In the United States, it’s often believed that human sex trafficking is only problematic in foreign countries. However, the opposite is true; human sex trafficking is an epidemic everywhere. According to the National Human Trafficking Resource Center (NHTRC), in this year alone, 2,085 cases of human sex trafficking was reported in the United States. This number doesn’t include the large number of cases that go unreported, indicating that sex trafficking is more problematic than illustrated in most statistics. According to a journalist for the Huffington Post, “Trafficking minors for prostitution is the third highest money-maker for organized crime in the U.S” (Goodman 1). Rachel Lloyd, born in 1975, is a leader in advocating for victims of
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Being in the sex industry, Lloyd understands the viewpoint of the victim. This understanding of the victims is what inspired her to advocate for changes in how victims are supported. This led her to create a victim support program called GEMS (Girls Educational and Mentoring Services). Lloyd writes, “Cos if you think about it, to everyone else, they just look like regular old rocks…but to a master jeweler, who can see the beauty and potential…just like these girls need, that the precious stone, the gem, will come out and be shining” (Lloyd 259). After creating GEMS, Lloyd met many critics of her achievements. Her hardships have made her realize that people misunderstand how the stereotypes in society affect their judgement. For example, Lloyd would come across stereotypes about being a previous “prostitute”. Frequently, people would be shocked to learn that she was a previous victim of the sex industry, due to her success and education. However, Lloyd states: “It is rare that I have to feel the sting of that judgement anymore” (Lloyd 211). She has gained the understanding and compassion towards her critics, which lead her to overcome their insensitive comments. Having compassion allows leaders to want to make a change, as well as not be discouraged by negative judgements towards them. Without compassion, Lloyd would have never lead a change in the sex industry, …show more content…
Rachel Lloyd had the characteristics of a true leader. Such characteristics included: overcoming adversity, gaining compassion for victims and her critics, as well as the determination to lead a change in the sex industry. Making this change was difficult because of her poor childhood, being a victim of the sex industry, not having many resources available to her, and the stereotypes that people put against her. Ultimately, she created GEMS and has advocated for changes in the law, which has had an impact on Congress to make a change. Through her leadership, Lloyd has received many awards and has been recognized for her
Being in the sex industry, Lloyd understands the viewpoint of the victim. This understanding of the victims is what inspired her to advocate for changes in how victims are supported. This led her to create a victim support program called GEMS (Girls Educational and Mentoring Services). Lloyd writes, “Cos if you think about it, to everyone else, they just look like regular old rocks…but to a master jeweler, who can see the beauty and potential…just like these girls need, that the precious stone, the gem, will come out and be shining” (Lloyd 259). After creating GEMS, Lloyd met many critics of her achievements. Her hardships have made her realize that people misunderstand how the stereotypes in society affect their judgement. For example, Lloyd would come across stereotypes about being a previous “prostitute”. Frequently, people would be shocked to learn that she was a previous victim of the sex industry, due to her success and education. However, Lloyd states: “It is rare that I have to feel the sting of that judgement anymore” (Lloyd 211). She has gained the understanding and compassion towards her critics, which lead her to overcome their insensitive comments. Having compassion allows leaders to want to make a change, as well as not be discouraged by negative judgements towards them. Without compassion, Lloyd would have never lead a change in the sex industry, …show more content…
Rachel Lloyd had the characteristics of a true leader. Such characteristics included: overcoming adversity, gaining compassion for victims and her critics, as well as the determination to lead a change in the sex industry. Making this change was difficult because of her poor childhood, being a victim of the sex industry, not having many resources available to her, and the stereotypes that people put against her. Ultimately, she created GEMS and has advocated for changes in the law, which has had an impact on Congress to make a change. Through her leadership, Lloyd has received many awards and has been recognized for her