Intersections of Race, Gender, and Sexual Exploitation

Melanie Thompson is a survivor of sex trafficking and prostitution, as well as a dedicated speaker and activist in the global fight against commercial sexual exploitation. Trafficked at just 12 years old, Melanie was later arrested and placed in foster care, where she began her advocacy journey at 14. She now serves as the Outreach & Advocacy Coordinator at the Coalition Against Trafficking in Women International.

In this episode, we delve into Melanie's powerful story and explore the complexities of trafficking, the misconceptions surrounding platforms like OnlyFans, how pornography promotes violence and harmful stereotypes, and the urgent need for awareness and systemic change.

Episode Resources

Article: How Mainstream Porn Normalizes Violence Against Black Women

Article: How Porn Can Misrepresent and Fetishize LGBTQ+ Individuals and Relationships

Podcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep. 90: Taina Bien-Aimé

Melanie's Podcast: Exit Wound

The Coalition Against Trafficking in Women

Rebecca Bender Initiative