In 'Girls Like Us,' Rachel Lloyd shares her powerful journey as a former victim of the sex trade, revealing the harsh realities faced by young women caught in the cycle of exploitation. Through personal anecdotes and the stories of others, she exposes the societal forces that perpetuate this trafficking. Lloyd not only sheds light on the girls' struggles but also celebrates their strength and resilience in overcoming adversity. Her narrative is a call to action, urging readers to recognize and combat the injustices surrounding modern-day slavery. This compelling memoir blends heart-wrenching truth with hope, leaving readers inspired to make a difference.
By Rachel Lloyd
Published: 2012
"'The journey of reclaiming our stories is the first step towards reclaiming ourselves; we are not defined by our past, but by how we rise from it.'"
During her teens, Rachel Lloyd ended up a victim of commercial sexual exploitation. With time, through incredible resilience, and with the help of a local church community, she finally broke free of her pimp and her past and devoted herself to helping other young girls escape "the life." In Girls Like Us, Lloyd reveals the dark world of commercial sex trafficking in cinematic detail and tells the story of her groundbreaking nonprofit organization: GEMS, Girls Educational and Mentoring Services. With great humanity, she shares the stories of the girls whose lives GEMS has helped—small victories that have healed her wounds and made her whole. Revelatory, authentic, and brave, Girls Like Us is an unforgettable memoir.
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“'The journey of reclaiming our stories is the first step towards reclaiming ourselves; we are not defined by our past, but by how we rise from it.'”
Girls Like Us
By Rachel Lloyd
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Rachel Lloyd is a distinguished author and advocate known for her powerful storytelling and commitment to social justice. She is the author of the acclaimed memoir "Girls Like Us: Fighting for a World Where Girls Are Not for Sale" and the influential book "The Girls Who Went Away," which explores the realities facing young women in America. Lloyd's writing is characterized by its raw honesty, compelling narrative style, and deep empathy for her subjects, often drawing from her own experiences and advocacy work. She is also the founder and executive director of GEMS (Girls Educational and Mentoring Services), a nonprofit organization that empowers young women who have been involved in the sex trade.
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