Latin America. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus

  • Juanita, a resident of Casa Xochiquetzal, conducts her weekly prayer service at the shelter in Mexico City, Mexico on June 8, 2016. Casa Xochiquetzal is a shelter for elderly sex workers in Mexico City. It offers its residents refuge, food, health services and a place to learn about their human rights, as well as courses to help them rediscover their self-confidence and deal with traumatic aspects of their lives. Casa Xochiquetzal provides a space to age with dignity for a group of vulnerable women who are often invisible to society at large. It is the only such shelter in existence in Latin America. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus

  • Canela, a resident of Casa Xochiquetzal, takes a visiting dog on a walk at the shelter in Mexico City, Mexico on March 7, 2009. Canela is from Oaxaca and is 77. She has lived at Casa Xochiquetzal since the shelter opened its doors. She suffers a number of illnesses and has Down’s syndrome. Her mother died when she was 12 and she came to Mexico City at a very young age and a sex worker rescued her. At age 13, she became a sex worker herself.  Later, she met her husband, Rafael, who was an alcoholic. He died six years into their relationship, and Canela went back to prostitution. She is the only resident at Casa Xochiquetzal who never had children. She arrived at Casa Xochiquetzal with several illnesses and very bad eating habits, and she was given six months to live. Today, 12 years later, she is still here, thanks to better nutrition and the medical and psychological care provided by the shelter. Canela is well known and respected in the neighborhoods that surround Casa Xochiquetzal. Casa Xochiquetzal is a shelter for elderly sex workers in Mexico City. It offers its residents refuge, food, health services and a place to learn about their human rights, as well as courses to help them rediscover their self-confidence and deal with traumatic aspects of their lives. Casa Xochiquetzal provides a space to age with dignity for a group of vulnerable women who are often invisible to society at large. It is the only such shelter in existence in Latin America. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus

  • Paola, a resident of Casa Xochiquetzal, puts on makeup before going to work in Mexico City, Mexico on July 10, 2008. When this photo was taken, she was one of the youngest women at the shelter and still worked the streets. On January 1, 2011, she disappeared and never came back. Casa Xochiquetzal is a shelter for elderly sex workers in Mexico City. It offers its residents refuge, food, health services and a place to learn about their human rights, as well as courses to help them rediscover their self-confidence and deal with traumatic aspects of their lives. Casa Xochiquetzal provides a space to age with dignity for a group of vulnerable women who are often invisible to society at large. It is the only such shelter in existence in Latin America. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus

  • Reynita, a resident of Casa Xochiquetzal, three days before she died at the shelter in Mexico City Mexico on October 15, 2010. Casa Xochiquetzal is a shelter for elderly sex workers in Mexico City. It offers its residents refuge, food, health services and a place to learn about their human rights, as well as courses to help them rediscover their self-confidence and deal with traumatic aspects of their lives. Casa Xochiquetzal provides a space to age with dignity for a group of vulnerable women who are often invisible to society at large. It is the only such shelter in existence in Latin America. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus

  • Norma Angelica, a resident of Casa Xochiquetzal, puts on her high-heeled sandals at the shelter in Mexico City, Mexico on October 2, 2013. Norma Angelica is from Tabasco and is 53. She came to Mexico City at age 18 and married Ramiro. They were together 11 years. When her husband died, she went home to care for her ailing mother. Ten years ago, her mother died, and her brothers took everything, including the house, and left Norma Angelica in the street. She returned to Mexico City very depressed and turned to prostitution. She came to Casa Xochiquetzal in 2013. Casa Xochiquetzal is a shelter for elderly sex workers in Mexico City. It offers its residents refuge, food, health services and a place to learn about their human rights, as well as courses to help them rediscover their self-confidence and deal with traumatic aspects of their lives. Casa Xochiquetzal provides a space to age with dignity for a group of vulnerable women who are often invisible to society at large. It is the only such shelter in existence in Latin America. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus

  • Residents of Casa Xochiquetzal attend a weekly meeting at the shelter in Mexico City, Mexico on October 15, 2012. Community life and participation is promoted among residents by means of easy-to-follow rules. Casa Xochiquetzal is a shelter for elderly sex workers in Mexico City. It offers its residents refuge, food, health services and a place to learn about their human rights, as well as courses to help them rediscover their self-confidence and deal with traumatic aspects of their lives. Casa Xochiquetzal provides a space to age with dignity for a group of vulnerable women who are often invisible to society at large. It is the only such shelter in existence in Latin America. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus

  • Reynita's adoptive daughter (C) and a friend (R) mourn Reynita, a resident of Casa Xochiquetzal, who died at the shelter in Mexico City, Mexico on October 18, 2010. Casa Xochiquetzal is a shelter for elderly sex workers in Mexico City. It offers its residents refuge, food, health services and a place to learn about their human rights, as well as courses to help them rediscover their self-confidence and deal with traumatic aspects of their lives. Casa Xochiquetzal provides a space to age with dignity for a group of vulnerable women who are often invisible to society at large. It is the only such shelter in existence in Latin America. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus

  • Laeticia, a resident of Casa Xochiquetzal, reads the Bible in Acapulco, Mexico on September 7, 2013. Casa Xochiquetzal is a shelter for elderly sex workers in Mexico City. It offers its residents refuge, food, health services and a place to learn about their human rights, as well as courses to help them rediscover their self-confidence and deal with traumatic aspects of their lives. Casa Xochiquetzal provides a space to age with dignity for a group of vulnerable women who are often invisible to society at large. It is the only such shelter in existence in Latin America. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus

  • A sex worker, who prefers not to share her name, attends the funeral of another sex worker in Tepito's neighborhood in Mexico City, Mexico on October 1, 2010. She died of cancer at 54 years old. It was the first time her daughter had seen her in 15 years and she never knew her mother was a sex worker. Casa Xochiquetzal is a shelter for elderly sex workers in Mexico City. It offers its residents refuge, food, health services and a place to learn about their human rights, as well as courses to help them rediscover their self-confidence and deal with traumatic aspects of their lives. Casa Xochiquetzal provides a space to age with dignity for a group of vulnerable women who are often invisible to society at large. It is the only such shelter in existence in Latin America. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus

  • Carmelita, a resident of Casa Xochiquetzal, enjoys smoking her daily cigarette at the shelter in Mexico City, Mexico on April 25, 2012. One day, Carmelita's son abandoned her on the subway because his wife didn’t want to take care of her and didn’t want to live under the same roof with a sex worker. Asked to choose between his wife and his mother, Carmelita’s son deserted his mother. Casa Xochiquetzal is a shelter for elderly sex workers in Mexico City. It gives the women refuge, food, health services, a space to learn about their human rights and courses to help them rediscover their self-confidence and deal with traumatic aspects of their lives. Casa Xochiquetzal provides a space to age with dignity for a group of vulnerable women who are often invisible to society at large. It is the only such shelter existing in Latin America. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus

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