More than a name: pseudonymisation in sex work research

Pseudonyms in qualitative research serve not only as protective tools but also as expressions of participant identity – and, if mishandled, may compromise confidentiality they aim to ensure. This paper draws on incidental observations from a qualitative study of sex work in Malta to reflect on the unexpected methodological complexities that pseudonymisation can generate throughout the research process. We show that participant-generated pseudonyms can serve both as safeguards and expressions of personal narrative – reflecting trauma, nostalgia, and resilience. We examine ethical dilemmas between confidentiality, participant autonomy and relational risks that pseudonym choices can pose to third parties. Even seemingly trivial pseudonym choices may carry identifiable markers – a risk particularly acute in tightly-knit communities. We argue that pseudonymisation is not a one-size-fits-all solution but an ongoing, situated process requiring reflexivity and respect for participant agency. Our findings speak to broader debates on ethics and anonymity in research with marginalised populations.