In my conversations with other young women who were involved in sex work, many did not identify as “sexually exploited” or “sex-trafficked” girls, nor did they believe themselves to be “prostitutes.” Like Diamond, they might say instead that they have an older “boyfriend” (rather than a pimp) or “bust dates” to indicate a casual participation in the sex trade without fully committing to the idea that they were or are selling sex. These girls are vulnerable—very vulnerable—because they are often clawing their way out of some intense situations, without the supports of advocates or trained
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