About Working in the "Industry"

From "Model Citizens: LEO VICE."

What do you think is the biggest misconception people have about the industry you wish you could change?

There are so many misconceptions that I see about the industry all the time and I wish I had the time to dismantle all of them but the main ones I see and I think causes the most damage to our industry is the idea that “Porn is just filmed prostitution” and that the industry is reliant on trafficked victims. These are such shallow and offensive views of what we do and it very much takes away our agency as human beings and honestly, is just a very childish and immature way to view a nuanced topic.

Porn is not prostitution. Porn is Art. That is just a fact. You can say it's bad art or even offensive art...but you can't say it's not art. We have long established that film and photography are both artistic mediums and that doesn't magically negate just because the subject captured on those mediums is erotic and sexual in nature. If a couple decides to film themselves having sex, did they make porn? Yes, of course. But did they commit prostitution? Also a lot of times when we shoot content with each other, money is never even exchanged and we do it for split ownership of the content that was created. We have the ability to simply not shoot with people we don't want to shoot with, and we can say no to performing acts that we don't want to perform. As performers, we have agency over our own lives and choices.

The other misconception about how the industry is reliant on trafficked victims is just idiotic if you really think about it. It literally makes no sense for the industry to engage in human trafficking, rape, sexual assault and then film such crimes and put the evidence of the crimes on video publicly for the world to watch. It's both being bad at business and bad at being a criminal. And again, this misconception takes away all agency from us performers and negates the entire concept of consent among adult performers. As I mentioned earlier, we as an industry are really just a collective of individuals, and while occasionally someone might do something horrific, that's not the norm and shouldn't be reflective of the industry as a whole.

(Interview excerpt from "Model Citizens: LEO VICE.")

                             Kitty's Corner: Exploring Sex Work and Self-Esteem Honestly                        

Q: Where do I start if I am too shy?

There are exercises you can do if you’re shy! The best place to start is by making content. I say this because you can do this privately by yourself, however you want to do it.  Do trial runs for yourself; try different angles, lighting, toys, outfits, and take a whole bunch of pictures, take videos, and make erotic voice recordings. After you have done this, you’ll know which “style” of content making you prefer. Go through the content and see if there is anything that you think you would want to post. And if there isn’t, (we have all been there) you can try again! You will be surprised at the “YOU” that shines through when you let the stress of life go for a little while to get to know yourself. You do NOT have to post ANYTHING that you don’t want to. Nobody will see the content you create without you uploading it, so don’t be scared to try something.

Q: How do you get over feeling discouraged or unsure?

You have the ability to break out of your shell on your own terms. Take your time. Sex work is not going anywhere, and it will be there for you when you are ready. Make it something you are proud of, try something new, try something you have always wanted to! You have the freedom to make this your own, and the freedom to share as much or as little of that as you like!

Q: How do I get in the mood to shoot content when feeling uninspired?

Remember that you’re doing this for YOU. Have a little “me time”: get dressed up, put some music on, turn the lights down and just have a good time with yourself! This really does help you build confidence. It’ll help set you on a creative path because as you do this you will figure out what you are most comfortable with, what you like and what makes you feel sexy. That will also change over time as you grow surer of yourself, and that’s OK!

Q: What’s an underrated way to increase self-esteem.

Sex work allows you to really be in charge and be your own boss. This includes learning time management, marketing, content production, editing, etc. This is not easy! Getting the hang of it and succeeding at it is huge for building self-esteem. It teaches you how to structure your life, AND it’s another aspect you succeeded at besides just filming the actual content.

Q: How do you deal with trolls or negative comments?

I know that it’s not an easy thing to just ignore, but it IS important to remember that trolls are just that…trolls. They are out to bring people down because they are unhappy in their own lives. Nobody is immune to negative comments. You can be the kindest more generous and caring person on earth, and someone will try to get under your skin.

After 8 years of dealing with this I have found the best way to deal with it is to not play into it. Ignore it. I promise that dealing with trolls in this way will help you in the future, and that’s not only true for sex work.

Trolls and generally mean people HATE nothing more than to not be acknowledged for their actions, you not giving them the time of day is the best defense you could possibly have.

It’s important to remember that nasty comments people make online have absolutely no impact on your life, they do not need to have a spot in your mind to live rent free. Always stay true to yourself, keep your eye on the prize and know in your heart that your own happiness is in your own hands. Never rely on someone else to give you the life you want, go out and get that shit! As Tywin Lannister said, “A lion doesn’t concern himself with the opinions of sheep”. So be a lion, be a dragon, be whatever and whoever you strive to be and let yourself live your best life!