Rethink Resources

I just found an amazing set of youth media talking about young women of color experiences in the sex trade created by youth in California.

Oakland, California — a traditional epicenter of the pimp game made infamous by movies like The Mack in the 70’s and rappers like Too Short in the 80’s and 90’s, has seen a marked increase in the number of teenage females arrested for prostitution, mirroring a nationwide trend. While state and local law enforcement recently promised a crackdown on pimping, there are still few services for young women. Caught Out There — Young Women on the Streets is an intimate look at the experiences these girls have on the streets of Oakland, in their own words.

The Game 101 (video)
A case manager who works with young prostitutes and two former working girls discuss the current geography of teen prostitution.

Doin’ It For My Dude (audio and story)
Because she loved her boyfriend/pimp Samone would have done anything for him — defying her mother, being arrested and getting stabbed was just a part of the game.

I didn’t want to be a ho but somehow I got involved with this boy, and money was his main priority. I thought he was everything I could ever want, so I invested all of my time and money into him – thinking I would be happy in the long run. But it usually ended up all bad.

I’m my own pimp (audio and story)
While many young women choose pimps or have pimps force them into the street life, some of these female hustlers go into business for themselves.

I have experienced drug dealing, braiding hair, boostin’ (stealing), knock-out missions (knockin’ people out and taking their money), house licks (robbing) and then some – in order to make money for myself. I have also experienced what some people call prostitution – but when you’re out there, it’s just straight up getting money.

Every Day I’m Hustlin’ (stories, poetry and audio)
According to youth advocates and law enforcement officials, there has been a marked increase in juvenile prostitution arrests in the Bay Area.

It all started when I ran away from home with my friend Gigi. I didn’t have money and needed some quick. Right after I ran away, I saw this older girl who I recognized on the street – I didn’t know her that well but I used to see her around. This particular day, she was by herself and not with the dude I always used to see her with.

It seemed like she knew I needed money. She asked me: “Do you have something to do? ‘Cause you look bored. Want to just ride and kick it?” So, like a stupid ass, I went and we started talking. I asked her where the dude I used to always see her with was. I knew he had to be her boyfriend, ‘cause she was half-white and he was a n—a I seen in the ‘hood. She said, “Oh, my pimp? He’s locked up right now.”

It’s an amazing set of youth media from young women of color who’ve experienced the sex trade. Check it out and take a look at the organization that made it happen - Youth Outlook.