Visible and invisible
Prostitution has been a legal profession in the Netherlands since 2000. That would mean that you can be open about it and even proud of it. The reality is often very different. Many women, men, and transgender people who work in prostitution hide their work from family and friends. It is not on their CV, and they often invent a different profession. We regularly hear from women that it is lonely when the people closest to you do not know what you really do.
The shame and stigma are significant. In Eastern European countries, prostitution is often illegal, and those who work in it are seen as criminals or bad people. A poignant example is a young woman who called in tears because her father no longer wanted to recognize her as his daughter when he heard what kind of work she was doing.
Many women bear this burden in silence. Often they do this work not for themselves, but for their children or their family. They accept the loneliness, the rejection, the trauma, and the sadness. Yet the focus remains mainly on the women, while the demand from men is the real driving force behind prostitution. As long as there is demand, prostitution will continue to exist. As one client once said, “I help her with the money I give her, because that way she can take care of her children.” But if that were really the intention, then just give the money—and don‘t let your own desires take precedence. At Bright Fame, we want to help women become free, to regain hope and dignity. And we believe that together, a different path is possible.
Mudrace
On September 27, these four brave men literally waded through mud to fight injustice! They managed to raise a generous donation for Bright Fame! Thank you to all donors, supporters, and participants! If you have a great idea for a fundraising campaign, feel free to contact info@Brightfame.nl.
November 26 calendar launch, everyone welcome in Amsterdam!
Baptized!
On Sunday, October 19, we witnessed two women being baptized.
New Alpha course
At the end of October, we will start a new @alpha course—this time in two languages: Spanish and English with the ladies we have contact with through our street work. Each evening begins with a nice meal, after which we split into two groups for an accessible/relaxed conversation about the Christian faith, purpose, and life. The previous course was special. Trust grew, much was shared, and the group became close. One of the women came to faith and wanted to be baptized. These were valuable and hopeful evenings for everyone. We look forward to starting with a new group, because we see a desire in several women to find meaning and learn more about God.
Betty
In February 2009, Betty, only 19 years old and from Hungary, was killed with more than 70 stab wounds. Three months earlier, she had given birth to her son. Tough as ever, with her large tattoo, she stood tall in life. We spoke occasionally. I knew she was going to give birth and then return to working behind the window. I never got to congratulate her on her son. When the police released the window, I could only lay flowers at the door. At the beginning of October, the podcast The Seven Lives of Betty, created by Naomi Steijger, who also interviewed me for it, was presented. I just listened to part 1 — impressive and made with such care. This cold case was featured on Opsporing Verzocht again this month. Sixteen years later, the police still don’t know who did this. The perpetrator is still at large. I hope that many people will listen—and that Betty will not be forgotten.
She wasn’t the only woman we knew from behind the window who was killed. Unfortunately, the reality is that a lot of violence is used against women — sometimes with terrible consequences. Listen to the episode via your favorite podcast channel. The seven lives of Betty.
