Made Strong, INC.

12/22/2023

We made a difference! Barriers were removed to allow members of the s*x work community to pursue their goals and dreams. We even helped survivors of s*x trafficking leave abusive relationships to live their best lives.

Made Strong was never about an organization. It was about the people.

The legacy lives on. You, our supporters, are a part of that legacy. Thank you.

12/21/2023

I am sad to share the news with you. Unfortunately, Made Strong will be closing in January 2024.

An organization that advocated for the rights of s*x workers in Northeast Indiana was always going to be an uphill battle. But, we ran our race well and did everything we could to confront the discrimination our clients face and open doors for them in this community.

Thank you for running with us!

10/20/2023

Social media posts are great. Petitions are great. Marches are great. But do you know what makes an even bigger impact... voting! Given the harmful city ordinances surrounding s*xually oriented businesses, we can't afford to be silent.

So much of how laws are carried out and how funding is distributed comes down to our local elected officials. If you want to see the candidates and their stances, check out https://www.vote411.org/indiana.

Early voting has already started at The Rousseau Center, and more satellite locations are opening on November 1st. Local elections can come down to just a few votes, so don't miss your chance to make a difference.

10/06/2023

Made Strong is happy to share that Brandy's Gentleman's Club is participating in The Women's Fund campaign against s*xual violence. Titled "No Matter What", this campaign provides coasters to participating bars, clubs, and restaurants with a QR code for s*xual assault and domestic violence resources in Allen County.

Thank you Brandy's Gentleman's Club for taking a stand against s*xual violence!

*xualViolence

09/29/2023

The Rhode Island legislature commissioned a study on health and safety laws affecting marginalized individuals. When indoor s*x work was legal in Rhode Island (between 1980 and 2009), there was a significant decline in s*xually transmitted diseases and s*xual assaults. When prostitution was again criminalized in 2009, the decline ended. The commission recommended critical reforms to Rhode Island’s s*x work-related laws, including decriminalization.

Click on this link to read the full report:https://decriminalizes*x.work/wp-content/uploads/05-22-2023-Final-Report-Marginalized-Individuals-Commission.pdf

*xworkinthenews

09/09/2023

Made Strong started a blog for people in the s*x work community to have a safe and anonymous place to share their stories, insights, and experiences.

We named the blog TAKE IT OFF to help remove the stigma and secrecy around s*x work. Our goal is to provide a platform for clients while humanizing the perception of s*x workers in Northeast Indiana.

We are excited to share our newest post with you! “Ron” is a wonderful client and overall great guy. We are thankful for you, our supporters, who allow us to serve him. We are also grateful to “Ron” for sharing his perspective!

Ron graciously agreed to share his insights and life experience for the benefit of other members of the s*x work community as well as for people who have never met someone in his profession.

08/22/2023

Fort Wayne, Ind. – The City of Fort Wayne today announced cooling stations will be open Wednesday and Thursday due to high temperatures and heat indices forecasted to impact our area.

-The Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St., from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

-Weisser Park Youth Center, 802 Eckart St., from 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

The Salvation Army at 2901 N. Clinton St., from 8 am to 4 pm

Services being provided by the City are in addition to the proactive efforts led by The Rescue Mission downtown. The Rescue Mission has an indoor day shelter open from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. daily regardless of outside temperature.

08/12/2023

It's not uncommon to hear someone use the phrase "selling themself" when talking about s*x work or s*x trafficking... but let's unpack that.

This phrase implies that s*x changes an individual's personhood... the s*xual partner owns the person, or at least a piece of them.

Is that true? Are we ever "owned" by our s*xual partners?

NO!!!!!!

People don't "own" people. Everyone has ownership of their s*xuality AND no one is defined by s*x. No situation, circumstance, or amount of money can ever change that.

Let's stop using this phrase.

07/30/2023

Believe it or not, most s*x traffickers don't kidnap, hold people hostage, or lure victims from the internet. Trafficking is a relationship of inequality.

The trafficked person has a need. The trafficker meets the need... but in an abusive relationship with unequal power dynamics.

But what do s*x worker rights have to do with anti-trafficking?

S*x trafficking thrives on criminalization and stigma. If someone in a trafficking relationship comes forward and is not believed, they can face fines and jail time. So people don't risk it.

Criminalization also increases pimping. When s*x work is criminalized, there are no safety standards and workers have to meet clients in secluded locations. Pimps help screen clients, set up appointments, and monitor safety. When money is involved, often those relationships can become abusive and turn into trafficking.

If you want to help decrease s*x trafficking, the answer is to support s*x worker rights!

*xworkiswork *xworkerrights

07/29/2023

Many rescue organizations promise that if you just donate to them, you can help end s*x trafficking. But, can you prevent s*x trafficking?

The answer is yes and no.

S*x trafficking = abuse + profit from someone else's s*x work

No one can completely prevent abuse from happening. But together, we can affect the social inequalities that help abuse and trafficking thrive.

Support human rights when you vote, Practice fairness and empathy in everyday life. Listen and believe the stories of survivors (even and especially when they challenge pre-held beliefs).

*xworkerrights

07/28/2023

Anti-trafficking media is out there! But is it true...

Here are some questions to ask yourself:
- Is the story told from the point of view of the trafficked person?
- Is it promoting a religion or political affiliation?
- Is the hero of the story a rescuer?

If the answer to any of these questions is "yes", please think twice.

Movies like "The Sound of Freedom" and conspiracy theories like "Q'anon" actually harm trafficking survivors. Let's help instead of harm!

*xtrafficking

07/22/2023