Bottom of the Barrel-Sara and Bishop

Quick Overview

Sara and Bishop, a couple living on Skid Row in Los Angeles, discuss their current situation, including how they earn money through sex work on Skid Row, their past experiences with homelessness, and their hopes for finding stable housing, revealing that they have been together for five years and that Bishop's older brother was stabbed 22 times, which contributed to their difficult circumstances.

Key Points: Sara and Bishop have been together for five years, originating from Sacramento and later moving to Skid Row, Los Angeles. They currently earn money through sex work on Skid Row, making between $60 to $80 per date, which they use for survival. Bishop mentions that Sara's mother worked as a nurse, but dropped out of nursing school at 16 after getting pregnant and later moving to California. Sara states her father left when she was five, and she spent time in youth authority facilities. Bishop recounts his older brother being stabbed 22 times, which made him realize he didn't want to live that way and quit using drugs and drinking heavily. They are currently hoping to find stable housing, specifically mentioning the need for a car or keys to a place. Bishop notes that Skid Row has a high rate of sexual assaults and crimes against unregistered sex workers.

Context: The video is an interview segment from Mark Laita's 'Soft White Underbelly' project, focusing on individuals living in marginalized conditions, in this case, on Skid Row in Los Angeles. The interview features Sara and Bishop, a couple who openly discuss their struggles with homelessness, their current means of survival through sex work, and past traumatic experiences, including family issues and exposure to violence.

Detailed Analysis

Sara and Bishop, a couple residing on Skid Row in Los Angeles, recount their relationship history and current survival methods. They have been together for five years, having moved from Sacramento to Skid Row. They currently rely on sex work for money, earning $60 to $80 per date, which they use to cover basic needs. Sara shares that her mother dropped out of nursing school at 16 after becoming pregnant with her older brother and later moved to California. Sara herself left home at age 11, spending time in juvenile facilities and later struggling with alcohol. Bishop details a traumatic event where his older brother was stabbed 22 times, which spurred him to change his life, quit heavy drug and alcohol use, and become more supportive of Sara. He notes that Skid Row has a high rate of sexual assaults, particularly against unregistered sex workers. Despite the hardships, Bishop expresses strong commitment to Sara, stating he loves her to death and wants to support her, even helping her find a job. They express a desire to leave the area and find stable housing, possibly through securing a car or keys to a place, indicating that their current environment is not sustainable or safe for them.