THE SMASH STREET BOYS FESTIVAL: Bringing Awareness of the International Sex Trade in Boys

NEW YORK, May 22, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Throughout North America, one in six males is sexually violated by the age of 16. More alarming, many boys are immersed and trafficked in the sex industries and at an extremely high risk for contracting and dying from HIV/AIDS or related illnesses, substance abuse and suicide. From the beginning of violence through death, boys typically suffer in silence, with no hope of appropriate or consistent medical care, justice or safety. The TRISTAN'S MOON art installation, showcasing stories expressed by boys trapped in the sex trades, is the catalyst behind the disturbing yet powerful Real Stories Gallery Foundation 501(c)(3) grassroots festival emerging in New York City. "THE SMASH STREET BOYS FESTIVAL will be, as TRISTAN'S MOON has proved to be, a life-changing experience for anyone who witnesses it," says Dr. Rachel Chapple, Real Stories founder, anthropologist and mother of four children (three boys).

THE SMASH STREET BOYS FESTIVAL acknowledges the creativity and guts of boys forced to survive in abusive adult environments, and their extraordinary empathy and compassion. "We have much to learn from these remarkable young survivors, whose ingenious peer-mentored SHOW ME YOUR LIFE online art program facilitates boys trapped in the international sex trades to express themselves, find their voices and lead each other to safety through their exchange of knowledge," says Dr. Chapple. "One startling story is the vast majority of abusers are married men with children. This and other realities make the boys' art & storytelling difficult to witness. But we must follow the boys' lead and break the silence, if we are to prevent our humanity dying from embarrassment and end the trauma happening on our watch."

THE SMASH STREET BOYS FESTIVAL will be launched in NYC on Sunday, July 1st. "As we don't have access to resources or space in an official museum or art gallery, we are experimenting. The boys' voices came from the streets and will spill onto the cobblestones, showcased as Polaroid Collage Canvasses, Mannequin Sculptures, Video Art, Street Music and 50 spoken-word performances in Human Birdcages," says Dr. Chapple. "We will acknowledge together, 'rain or shine,' all the boys working in the international sex trades, no matter what the weather conditions on that particular Sunday."

THE SMASH STREET BOYS FESTIVAL is evolving daily as local musicians, poets, storytellers and mothers are beginning to brainstorm how to share their skills and spread awareness in their localities. Donations gifted to Real Stories Gallery Foundation 501(c)(3), via the http://www.real-stories-gallery.org PayPal button, will strengthen and expand the SHOW ME YOUR LIFE initiative for boys trapped in the international sex trades and surviving with HIV/AIDS.

A compassionate foreword for the Real Stories' HIV/AIDS initiative has been gifted by Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu (Nobel Peace Prize Winner).

CONTACT: Rachel Chapple, PhD, at [email protected]

INFORMATION: http://www.real-stories-gallery.org or http://www.facebook.com/TheSmashStreetBoysFestival 

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SOURCE Real Stories Gallery Foundation