Tribute to Writer Trisha Baptie

Courage to Come Back Award Winner Offers Hope, Inspiration

My name is Amanda Goletto and I am huge fan of Trisha Baptie, who was one of Orato.com's Robert Pickton serial killer trial citizen correspondents last year. The remains of at least 26 women, most survival-sex prostitutes with drug addictions, were found on Pickton's pig farm. In the first trial, Pickton was found guilty on six counts of second degree murder, but he is implicated in the deaths of as many as 50 of the more than 60 women who disappeared from Vancouver, Canada.

Trisha counted some of Pickton's victims among her friends. Now, she wins the Courage to Come Back Award for her bravery in leaving her life on the streets, for giving the murdered women of Vancouver, Canada's Downtown Eastside a voice through her trial coverage, and for her ongoing activism. Each year in British Columbia six people are honored for their courage to overcome and recover from illness, injury or adversity. I am so proud of Trish for overcoming and to be able to call her my friend.

I met Trish Baptie when she was a prostitute in 2000 through a street outreach team associated with Union Gospel Mission in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver.

She and I connected over a simple cup of hot chocolate and a discussion of her tattoos and piercings. Whether we were hanging out at the Ivanhoe Pub or playing with her kids, admiration and love came easily.

Getting to Know Trisha Baptie

Our conversations about her family and her work were centered on her ability to have two completely different worlds. In one world she was a member of the Parent-Teachers’ Association and a cocktail waitress, and in the other world she was a well-known prostitute.

Trish would gradually let me see her complicated and inexplicable balance of two worlds. With great triumph and trust Trish stopped being prostituted, in search of a better life, nine months after I met her.

She has always possessed the ability to be authentic and honest about her life. I can only account my experience of her as life changing and miraculous. It was with wonder that I witnessed her life completely turn around. It was during her transformation that she became a spokesperson of determination and vulnerability to me and countless others.

Pickton Trial Coverage

In the last year citizens of Canada have had the opportunity to hear her conviction and dedication to the rights and lives of those sexually exploited through her account of the Robert Pickton serial killer trial.

Forsaking all temptation to sugarcoat her experiences, she went public with her life. This choice confirmed her security in fighting for justice regardless of the personal sacrifice. She chooses to be part of a movement of change and education to an unforgiving and judgmental society in the effort to promote a voice for an unseen and undeserved population.

Trish has single-handedly raised the bar for society to offer empathy and understanding to sex workers. She has begged for awareness. It was with great faith and trust that she offered her story with no financial compensation except for coverage of basic expenses, despite considerable emotional and mental strain.

Quite simply, Trish Baptie is my hero. Most people who hear our story assume that Trish’s life is the one that was changed, and each time I am able to say with firm conviction that it was mine that was forever altered. Her irrevocable commitment and passion to live a life marked by freedom and love will make anyone who meets her desire to strive for their own potential.

Her quest to serve the ladies that she once worked beside will continue to refresh and ignite beauty in the dark corners of our world. Her heart clings to truth and runs with hope that is truly inspiring. My prediction is that Trish Baptie will continue to be a heroine to many.

I am proud to celebrate Trish Baptie in being awarded in the Courage to Come Back 2008 awards. Trish is an intelligent and brave young woman with a pioneering spirit.

This opportunity will help her use her passion and unique talents to energize a continued movement of hope.