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Home » blog » #ListenToAllSurvivors » #ListenToAllSurvivors 6: Puppets and Gladiators

#ListenToAllSurvivors human trafficking sex work stories and essays

#ListenToAllSurvivors 6: Puppets and Gladiators

by admin|Published October 9, 2021

Chris, Carsyn, Alisha, and Nolan are talking. Chris says: “I've been thinking, and it really bugs me the way organizations pit survivors against each other.” “Ugh yes,” Alisha agrees.

Carsyn responds: “Sometimes it feels like organizations have been told they have to listen to survivors, but they still want their position to be the dominant one.”

Nolan adds: “And they think they can "look good" by not speaking over survivors. So they just have the survivors they're close with do it for them.”

Carsyn agrees. “I feel that way when I talk about services for queer and trans survivors, or how important labor rights are.”

Carsyn adds: “And then some other survivors who are affiliated with big organizations shut me down, and I feel invalidated as a labor trafficking survivor AND as a trans person.”

Image description: Alisha, Jasmin, and Leah are on a stage. They are dressed up, smiling, and dancing as marionettes. Alisha is in traditional clothing and says “Sad Story!” Jasmin is in a Cinderella dress and says “Redemption Narrative!” Leah is in a ballerina outfit and says “Donate Money!” Caption reads: “Sometimes it's like they want us to be their happy marionettes and mouthpieces”

Image description: Sam and Talia are in a dark graveyard at night, dressed like zombies. Sam says “Grr!” Talia says “Argh!” The caption reads: “... or mindless bodies doing their bidding…”

Image description: Nolan and Kade are in a Roman arena, wearing armor and traditional Roman military gear. Their faces look scared as they prepare to fight, holding weapons in each hand. The caption reads: “... or gladiators forced into the ring to do battle on their behalf …”

Carsyn continues: “It takes focus away from what survivors really want and need. And sometimes I don't think survivors engaging in it even realize how they're being used and exploited.”

Chris adds: “Or how they're replicating that exploitation with the survivors they're "mentoring" to treat others that way for strategic gain. That's just not advocacy.”

Alisha agrees. “And honestly, it just makes this movement not a safe space for survivors who want to be true advocates, considering all survivors' needs, and behaving with integrity and compassion.”

The survivors are leaned in near each other for support, eyes closed and looking secure. Hearts float around their heads. “It all makes me really grateful for you all. At least we know we have each others' backs.”

#listentoALLsurvivors
human trafficking
labor trafficking
listen to all survivors
sex trafficking
survivor leadership

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