Category Archives: Transhuman News

As South Carolinas leaders pledge to end human trafficking and prosecute its perpetrators, a Lowcountry woman is pulling their focus to thesurvivors of such horrors.

Kat Wehunt, who survived years of sex trafficking as a teenager, knows shes lucky to have escaped. But she worries that her peers in the Palmetto State dont have a simple, thorough and accessible system to help them maintain a life free from abuse.

Her solution is The Formation Project, the states only survivor-led nonprofit dedicated to ending human trafficking. While law enforcement, legislators and faith leaders work to pull victims from their abusers, Wehunt focuses on the next step: connecting them with resources to make sure theyre able to thrive for the rest of their lives with the physical and emotional support they deserve.

Kat Wehunt, the founder of The Formation Project, poses for a photo with her artwork in her home studio on Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021 in Goose Creek. Andrew J. Whitaker/Staff

A woman named Heaven drove her to do it.

Heaven, a mother of three whod pulled herself out of trafficking, was succeeding by every measure. Wehunt worked with her for about four years, she said, and watched as the woman saved her money, bought a car, took on a management role at her Orangeburg plant and regained custody of her children.

By every measure that Wehunts colleagues followed, Heaven was a success story. Shed stayed out of trafficking, pushed down a heroin addiction and started sharing her story with others. Even Wehunt figured she was safe.

But one day, when Wehunt had already moved to Charleston but not yet started The Formation Project, she got the kind of call for which shes always preparing and never prepared. Heaven had overdosed and died.

To volunteer at or get resources from The Formation Project, call 843-375-6635.

The news shocked Wehunt. The pair had become good friends, she said, and Heaven never mentioned needing help.

Years before, Heaven had called Wehunt from a hotel room.

I need you to get here, she said. My trafficker is on his way and if you get here before him, then Ill go with you. But if he gets here before you then Im gone.

Wehunt raced to the hotel, speeding through her mental catalogue of which emergency shelters, rehabs and hospitals might have room for her friend. But Heaven had a different plan.

Take me toCVS and Ill get myself detoxed, Wehunt remembered Heaven telling her. Just drive me, I can take care of the rest.

So Wehunt was especially shocked when Heaven died without warning.

It almost made me leave the field, Wehunt said years later. Its so easy for organizations to get someone a job, or into rehab, and then check them off as a survivor. ... So shes been my driving force.

For every atrocity Wehunt has survived, she keeps a tally of the privileges that made it easier for her than many of the victims she serves. Shes White and grew up with good grades and a stable family income. An older man began trafficking her at 14, she says, but she was able to safely cut ties with him before her 18th birthday.

Wehunt knew she'd need help to heal from the sexual abuse, and the particular trauma of trust was betrayed by the man, whom she knew. But perhaps in part because she said she'd always thought of sex trafficking as a crime committed by violent strangers she didn't realize she'd survived it until learning the definition in a social work training clinic.

I was like, oh, Im in the wrong place, Wehunt said, gesturing to a cluster of survivors. I think Im supposed to be there.

Nearly 10 years later, she hasn't publicly identified her abuser but wants to share her story so that other victims can recognize the abuse.

Wehunt had never seen a trafficking survivor with her story. She knew of women whod been kidnapped by strangers, made desperate by addictions and denied education. Theyre overwhelmingly marginalized: transgender, undocumented, impoverished or women of color. They shared core experiences of abuse, but Wehunt stays conscious of her blind spots.

On the one hand, its exhausting, being the only survivor whos an organization leader here, and its really painful when people dont seem to listen, Wehunt told The Post and Courier. I think its about using your privilege to open doors and then bring (marginalized survivors) in and put them on the stage.

Wehunt said shes eager to share more stories of South Carolina survivors, but stopped short of pressuring them to join her. No public awareness or education is worth a persons wellbeing, she said a lesson she learned the hard way.

Kat Wehunt, the founder of The Formation Project, continues to paint on her artwork of Mona Lisa after work in her home studio on Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021 in Goose Creek. When she was a teenager an older relative trafficked her for sex and uses painting to help cope with her past. Wehunt is now the only survivor in South Carolina to found her own organization aimed at connecting victims to resources. Andrew J. Whitaker/Staff

How do you move forward from the worst part of your life while surrounding yourself with reminders of it?

Its something Wehunt has meditated on but never found an answer to. In her early days as a social worker, she used all her energy to help others, and it took a full burnout for her to realize shed need to prioritize her own happiness like she does other survivors.

It feels selfish to even take a lunch break, when the people youre trying to help dont even have food or health care or a job, she said. I still struggle with that.

Over the past couple years, Wehunt said, shes gotten better at taking care of her own needs. She turns off her phone after work and spends her evenings painting or playing music with her husband, uninterrupted.

Ive started taking a step back and remembering that if a survivor I was helping told me she worked 16 hours a day, Id see that as a major block to her healing, Wehunt said. That would be a failure.

So every time Wehunt starts feeling overwhelmed or demoralized, she reminds herself of the joy she feels when another survivor finds a therapist, lands a job or starts a healthy relationship. If theres hope for one of them, she said, theres a future for all.

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This SC human trafficking survivor is drawing from her past to tackle the problem - Charleston Post Courier

Science fiction, tech, and games inspire each other; what was once science fiction is becoming technological fact. Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia, has often said that were living in science fiction. And thats the topic of the latest VR event by GamesBeat and Oculus, Science fiction, tech, and games, coming up February 17, 10-11 a.m. PT.

In this hour-long conversation, computer scientist and accomplished science fiction writer Ramez Naam, Tim Chang, partner at Silicon Valley venture capital fund Mayfield, and GamesBeats Dean Takahashi, will talk about the inescapable connection between science fiction and technological fact, and how it can foreshadow the future.

Before he started writing novels, Naam spent 13 years at Microsoft, leading teams working on machine learning, neural networks, information retrieval, and internet scale systems. That unique background positions him as a bridge between science fiction and technology, helping him create visions of the future tied to what is technologically possible now.

His ideas are now more relevant than ever, given the advances in AI and other digital technologies that have the potential to push us closer to a post-human future. Naam speaks to that future, as well as the possible risks that companies driving toward it may not see.

His Nexus trilogy, set in 2040, is also striking in its ability to foresee the political ramifications of technology. In the series, a mind-altering drug called Nexus immerses users in an augmented version of reality. The creator of Nexus is a brain-hacking civil libertarian who believes that it will free humanity and allow people to move on to a post-human future, where their minds can live on, independent of their bodies.

But in the novel, the U.S. government sees Nexus as an illegal drug, something that can drive a wedge between humans and enhanced humans. The governement wants to stamp it out, and crush terrorists who plan to use it to disrupt society. Chinese researchers conduct frightening experiments that use Nexus to blend humanity and AI. Freedom-minded hackers are caught in the middle.

In addition to the Nexus series, hes penned two non-fiction books: The Infinite Resource: The Power of Ideas on a Finite Planet, and More than Human: Embracing the Promise of Biological Enhancement. Naams books have earned the Prometheus Award, the Endeavour Award, the Philip K. Dick Award, been listed as an NPR Best Book of the Year, and have been shortlisted for the Arthur C. Clarke award.

Naam happens to be good friends with venture capitalist Tim Chang. Changs focus is finding startups that fit into a vision of what the future could be. As he said at a recent GamesBeat event, when people brainstorm ideas to imagine that future, they either end up as storylines or businesses, or both with the two really influencing each other. Hes been twice named to the Forbes Midas list of Top Tech Investors and received the Gamification Summit award for Special Achievement. His venture capital experience includes leading investments at Norwest Venture Partners and Gabriel Venture Partners, and hes funded game companies such as Ngmoco and Playdom. His operational experience includes working in product management and engineering across Asia for Gateway, Inc., and General Motors.

And of course, our moderator is GamesBeats own lead writer, Dean Takahashi, who has spent 24 years covering games.

The event will include live Q&As, opportunities to interact and socialize with fellow attendees, and more. If you have an Oculus headset, youll be able to use the Oculus Venus app to view the panel in VR. You can also enjoy the conversation in our Zoom Webinar.

Ways to join the conversation:

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GamesBeat + Oculus present: Science fiction, tech, and games in VR - VentureBeat

It looks like a new collab from Jeris Johnson and Bring Me The Horizon may be in the works.

Earlier this week, Jeris Johnson unveiled his massive new remix of a BMTH classic which quickly caught the attention of Oli Sykes.

Jeris Johnson has grown in popularity over the years thanks to his viral remixes on platforms such as TikTok. Last month, we saw Johnson take his work to the next level when he teamed up with Papa Roach for Last Resort (Reloaded). The explosive remix allowed both Papa Roach and fans to revisit the iconic track 20 years after its release. In fact, Jacoby Shaddix and Johnson exclusively told Alternative Press just how one of Johnsons remixes led to the collab.

Now, it looks like one of Johnsons new remixes may have sparked another collaboration. This week, Johnson posted a massive reworking of Bring Me The Horizons classic Can You Feel My Heart. For his version, Johnson added in his musical flair and some new lyrics to make the Sempiternal track more his own.

Shortly after the remix was released, it caught the attention of Oli Sykes who shared his reaction in a TikTok duet. According to the caption, it looks like a new collab may be in the works.

holy shit WE LOVE THIS Jeris check ur inbox lets do something

Within hours, Johnson shared another TikTok confirming he had received an email from Bring Me The Horizon regarding the possible collab.

bro i am sending this to u rn hahaha.

Now, this wouldnt be the first collab from Bring Me The Horizon in recent months. Back in October, they debuted their new EP POST HUMAN: SURVIVAL HORROR which features BABYMETAL, Amy Lee, Nova Twins and YUNGBLUD.

Late last month, Sykes confirmed BMTH are simultaneously working on their next three POST HUMAN EPs. As of right now, theres a good chance fans may get a taste of the material from all three releases soon.

Were just beginning really, he said. Were actually working on parts two, three and four simultaneously and working on ideas from all the records. Theres a good chance that we might release songs from each before we release the next record.

However, Sykes also revealedwhy it might be a while beforeBring Me The Horizon release their next EP in full. As well, it looks like this second EP will be very different fromSURVIVAL HORROR.

Weve literally started working on one song from the record, and whether thats any good or will stay I dont know, he said. Part one was very heavy and quite dark. For me, it all feels like a very low-frequency energy. It took a lot out of me and I dont think I could do it again not straight away, anyway. The next record is going to be emotional in a different way, it just has to be. Emotional is the word, with higher emotions. Not necessarily happier.

Just like Johnson, Bring Me The Horizon have also been very active on TikTok lately. Earlier this month, they revealed just how they were able to sneak an elephant noise into their latest single Teardrops.

What are your reactions to Jeris Johnsons Bring Me The Horizon remix? Do you want the two artists to collaborate together? Let us know in the comments below.

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Jeris Johnson Bring Me The Horizon TikTok remix l - Alternative Press

By Josh Marsh - 12 February 2021

With demand for digital skills increasing by 36% in the last 12 months, digital upskilling in schools, colleges and businesses will be key to Chesterfield thriving post pandemic. That was the message from leaders at this years Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Employability and Skills Conference.

At the virtual, live-streamed conference, it was revealed that the pandemic has brought digital skills to the forefront of work and education and opened up a number of exciting new employment opportunities in the low carbon economy.

Leaders speaking at the fifth annual conference stressed that collaboration between education providers and businesses is key to young people taking advantage of these opportunities post 16 and thriving in the workforce post pandemic.

Speaking at the conference Rachel Quinn, Head of People and Skills at D2N2 LEP said: Covid has given us the impetus to push forward to use and develop technology to connect people and work better. However, we have to make sure that everyone can participate and make sure the connectivity exists and that everyone has the digital access and skills they need to succeed and thrive. Getting that connectivity right, for the economy and through into our education system is absolutely essential.

Chesterfield College reported growth in the demand for digital skills in the area and has invested in a digital skills centre. James Lund, Interim Director of Sales at The Chesterfield College Group said: Apprentice recruitment is starting to return to pre-Covid levels, and we anticipate digital skills being a growth area over the next two to three years. Similarly, we have also seen a growth in demand for apprenticeships in health and social care and construction.

To ensure young people maximise the opportunities, headline speaker, author and former headteacher, Richard Gerver urged the conference to look to our inner child in order to succeed and thrive in a post pandemic workforce.

He said: By changing our mindset and encouraging people to meet change and uncertainty with curiosity, awe, wonder and questioning rather than fear, young people will see the opportunities rather than obstacles.

He warned of the long-term impact of change and uncertainty on the self-esteem of young people and urged people to remember the importance of softer skills alongside technical skills.

Mr Gerver added: Covid has been the most horrific experience in most peoples lived experience but it wont be the first or last time we have to cope with profound levels of change in our personal lives. All too often our reflex when dealing with a problem is to go direct to the technical or strategic solution, but we need to understand the human first andthat has never been more true than it is now, particularly when thinking about our future workforce.

Dialogue between educators and businesses is more important than ever to support young people with career development. Real partnership is the key to success.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Deputy Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and Vice Chair of Destination Chesterfield reassured the conference that the council is committed to partnership working in order to ensure the future workforce have the post pandemic skills required by local employers.She explained: Were not standing still in Chesterfield. We and our partners recognise that with change comes innovation and with challenge comes resilience. Building resilience and raising the aspirations of future generations is a priority for Chesterfield.

Our aim is to continue to strengthen links between education providers and local businesses to ensure that our school and college leavers have the skills to access career opportunities available in the borough.

The annual, free Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Employability and Skills Conference is organised by Chesterfield Borough Council, D2N2 North Derbyshire Careers Hub, and Destination Chesterfield, and is open to businesses, schools and education providers from across North Derbyshire.

Chesterfield businesses that wish to work with the Careers Hub, provide work experience or workplace visit opportunities, recruit apprentices or upskill existing employees, are encouraged to get in touch with Emily Williams, Skills Delivery Officer at Chesterfield Borough Council by emailing Emily.Williams@Chesterfield.gov.uk or calling 01246 959717.

Excerpt from:
Conference hears how digital upskilling and a human-first approach is key to developing resilient post pandemic future workforce - Destination...

The European Parliament has approved a resolution calling for stronger measures against human trafficking. The situation for victims many of them migrant women and children has gotten even worse since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, according to the resolution's sponsors.

The European Parliament approved a new resolution calling for tougher measures against human trafficking on Wednesday, with 571 votes in favor of the report and only 61 votes against it.

In the resolution, the MEPs called on EU member states to criminalize the conscious use of the sexual services of human-trafficking victims; they also demanded more collaboration in the monitoring and production of reliable data on the phenomenon.

The members of parliament (MEPs) said the situation for victims of human trafficking had worsened since the start of the pandemic. Resolution co-sponsor Juan Fernando Lpez Aguilar said human trafficking had "increased due to the COVID-19 crisis and online tools that are increasingly used to trap people."

In a press release, the resolution signatories pointed out that "sexual exploitation remains the most prevalent and reported purpose for which people are trafficked in the EU, predominantly affecting women and girls, and perpetrated mostly by men." Migrant or refugee women and children are particularly vulnerable to this type of crime, MEPs said in the statement.

"We are calling on the Commission to review the anti-trafficking directive, so that all member states explicitly criminalize the use of services provided by victims of human trafficking," Aguilar said. "We have to support and help the victims, and ensure an end to the culture of impunity surrounding this transnational crime."

"The trafficking of human beings violates life, physical and mental integrity, sexual freedom and human dignity," said Maria Soraya Rodriguez Ramos, another co-sponsor of the resolution. "The alarming increase in child trafficking particularly hits undocumented migrants."

The resolution also denounces the lack of guidelines for authorities in facing cases of exploitation related to categories of people with specific needs, such as migrants, members of the LGBTI community, people with disabilities and people who belong to discriminated racial groups.

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EU Parliament wants tougher measures against human trafficking - InfoMigrants