Starting From Scratch

[New Creation]

Wondering where all the SOSI threads went? They are ALL in SOSI private now and will remain there unless you make a request to pull one out (that you have started).

We're going to start from scratch here in SOSI public but I wanted to make sure any new people coming to SOSI know that this isn't an empty place, we're just in another room. Let's populate SOSI public again ladies and gents.

 

[InTheCloud]

The treads from the female sex workers have been moved to the private subforum.

The idea is that once a poster has introduced herself here and is deemed to be a true poster, not a troll who wants to discuss her issues, her thread will be moved to her private forum for her security, and she will be cleared by the mods to post there, since it has become known that this forum is being read by many people in the sex industry who are not sex workers.

Non sex workers who has to post there also have to ask the moderators who will consult to the women who post in the private forum.


Non Sex Wor

 

[BlondieLashes]

I keep staring at this blank forum not knowing what to say...Do we start all over again with introducing ourselves or is that redundant?

 

[New Creation]

Maybe not a bad idea Court. Just so new people know who's here.

 

[Criada]

I think that would be a great idea... we all know one another, but to someone coming in, it does look a bit unfriendly... getting to know who is here would be useful, I think.

 

[BlondieLashes]

I think that would be a great idea... we all know one another, but to someone coming in, it does look a bit unfriendly... getting to know who is here would be useful, I think.

Okay guys- I will try to write an intro tonight if I have any energy left!

I would love to see other people write theirs too...of course when you have time, I know everyone is super busy!

I keep thinking maybe there is a reason that we have a fresh start here on SOSI. Maybe it's time to re-vamp things. Maybe we need to be open to God leading us in a different direction....I don't know what else to think!

 

[BlondieLashes]

Here goes nothing..trying to sum up my life and not be too long winded...

I am also trying to figure out how to tell my story and introduce myself without sounding like a religious nut. My name is Courtney and I am a former stripper. I also escorted and did some porn modeling. I worked for one of the largest porn companies in Los Angeles. I married the manager of the strip club I worked for and we left the industry together awhile back.

I am an incest survivor. I am a survivor of clergy abuse. I am a former alcholic and prescription drug addict. I was arrested for prostitution. My husband and I went through a tax evasion and murder trial and we pretty much lost everything. I guess you could say my past is a mess. But God uses “messes” to reach out to others who are in pain and help them see they are not alone.

I am now Christian and truly believe that God protected me through the tough years of my life and is now working in my life to heal me.

 

[FaithfulWife]

Hi Survivors of the Sex Industry!

My name is FaithfulWife and I am a non sex worker but big advocate for our SOSI people. I mostly listen non-judgmentally, offer encouragement where I can, help make sure the forum is safe for you, and I'll fight off trolls if I have to so look out!

When I was very young my father sexually abused me. As a child my mother physically, mentally and verbally abused me--hitting me with broomsticks until she tired. When I got older and moved out, I did some drugs and drank, and I was raped. Then I married a man who was bipolar and abusive in his manias. When he left me for another woman I thought that was just the end of the world, but little did I know that was a fresh new beginning to a whole new life for me.

As you can see I have not been an but I do at least have a little understanding and love for the folks here. My past was pretty messy too, but I have to thank G*d for the help He gave me. I had the blessing of a really good counselor, of a determination to face some of my personal demons, and of a really wonderful dear hubby.

So feel free to ask me anything. I've made mistakes. I still make them! But I'll listen caringly and answer honestly.

Faithfully,


~FaithfulWife

 

[Criada]

Hi folks,
I'm not a survivor of the sex industry, though I have struggled with sexual issues for much of my life and was sexually abused for years.
I think the women here are awesome, they inspire and encourage me, and I try to be a friend and a listening ear when I can.

 

[FaithfulWife]

Criada! Guess what I just realized? You're younger than I am! Oh my goodness

 

[New Creation]

Hi everyone!

I'm Paula and I am a former stripper of about a decade and a half. I did some porn magazine shoots as well. I also prostituted on a few occassions.

I'm a recovering alcoholic and pot smoker. Also a former wiccan.

Almost 7 years ago I quit the business for good. A week later I became Christian and this year I entered the Catholic Church. Lots of amazing things took place for that to happen as I was a pretty hard core Christian-hater during my years in the business. I've been the recipient of a lot of mercy and a lot of miracles.

I'm married to another recovering alcoholic and we have a 3 year old daughter. I'm a stay at home mom who does public speaking and is hoping to one day be an advocate for women in the sex industry.

This place has been a jewel in my life.

 

[Giantsbran1227]

Hey guys. As a 17 year old kid, I obviously am not in the sex industry. Im planning to stick around here though and try to help anyone to my best ability. All of your stories are amazing and inspiring. As someone who struggles with overcoming impure sexual thoughts, I look forward to learning from your stories. May God have mercy on us all.

 

[InTheCloud]

Civilian lawyer with a background in Law Enforcement eons ago in the previous decade. Just pased by a couple of years ago and found new friends here.

 

[RuthD]

Hi everyone!

I'm Paula and I am a former stripper of about a decade and a half. I did some porn magazine shoots as well. I also prostituted on a few occassions.

I'm a recovering alcoholic and pot smoker. Also a former wiccan.

Almost 7 years ago I quit the business for good. A week later I became Christian and this year I entered the Catholic Church. Lots of amazing things took place for that to happen as I was a pretty hard core Christian-hater during my years in the business. I've been the recipient of a lot of mercy and a lot of miracles.

I'm married to another recovering alcoholic and we have a 3 year old daughter. I'm a stay at home mom who does public speaking and is hoping to one day be an advocate for women in the sex industry.

This place has been a jewel in my life.

That is great that you are doing all these great things now and serving the Lord. I have not been a saint in my life either, we all have our pasts. You're amazing. God bless you.

 

[CosmicBalance]

Hi

My name's Alison and even though I am only 17 I have been working in the sex industry for almost a year now as...I don't know quite what to call it, I gave sexual massages I guess. I don't know if that's really considered a prostitute or not?

I quit yesterday and I just found your forum again today, I used to come on CF in the teen section 'til some bad stuff happened with my parents and and I became homeless. That's why I turned to it for money, I got fake ID to make it look I was 18.

I don't know where to turn next, I can't go to university because I never finished high school and I don't have any job skills. I'm lucky to be writing this in a public library where I can get free internet.

I just feel so depressed and dirty and generally disgusted with myself at the moment for what I've done, I don't know if I can ever be normal and happy again.

 

[InTheCloud]

Alison, can you get to talk with a social worker, AUSTRALIA has a very good social network you can use. Also a maintream church pastor or priest can give you pointers in how to use social services.

Also there are some Kiwis here, I hope one of them shows up to give us further advise.

 

[BlondieLashes]

((((Alison)))) I am so sorry you are in the situation you are in! Are you able to check out books at your library? If so I would look for books by Joyce Meyer - I am currently reading Beauty for Ashes and it is helping me see how God can heal my past and help me now. Books can be a great source of encouragement when you are alone.

You are precious and beautiful. I know you don't feel that after what you have been through, but you are a daughter of the King and He loves you in spite of what happened.

I agree with InTheCloud that it would be good to check with a church for help or whatever social services might be available.

 

[New Creation]

Hi

My name's Alison and even though I am only 17 I have been working in the sex industry for almost a year now as...I don't know quite what to call it, I gave sexual massages I guess. I don't know if that's really considered a prostitute or not?

I quit yesterday and I just found your forum again today, I used to come on CF in the teen section 'til some bad stuff happened with my parents and and I became homeless. That's why I turned to it for money, I got fake ID to make it look I was 18.

I don't know where to turn next, I can't go to university because I never finished high school and I don't have any job skills. I'm lucky to be writing this in a public library where I can get free internet.

I just feel so depressed and dirty and generally disgusted with myself at the moment for what I've done, I don't know if I can ever be normal and happy again.

Hi Alison! My name is Paula.
I just saw your post and I'm so glad I did. I'm so sorry you have had to be in the life you have honey. It's no place for any girl to be.

I had a hard time with my folks as a teen too. I got pregnant when I was 17 and got kicked out of the house. I hadn't finished school either and had no skills either. It's a scary place to be. I became a stripper 3 days after I turned 18.

So you just quit the massage place- good for you, that's amazing! Do you have any people that you can trust and turn to for help right now? Where are you living? Is it safe?

I want to encourage you that you CAN one day go to university. I went back to school as an adult and although I never went to uni, I finished high school and you can do the same. You are very young. there is absolutely no reason you can't go to uni when you are ready. You will just need a plan.

In the sticky section, there is a thread called 'resources for women in the sex industry.' It has the names and addresses of organizations that help women out of the business. I know there is at least ONE in Australia. The sticky has all the U.S. States in alphabetical order and then after the US there is an Australia post. Check that out. There is a woman named Bronwen Healy (or something close to that) who helps women in Aus.
BEcause of your age (and mention your age when you call her) she will probably give you priority help. Please give her a call honey. You don't deserve to be used by men. You deserve to be cherished and loved. And you are cherished and loved by God.

You sound like a gutsy gal. Please keep us informed as to how you are doing and if there is any progress with Bronwen, ok?

BTW, something very strange. I live in a place called the Sunshine Coast too- in British Columbia Canada! You're my first Aussie Coaster!

lots of love sweetie- take care.

 

[New Creation]

Here's the organization I was talking about. Please contact her. She may not be anywhere near you but she may know people in your area who do.
She's a very sweet lady.

Australia

The Hope Foundation

HOPE FOUNDATION exists to bring hope, help and healing to the hurting people of the nation, based in Brisbane, primarily women in the areas of addiction and those caught in the sex industry - both those involved and their loved ones.
​

MISSION STATEMENT:
Bring liberty to addicts and sex workers through consistent Christ-centred connection and care.
The Hope Foundation attends to women and their children who are seeking shelter from and want to be rehabilitated from alcohol and drug addiction or to exit the sex industry. This target group has been identified to provide relief for those suffering and those in distress. There are currently no organisations in Brisbane or in many other places in Australia, who provide the same assistance to people within this target group. The aim of the Foundation is to offer practical help by filling individuals with hope and directing them to healing.
The Foundation exists to give people suffering and in distress the opportunity to have a better way of life by helping them renew their minds and offering them true freedom through specialised programs and follow-up care.
The Foundation has been established to benefit society by assisting those that are currently a cost to society and re-training and re-teaching them skills in how to live, thrive and flourish. In turn it is anticipated that each person can become a contributing part of the community.
It is believed by Bronwen Healy, the founder of the Foundation, that every person deserves an opportunity to start anew. They believe that through their future rehabilitation programs and drop-in centres the Foundation will make this a reality for many people that are currently in distress and suffering.

Contact

Bronwen Healy - CEO, Director & Co-Founder

0433 170 263

bronwen@hopefoundation.org.au

 

[CosmicBalance]

Hi everyone who has replied to me. Thanks for your advice. Right now I am looking for somewhere more permanent to live, I am in a boarding house run by the Baptist church for young homeless women right now which is good for short term but I really want to get my own place. It's also a bit strange for me here because a lot of the girls are pregnant or have kids so I don't really fit in that way.

One thing I am a bit worried about, whether I should use the money I earned. I saved a bit, but I feel wrong spending it now, maybe that I should give it to a charity or something? But then again I could use it for the bond on a unit and buy some furniture, maybe enough to keep me through a year of school, or I am thinking of maybe TAFE. They have an equivalent of Year 12 and I don't really feel like going back to school right now.

I looked up hope foundation they are in Brisbane which is only like 100km south of where I am, I will think about contacting Bronwen maybe but right now I'm kind of really scared of asking for help. On here feels kind of safer because it is more anonymous, I'm not sure I want to face up to who I am in person with someone yet. The people where I am living don't know my past just that I'm currently homeless. Before I was living with a girl I worked with but even though I could continue to live there I just wanted to get totally away from that scene I'm sure you'll understand. And I might have some trouble getting my own place once again because of my age, I just wish I could be 18 already! lol...

I checked the library they do have some books of Joyce Meyer but not at my local branch and I can't check them out right now anyway because I'm only 17 and don't have a parent to sign my library application. So I will just have to rely on whatever I can read while I'm in the library. I asked if they can transfer some over for me from the other locations but no because I need to have a membership card, plus pay a fee. Only 55 cents I think they said so cheaper than a bus fare to go elsewhere but yeah I am in a bind with that right now.

Anyone once again thanks for all your help. Tomorrow I am going to go looking for (normal) job, it's summer holidays for schools here now and I really need something to keep me busy for a few hours each day, being around Christmas time I think a lot of shops are hiring casual staff so I'll try there first.

Oh and about quitting my former employment, mainly it was because I got news that the police had raided a few illegal places in the area (where I was working wasn't legal, here there are legal brothels but advertising 'massage' and offering any sexual services is illegal) so I decided to get out before something really bad happened, like ending up in prison or something. I did think briefly about going to work in a brothel but I decided I should try to maintain what little dignity I had left and get out of the industry altogether.

Also I heard from someone don't remember who the other day that the State Government runs a program for women who want to get out of the sex industry, like giving them subsidised training and finding employment and stuff, I must find out more about it.

Once again thanks everyone for all your support.