Before The Trial

Friends and family have cautioned me that attending the Pickton trial may be traumatic for me - a kind of nightmare reminder of an ugly time of my life. But, my life experiences have toughened me, and I welcome this challenge. I've learned to be an open-minded, down-to-earth kind of gal. I take things as they come. I've come a long way in understanding that it is not important what others think of me, it's what I think of myself that matters most.

I have read published, harsh opinions which condemn the street life, such as Orato contributor Steve Sanborn's: "Prostitution hurts women and children and foments abortions, spreads diseases and most importantly, offends God." Part of me is disgusted by such simplistic views. Whatever happened to the important principle: "Don't judge someone until you walk a mile in their moccasins?"

There's no doubt that women and children get hurt. Disease is part of the reality. Needles spread diseases. Most sex trade workers try to adopt safe practices. But the pain of living a life trapped in the empty practice of selling your body and soul for the price of a fix, is something that shouldn't be dismissed as a simple issue of poor choice.

It's also a good thing I'm a minister's daughter, because offending God by prostitution is out of the question. God loves everyone; he loved Mary Magdalene and she was a prostitute. It's in the bible.

One of my girlfriends is worried about me losing anonymity. My family supports me because that's what family does. I have nothing to hide about my past. I've forgiven myself.