Bushra Apa LLC’s Post

Did you know...? 🟠It’s estimated 105,000 individuals are involved in sex work in the UK. Most of these are women. 🟠Many women affected by the sex industry, especially on street, face financial struggles, insecure housing, domestic violence, and sexual abuse. 🟠There is evidence that 76% of individuals in the sex industry face various forms of post-traumatic stress disorder. But did you also know that we have a project in the UK that aims to support those in this industry? The Ruby Project is dedicated to ensuring women can choose a life without sexual exploitation – where women involved in the sex industry can pursue genuine alternatives to survival strategies, abuse, poverty and drug dependency. We exist to show the relentless love of God for all women affected by the sex industry and to journey with those who choose to explore the Christian faith. To find out more about the project and for sources on our research, please check out our link at https://lnkd.in/e989T58f . #sexindustry #sexwork #sexeducation #churcharmy #christian #socialjustice #charity #poverty

We don't always talk about the impact on families of human trafficking victims. Yes, familial trafficking is very much real. But I am not talking about family members who exploit another family member. But what about the impact on family members walking through the trauma with a loved one or waiting for a loved one to escape or exit their abuse? And then consider the lack of resources available to those family members. There is an ever present need for more resources to be made available to trafficking victims but also resources made available to family members as well. Family members can also be human trafficked, especially in forced labor exploitation. The need for resources always seems to be in short supply for victims and we must do better. As an anti-trafficking movement, we need to discuss the impact on families more and provide additional resources for family members. Here is an example of children of "sex workers," as the article describes, and the impact on the children growing up exposed to this lifestyle. https://lnkd.in/eSjkHkjh

Have you ever felt disconnected from the person you see in the mirror? Understanding your true gender identity can be a profound journey of self-discovery and pride. From recognizing signs and feelings of being trans to exploring different pronouns and expressions, it's all an important part of the process. Dive into our latest blog post to explore these topics, find support, and embrace your authentic self. 🌈✨ https://lnkd.in/endeyRdx #tobybarrontherapy #burbank #psychotherapy #GenderIdentity #TransJourney #SelfDiscovery #TransgenderSupport

If you find it frustrating when people talk about 'privilege' and feel your hard-earned achievements need defending, this post is for you 💜 TRIGGER WARNING - This post contains material of a highly sensitive nature, including self-harm, abuse, drug addiction, and sexual violence. #privilege #whiteprivilege #blacklivesmatter #blackhistorymonth #racism #ableism #sexism #cis #lgbtqia #transrights #queer #adhd #adhdawareness #disabilityawareness #metoo #domesticviolenceawareness #abusesurvivor #harassment #rapesurvivor #drugaddiction #selfharmrecovery #defensive #obstacles #feminism #whitewomen #triggerwarning https://lnkd.in/e-Q-zk2Z

"You'll wake up, don your armor (aka suit and tie), grab your trusty sidekick (that cute mug), and dash to the office. Once you've locked yourself in, you'll indulge in a secret morning ritual: pretending to pleasure yourself (ahem, coffee breaks are essential, right?). All this, before your work colleagues arrive and the charade of productivity begins." In Uganda, like many African countries, there are several issues related to sex that are considered taboo or culturally sensitive, making them difficult to discuss openly: Taboo 1; Sexual pleasure, Focus is on reproduction, not pleasure. Discussing sexual satisfaction or pleasure is seen as inappropriate... if a friend opens up to you about sexual displeasure you will probably throw it at them asking how they have no pleasure yet they have a certain number of babies, dah! Taboo 2; Sexual orientation, shhhhh....Homosexuality is stigmatized, and discussing LGBTQ+ issues is often met with hostility... I will leave this one for another day cos mehhhn I do have alot to say on it alone! Taboo 3; Sexual health, even with works of bodies like #Marie Stopes, topics like STIs, condoms, and family planning are often whispered about, not openly discussed. Until you see especially ladies walking around with canulars in their arms from avoidable UTI cos probably no one told them how dangerous douching is... Taboo 4 and one that has seen even the very elite take part in concealing truths is Sexual violence_: Rape, incest, and sexual assault are underreported due to stigma and fear of judgment. I have friends that have confided in me about how their own Fathers raped them and how their mothers sealed off the Truths. The fear in this is; 1. the woman will be judged cos if the man sought out her daughter for sexual pleasure, it would be her fault 2. the woman will be judged by society for shaming her husband, she has to protect the family name 3. the sacrificial lamb, who in this case is your daughter is a "woman" so, she may have had a part in her abuse! like how sick can we be! so hush hush! all these cases never see light of day. Taboo 5; Infertility, Oh this silent killer!.Here in Africa! Childlessness is seen as a curse, making it hard for couples to discuss openly. I know relatives that will want you spitting to show that you are with child soon as you are wed, 6 months pass and if there is no bulge on a woman, they will ask! worse even! send you herbs to remedy the situation. I know relatives that will suggest a spouse swap if kids are not coming in a year of union.They will throw hot babes at boy child and forget that the woman too is suffering from that shadow of Childlessness. We don't even have room to appreciate that a couple can live happily without really bringing child birth in the mix! I mean, there is much more to an individual walking this earth than being a child bearer so, tell me your thoughts on this.... time to be real!

‘Today, whether the topic is assisted dying, prostitution or BDSM, “consent” is a moral trump card. How it is obtained is rarely examined. Because behind consent there is always a story, and always a power imbalance with the weaker party acquiescing to the stronger. Were this not the case, what we consider “consent” would simply be termed an agreement. This is particularly relevant in the context of grooming gangs when it comes to the sex industry. ‘It is well understood that a disproportionate number of women who sell sex have been victimised as children. This is true even of p*rnography. A 2024 study of 120 p*rnography performers revealed 88 per cent of participants had experienced sexual abuse as children, a pattern of dehumanisation which of course continues on set. Yet acknowledging that the women groaning on screen might in fact be acting out childhood sexual trauma is dispelled with the magic of consent. No matter how their choices were informed, once they hit 18 and freely walk onto a set everything that led them there or keeps them there is irrelevant. As with wilfully blind police officers and social workers, p*rnography consumers choose to believe that some women just want to be anally penetrated until they prolapse or choked until they pass out. It’s just easier that way. ‘Even where a performers’ history is unknown, the onus is always on her, not on the choices of men. Take the infamous OnlyF@ns content creator Lily Phillips, a 23-year-old who shot to fame after being filmed with 101 men taking turns to penetrate her. Despite Phillips crying after the event, many commentators pointed out that she had consented to the sexually torturous stunt and that she would make money from the content. These are valid points. But few sought to ask why so many men chose to stick their dicks in a woman for what was clearly not a mutually pleasurable experience. Nor why so many pay to watch it, apparently including her father’s friends who were the first to subscribe to her OnlyF@ns account. The perception of her consent waved away any moral queasiness about the role of the men involved. It is more comforting to view Phillips, who has said of herself “I’m only good for one thing, me”, as empowered.’ ‘If we are serious about stopping harm to women and girls, we must begin to question not only why some seem to consent to abuse, but why some men want to hurt women in the first place.’ Read more by Jo Bartosch >> https://lnkd.in/g3MByn4T 

ADOLESCENT LOVE:- This is a very pertinent question that I have many a time during my research on adolescent health risk behavior grappled with. That if the consensual sexual relationship between an adolescent ( less than 18) and one in tender youth age (in numerical terms like 18+) should be legally punished as harshly (like under POCSO) as it is in a case of someone of 35 or 40 years old. Adolescence is an age of experimentation and realization. It has to be nurtured delicately. It is an age when the child (both male and female) has less experience but expects social recognition as an adult who has grown up, can take independent decisions, can take risks and responsibilities and many more. A pre-marital sexual relationship is taboo, however, at the same time societal morality is contextual, it needs a rethink when a requirement arises.... may be we need to accommodate our children rather by introducing better socialization, sex education etc when we are worried about their safety and security. We need to realise that we are those who are minimum at a long 15 years gap with respect to our adhered social norms and values than those young people.... regarding something which is complex cognitive and instinctual... And we are stubborn from the legal point of view, being harsh guardians, we have not been successful in preventing such acts and incidences, rather it has risen manyfold bringing several adversities to our children. I find the proposition shared in the news piece needs serious thought. N.B. Some countries have already recognized upto 22 years as an extended adolescence. https://lnkd.in/dC2PF77G

Recognizing that being trans is about identity and not choice is key. For children exploring their gender identity, it's important to remember this doesn't predetermine their sexual orientation. Embracing their authentic self is what matters most. 🌈 Need guidance on this journey? I'm here to offer support for you and your family. https://lnkd.in/gtMba9Fq #tobybarrontherapy #burbank #psychotherapy #SupportingTrans #EmbraceIdentity

💔 The journey out of the sex industry is not a short one. While many women take the brave step to leave, only 1 in 3 are able to stay out for good. Why? Because long-term support is often unavailable. Women exiting the sex industry need more than just emergency shelters—they need stable housing, job training, mental health care, and the opportunity to pursue their dreams in order to rebuild their lives and leave behind the cycle of exploitation. At Victoria’s Friends, we’re here to bridge that gap. Our mission is to empower women by offering a safe, supportive environment and the tools they need to heal and rebuild their lives. From trauma-informed care to employment resources and housing assistance, we are bridging the gap that so many survivors face when trying to leave sex work for good. But we can't do it alone. Your support can help make dreams come true! 👉🏻 Help us create lasting change by sharing this post to raise awareness.and visiting our website to learn how you can help: https://lnkd.in/g4Cwa9ta #VictoriasFriends #Nonprofit #EmpoweringWomen #MakingDreamsComeTrue #WomensMinistry

In the past 10 weeks, valuable insights have been shared on various touch points and the in the LGBTIQA+ community. A buildup towards the Zoom workshop on understanding and hopefully better manage the possible struggles and distress. What one can expect besides gaining insights to understanding various sexual identities and concept of internalized homophobia in relation to coming out process, there are intended crafted activities in between to 1) Understand different hats one wear that potentially creates distress 2) Better understand the struggle with being true to sexual identity versus societal norm/religious faith/family values Registration can be done in link below and do share with others who may benefit from this workshop. Date: 12th June 2024 (Wed) 8.30pm - 10.30pm Early bird before 31 May 2024 : $20 (+$0.50 service fee) https://lnkd.in/g6w9yrne