Results 1 to 19 of 19

Thread: Free book written by an ex-dancer

  1. #1
    Featured Member Laurisa's Avatar
    Joined
    Sep 2009
    Location
    Doesn't Matter
    Posts
    1,969
    Thanks
    649
    Thanked 1,823 Times in 587 Posts
    My Mood
    Confused

    Smiley Free book written by an ex-dancer

    Hello ladies!

    I was looking Google trying to find an online support group for exotic dancers or ex-dancers and see if they had access to any resources available. I found a website called www.iamatreasure.com and some of you may have seen these outreach programs into the clubs. These women are religious, they bring gift bags into the club, and provide phone numbers so you can call someone to talk.

    They do not pressure you to leave the industry or spew religious propaganda. Anyway, the owner Harmony Dust (stage name Monique) wrote a book and you can receive a free autographed copy, shipped free via UPS, as well as a CD and some other gifts--even a handwritten note--if you fill out the form at the link below. The book is really good and I feel like it's all honest, she's not making stripping out to be worse or better than it is. She talks about being sexually and mentally abused, about dealing with rude customers, and the hilarity in the dressing room.

    If any of you are having a hard time or want to read an inspiring book about someone who has worked in the industry and then moved onto bigger and better things then I encourage you to order it--FREE!

    http://iamatreasure.com/dancers-industry-girls-only/

    Check the box that says "send me a free gift" and any of the other boxes you may want.

    I hope this helps!
    -Laurisa
    If you are willing to do for one year what other's won't, you can spend a lifetime doing what other's cant.


  2. The Following 4 Users Say Thank You to Laurisa For This Useful Post:


  3. #2
    Banned
    Joined
    May 2004
    Location
    VA
    Posts
    1,725
    Thanks
    92
    Thanked 395 Times in 244 Posts
    My Mood
    Angry

    Default Re: Free book written by an ex-dancer

    That is along the lines of what I was talking about in a previous thread. Not interested in God based stories, outreach, etc..But best of luck to those who do gain from its existence. No thanks.

  4. #3
    Featured Member Laurisa's Avatar
    Joined
    Sep 2009
    Location
    Doesn't Matter
    Posts
    1,969
    Thanks
    649
    Thanked 1,823 Times in 587 Posts
    My Mood
    Confused

    Default Re: Free book written by an ex-dancer

    Her story isn't based on God.

    90% of the book is about her stripping, her childhood, and so forth.

    There is very little mention of God in the book, it's just a nice book to read if you feel isolated. If you don't like it then don't respond to the thread?

    I'm not religious, but I found her story helpful. And outreach programs are intended to help people feel like they have someone in their corner, and potentially connect them to resources IF they choose to take them. Nothing is shoved down your throat with this website/book.
    If you are willing to do for one year what other's won't, you can spend a lifetime doing what other's cant.


  5. #4
    Banned
    Joined
    May 2004
    Location
    VA
    Posts
    1,725
    Thanks
    92
    Thanked 395 Times in 244 Posts
    My Mood
    Angry

    Default Re: Free book written by an ex-dancer

    Quote Originally Posted by Laurisa View Post
    Her story isn't based on God.

    90% of the book is about her stripping, her childhood, and so forth.

    There is very little mention of God in the book, it's just a nice book to read if you feel isolated. If you don't like it then don't respond to the thread?

    I'm not religious, but I found her story helpful. And outreach programs are intended to help people feel like they have someone in their corner, and potentially connect them to resources IF they choose to take them. Nothing is shoved down your throat with this website/book.

    I was speaking of the website. I think u really should open ur mind to the idea that a God based approach is not appealing to many. I read the stories off the list from that website of how they went to church or found God..I really really, really wish people would find some other way to connect with others who want to leave the industry without equating it to God. OP, I am sorry if u do not want to hear what I have to say but what I say is what maybe some r too weary to say themselves and if no one speaks up to tell u this u will be overlooking how people truly feel in the wide spectrum.

    I think people who want to reach out and help others r in fact doing a noble thing. I just wish some of these people would understand that for some getting out of the business has nothing to do with finding God. And we do not need God to exist after the business etc..We all have our own individual thoughts and reasons as well as already in tact support systems. One of the smartest things someone n this business can do is attempt to find the few true people that still exist n the world and cherish them. Sometimes those few truly good people that oftentimes r not God believers , can be a huge support system while dancing and after. You have to believe in urself before others will believe in u IMHO and i dont find that God has anything to do with that.

  6. #5
    Featured Member Laurisa's Avatar
    Joined
    Sep 2009
    Location
    Doesn't Matter
    Posts
    1,969
    Thanks
    649
    Thanked 1,823 Times in 587 Posts
    My Mood
    Confused

    Default Re: Free book written by an ex-dancer

    I don't see many Aethiest outreach programs or many non-religious outreach programs for strippers at all. The point is that they do not preach the gospel in the clubs, they are friendly and offer gifts/kind words to give us hope.

    I would rather someone who is religious reach out to me than no one at all. If their heart is in the right place then their religion does not matter, and them offering me resources does not matter. I have never seen bible verses on any of the gifts they hand out in the clubs, they are usually bath salts, lip gloss, make up bags, hand made jewelry etc.

    They are currently trying to find a house in Los Angeles, CA so that they can provide housing for dancers who are trying to get out of the industry. The truth is that some girls DO feel trapped, mis used by management, abused by customers, and judged by society.

    People from this organization tell girls it is OK to come to church IF they want to and if they don't then that's OK too. They are saying "we are not judging you, and you can talk to us if you want to". I would like to see more churches reach out to create friendly relations between dancers instead of the protesters outside of the club. They are not damning anyone, they are just reminding everyone they are loved and not forgotten.

    Their message is good and mostly not about God. Many people go to AA who are not religious, even though AA has a strong religious platform. Hell, judges court order people to take part in AA although AA is based on Christianity and many people in our country are not Christian.

    You are missing the importance here, these people are trying to reach out which is so critical. So many people in society shun dancers, it's good someone cares enough to reach out in some way.
    If you are willing to do for one year what other's won't, you can spend a lifetime doing what other's cant.


  7. The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to Laurisa For This Useful Post:


  8. #6
    Banned TurboHips's Avatar
    Joined
    Aug 2009
    Location
    Texas
    Posts
    346
    Thanks
    343
    Thanked 139 Times in 58 Posts
    My Mood
    In Love

    Default Re: Free book written by an ex-dancer

    Thanks for the link! I submitted for a care package.

  9. #7
    Banned
    Joined
    May 2004
    Location
    VA
    Posts
    1,725
    Thanks
    92
    Thanked 395 Times in 244 Posts
    My Mood
    Angry

    Default Re: Free book written by an ex-dancer

    Best of luck to you

  10. #8
    Veteran Member Farrah_Golden's Avatar
    Joined
    Aug 2011
    Location
    The 9th circle of hell (Florida)
    Posts
    445
    Thanks
    116
    Thanked 320 Times in 139 Posts

    Default Re: Free book written by an ex-dancer

    I think it's refreshing to see a resource from the hands of someone who has experienced this industry personally.

    The truth is, this is a lifestyle that's very hard to abandon....it will forever be ingrained in you, even long after your retirement. That's why we see soooo many veteran dancers coming back into the clubs, even years after they decided to quit the industry altogether. I believe anyone who has ever experienced this work environment is perfectly entitled to some form of therapy. And I don't just mean professional, formal therapy, but anything that makes them feel better...for you, it happens to be knowing you're not alone in the whole situation and that someone successfully got out of it. I'm sure when I eventually retire, I'll need to utilize my own resources to make sure I don't end up going right back into it.

    I, personally, am offended by the pink bag ladies. I think it's arrogant to assume I'm in need of rescuing, because there's no WAY I could actually make that decision myself. But, that's neither here nor there. The book sounds like someone sharing their experience with people who may be going through the same thing. This job is tough- don't kid yourself; you WILL end up with some kind of scarification, be it from rude customers, constant harassment, inconsiderate managers or even sexual assault.

    Best advice for starting dancers: as soon as you get in, start planning out how you're going to get out.
    [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

    Farrah rocks your world, biatch!

  11. The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to Farrah_Golden For This Useful Post:


  12. #9
    Featured Member Laurisa's Avatar
    Joined
    Sep 2009
    Location
    Doesn't Matter
    Posts
    1,969
    Thanks
    649
    Thanked 1,823 Times in 587 Posts
    My Mood
    Confused

    Default Re: Free book written by an ex-dancer

    The Pink Cross Foundation is a bit different than the Treasures Foundation. The Pink Cross Foundation is much more extreme/pushy about "saving" girls and spreading the word of God rather than focusing on the reality--that everyone can't leave the SC and lose their home, income, etc
    If you are willing to do for one year what other's won't, you can spend a lifetime doing what other's cant.


  13. #10
    Featured Member Odette's Avatar
    Joined
    May 2010
    Posts
    1,096
    Thanks
    517
    Thanked 1,272 Times in 520 Posts

    Default Re: Free book written by an ex-dancer

    I just think it's nice to see a group of religeous women out there who are NOT being judgemental about dancing. Coming from a religeous family that behaved rather atrociously when they found out I was dancing, it's very refreshing. Lots of religeous people are quick to jump down someone's throat when they break "christian values", and let those values stand in the way of what they should really be taking away from christianity, or any organized religion for that matter, which is to love and accept others and reach out to those in need, especially those who are often neglected by the rest of society, and many dancers do fit into this scope, in that I think many dancers feel at least a little separated from the rest of society, their families, and the transition into "normal" society I think can be quite jarring especially for girls who have worked in the industry full and/or for an extended period of time.

    Thanks for sharing the link!

  14. The Following User Says Thank You to Odette For This Useful Post:


  15. #11
    Featured Member luscious sadie's Avatar
    Joined
    Jan 2010
    Location
    Canada
    Posts
    1,586
    Thanks
    1,166
    Thanked 2,383 Times in 779 Posts
    My Mood
    Busy

    Default Re: Free book written by an ex-dancer

    I hope that shipping is discrete... I ordered it to my boyfriend's office.
    [/center]

    Quote Originally Posted by Laurisa View Post
    Money can't buy happiness, but poverty can't buy shit.

  16. The Following User Says Thank You to luscious sadie For This Useful Post:


  17. #12
    Featured Member Brandi_Lynn's Avatar
    Joined
    Apr 2009
    Location
    Your grandma's underwear drawer
    Posts
    1,087
    Thanks
    1,088
    Thanked 874 Times in 419 Posts
    My Mood
    Twisted

    Default Re: Free book written by an ex-dancer

    Thank you! I just ordered info now. I am not at all interested in the religious aspects of it, but I think its lovely that their seems to be so much positiveness in it without it appearing to be too pushy. I hate the pushy ones
    "You're better than no one and no one is better than you."
    -- Bob Dylan

    “There's never going to be a great misunderstanding of me. I think I'm a little whacked.”


  18. The Following User Says Thank You to Brandi_Lynn For This Useful Post:


  19. #13
    Featured Member Laurisa's Avatar
    Joined
    Sep 2009
    Location
    Doesn't Matter
    Posts
    1,969
    Thanks
    649
    Thanked 1,823 Times in 587 Posts
    My Mood
    Confused

    Default Re: Free book written by an ex-dancer

    Quote Originally Posted by luscious sadie View Post
    I hope that shipping is discrete... I ordered it to my boyfriend's office.
    The FedEx package here in the US just said "Treasures Ministry", it was a white package.

    I don't know how it is in Canada but I know they ship it from the same place haha.
    If you are willing to do for one year what other's won't, you can spend a lifetime doing what other's cant.


  20. #14
    Featured Member luscious sadie's Avatar
    Joined
    Jan 2010
    Location
    Canada
    Posts
    1,586
    Thanks
    1,166
    Thanked 2,383 Times in 779 Posts
    My Mood
    Busy

    Default Re: Free book written by an ex-dancer

    Quote Originally Posted by Laurisa View Post
    The FedEx package here in the US just said "Treasures Ministry", it was a white package.

    I don't know how it is in Canada but I know they ship it from the same place haha.
    oh well, can't be worse than the X-Pole or the dildos that they accidentally opened.
    [/center]

    Quote Originally Posted by Laurisa View Post
    Money can't buy happiness, but poverty can't buy shit.

  21. The Following User Says Thank You to luscious sadie For This Useful Post:


  22. #15
    God/dess
    Joined
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Your imagination
    Posts
    2,875
    Thanks
    19
    Thanked 174 Times in 119 Posts

    Default Re: Free book written by an ex-dancer

    Good to see they are working with xxxchurch, who have a similar 'meeting people where they are' philosophy. The only place you can meet someone is where they are, and it's good there are more ministries willing to accept that. It's a big change, and well worth supporting.

  23. #16
    Veteran Member Artema's Avatar
    Joined
    Dec 2011
    Location
    Where the rainbow ends
    Posts
    253
    Thanks
    201
    Thanked 169 Times in 92 Posts

    Default Re: Free book written by an ex-dancer

    Quote Originally Posted by Farrah_Golden View Post
    I think it's refreshing to see a resource from the hands of someone who has experienced this industry personally.

    The truth is, this is a lifestyle that's very hard to abandon....it will forever be ingrained in you, even long after your retirement. That's why we see soooo many veteran dancers coming back into the clubs, even years after they decided to quit the industry altogether. I believe anyone who has ever experienced this work environment is perfectly entitled to some form of therapy. And I don't just mean professional, formal therapy, but anything that makes them feel better...for you, it happens to be knowing you're not alone in the whole situation and that someone successfully got out of it. I'm sure when I eventually retire, I'll need to utilize my own resources to make sure I don't end up going right back into it.

    I, personally, am offended by the pink bag ladies. I think it's arrogant to assume I'm in need of rescuing, because there's no WAY I could actually make that decision myself. But, that's neither here nor there. The book sounds like someone sharing their experience with people who may be going through the same thing. This job is tough- don't kid yourself; you WILL end up with some kind of scarification, be it from rude customers, constant harassment, inconsiderate managers or even sexual assault.

    Best advice for starting dancers: as soon as you get in, start planning out how you're going to get out.

    I agree with these statements. I believe support groups like this have pros and cons.

    I may be going against the grain here, but I happen to dislike most support groups. I am someone who has been to AA, CODA (co-dependents anonymous) and EDA (eating disorders anonymous). I originally went to EDA and it was a great experience [at first] to meet and be accepted by others who went/were going through the same things. However I did/had to do the hardest introspection and discovery of healing on my own. As time grew and I got better (been ED free for 5 years), I was surprised how negative the place was. Girls would talk about their behaviors and struggles of day-to-day life, which is fine but this "victimized" feeling was like a plague that spread throughout the room. I eventually had to leave.

    While it's good to have support (like the church recognizing sex workers are indeed human beings with feelings)... it's also important to realize what the implications are. I feel like I am admitting/increasing the stigma that sex workers are all mentally unstable coke-heads. Which we know isn't true. I don't consider myself a "victim" of the sex industry, I chose to enter this industry WILLINGLY. I watched the video and while they don't directly say the industry is wrong, it sure seems to imply it. Pink gift bags, being part of a related community, being accepted... I see as lures.

    I agree though. If you are not comfortable being in the sex industry, then for the sake of your mental health and well-being, get out! Without sounding arrogant myself, I believe this group is for those that have no other choice or have related trauma and are on their way out of the industry.

    Community support and acceptance is great. It sounds like a good group, but not for me.

  24. #17
    Senior Member
    Joined
    Dec 2010
    Posts
    178
    Thanks
    2
    Thanked 63 Times in 50 Posts

    Default Re: Free book written by an ex-dancer

    thanks for the link. I got a book and thankful they did that and it deserves a read. I hope the right person might read this thread that really needs hope or help right now!

  25. #18
    Featured Member Winged Dinghy's Avatar
    Joined
    Sep 2008
    Location
    The dirty south
    Posts
    1,381
    Thanks
    1,942
    Thanked 1,993 Times in 605 Posts
    Blog Entries
    17
    My Mood
    Fine

    Default Re: Free book written by an ex-dancer

    I requested the free book back in 2011, when this thread was originally posted. They still send me Christmas cards. Nice, well-meaning people, but it is very much a "rescue" organization.

  26. The Following User Says Thank You to Winged Dinghy For This Useful Post:


  27. #19
    Featured Member
    Joined
    May 2011
    Posts
    1,809
    Thanks
    2,282
    Thanked 3,638 Times in 1,173 Posts

    Default Re: Free book written by an ex-dancer

    I just ordered the free book as well. I remember the very first club I worked at was this little dive & women from some church would come and bring us these gift baskets full of candy and a little card. I thought it was nice but it was also insulting that they kept trying to "rescue" us. I thought it was kind of funny too that they want to rescue me when I'm 100% sure I would choose the life I have over theirs any day. Oh no, I get to choose when I work AND make more than any paycheck from another job in one night? Poor me! But, being such a shitty little dive I could see how there may be girls who weren't in the same situation as me. So I guess they may serve some purpose.

  28. The Following User Says Thank You to 22lligm For This Useful Post:


Similar Threads

  1. DAMN! Free Book on Champagne Room Sales
    By Optimist in forum Hustle Hut
    Replies: 14
    Last Post: 11-19-2011, 11:21 AM
  2. If a book about entertainers was being written, would you share your story?
    By vanna anderson in forum Stripping (was Stripping General)
    Replies: 17
    Last Post: 05-30-2011, 07:17 AM
  3. Free e-book on social network marketing for freelancers.
    By wanderlust08 in forum Other Work
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 04-15-2010, 01:00 PM
  4. Suze Orman's Free Book Download
    By vivianbear in forum Dollar Den
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 01-15-2009, 09:13 PM
  5. writting a book about my experience as a dancer
    By stripper83 in forum Other Work
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 07-20-2004, 12:58 PM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •