Ep 31. I'm a Sex Offender

True Life is a documentary series that explores unusual subcultures and aspects of life. In season 13 episode 31, titled "I'm a Sex Offender," the show focuses on individuals who have been convicted of sexual offenses and are now grappling with the consequences of their actions.

The episode delves into the stories of three different individuals who are sex offenders. The first is 25-year old Steven, who serves as the show's main subject. Steven was convicted of sexual assault and served time in prison. Now he is out and attempting to restart his life. He must register as a sex offender, take sex offender therapy classes, and is only allowed to live in certain areas.

The second subject is Brooke, a woman in her 30s who was convicted of sexual assault. Unlike Steven, Brooke was able to avoid prison time but was still forced to register as a sex offender. She talks about how difficult it is for her to find a job and maintain relationships due to her status as a sex offender.

The final subject is 23-year old Christian, who was convicted of possessing child pornography. Christian also attends sex offender therapy classes and talks about the struggle he faces trying to control his urges.

Throughout the episode, the three subjects discuss the difficulties they face as sex offenders. Many are isolated from friends and family due to the stigma attached to sex offenders. They also struggle to find employment, and many are unable to find work due to their record. Brooke is worried about what will happen if she ever has to move, as most apartments and landlords refuse to rent to sex offenders. Steven discusses the toll his past actions have had on his family, as they've faced harassment from neighbors and community members.

One of the most poignant moments of the episode occurs when the three subjects sit down with a group of high school students to discuss the impacts of their actions. The students are able to put a face to the abstract notion of a "sex offender," and the subjects are able to humanize themselves, showing the students that they are people who made mistakes and are trying to recover.

"I'm a Sex Offender" is an emotional and sobering episode that does an excellent job of exploring the struggles that sex offenders face. It shows that these individuals are human and have a story, and that they are trying to better themselves and make positive contributions to society. If you're looking for an episode that will make you think and feel, this is a great choice.