For many sex workers, “family” is not a word that brings comfort. Too often, biological families, faith communities, and social institutions turn their backs on us. Some reject us for the work we do, others for our gender, sexuality, or survival choices. What’s left behind is a painful truth: sometimes, the people who were supposed to love us unconditionally are the first to abandon us.

What if the power to end violence wasn’t locked inside a politician’s office or a police budget - but sitting right in your hands?

When systems fail us - and they often do - it’s community that saves us. Before there were grants or corporate sponsorships, there were friends passing envelopes under cell doors, commissary money pooled together, or a ride to a court date given without question.