I grew up in Mount Pleasant in the 80's, so I really appreciate this! Thank you. You have told a really important story here, thank you for expressing it so articulately. I did not know the depth of the significance of the Lee Building, both to you and to Vancouver.
Thank you again. Charlotte, thank you. I moved to Vancouver in , and have lived in Mount Pleasant most of my time here. I remember 'shame the johns' and I knew the women, the prostituted women, who started the 'bad trick' sheet. Now the state has taken charge, call it a 'Red Light" or a "Bad Date" list. WISH is in the hands of those who would decriminalize the activities of pimps and johns, women who work there are not permitted to talk to the women who use it about getting out of prostitution -- or they weren't while the Bedford case was going on and before that.
The cops have the bad trick sheet, they have the license plate numbers, the descriptions, buying sex is illegal, and they STILL do jack shit for the women who are, as you know too well, are the victims of their predation. The corruption is wide and deep. But not it IS illegal to buy sex, and there is both public awareness of the Nordic Model and increasing pressure on the government to implement Canada's new law -- because of feminists.
I am grateful to you for telling the truth about your life, and I respect that it cost you a lot to do so. We will win liberation. Someday we will. I have nothing to add except that I want you to know that I read this with compassion. And anger. You have the lawyer every victim needs. Trust him. Thank you,Charlotte, for telling your truth and in doing so. You have a good deal of courage. Power and love of the universe to the exploited girls still out there.
Your writing is powerful! You have an important story to tell, dear courageous Charlotte, and your voice is stronger then ever!
