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Dear Friends,
On behalf of the entire GEMS family, we are thrilled you’re joining us
today for our first Love Revolution Gala.
GEMS is a survivor-led organization, created to serve and empower
girls and young women and to change the perception of
commercially sexually exploited youth.
Commercial sexual exploitation is intrinsically linked to racism,
poverty, gender-based violence, and the criminalization of youth.
All these factors are an integral part of any discussion, advocacy
work or direct service programming that involves sexual exploitation.
The truth is that there are very few organizations in the movement that explicitly and
consistently address racial disparities, the over-representation of youth of color as victims,
and particularly the criminal and juvenile justice systems and institutionalized racism that the
individuals we serve encounter every day. I would say that I’m proud of the fact that we
have always and will always speak up about these injustices and the they have impact on
our girls.
We believe that love can be revolutionary. The kind of love that is radical and transformative.
Starting GEMS was revolutionary and came from a place of love that goes beyond mere
sentimentality, but empowers us to go beyond our false sense of separation, and create a
world were all people are valued. The kind of love that changes the world.
It is GEMS’ philosophy that all young women are worthy and should have the opportunity to
reach their full potential regardless of their circumstances. With steadfast love and proactive
change, I invite you all here today to challenge your beliefs, open your hearts and help us
continue this valuable work.
Sincerely,
GEMS Founder & CEO