A few notes from today’s Xbiz Town Hall (online meeting) in regards to racism in the adult industry

PNT commentary: Today’s Xbiz Town Hall online meeting (click here to watch the video replay on Youtube) in regards to racism was very insightful and APPEARED TO BE an excellent precursor to creating a solid outline of proposed changes that could potentially be implemented (within the “mainstream” pornography industry).

Not to discount the meeting as a whole, but Shine Louise Houston asked a question at the end of the meeting that was the MOST important question (and the one question that needs to be answered above all else): Considering the YEARS of discussion that’s already taken place WHY DON’T WE CHANGE (and why HASN’T there been change)?

Next month, the founder of Porn News Today will launch a new website project on the domain www.RacismInPorn.com

Lotus Lain: Expressed that in the past she’s witnessed social media (Twitter) flare ups that she privately shared her input in regards to (via DMs) but failed to address publicly. Lotus pledged to address complaints from her peers of Color on social media publicly in the future.

Kira Noir: Shared that she’s felt “tokenized” to an extreme extent over her six years in the industry, and felt for years that she was “waiting her turn” to be showcased by the industry. Made it known that it seems as though only one Black woman at a time is ever showcased by the “mainstream” (aka “white) adult industry.

Ana Foxxx: Essentially reflected what Kira Noir stated in regards to the industry “tokenism” of Black female performers. Added that she’d felt that it’s pointless to recruit other Black women into the adult industry considering how much trouble she’s gone through in effort to gain acceptance (and possibly due to other Black women creating additional competition for her to content with). Ana also made it clear that she consistently felt that she had to “humble herself” in the presence of her non-Black peers.

Sean Sevran – Expressed thoughts that paralleled Kira Noir and Ana Foxxx’s statements on feeling tokenized. Sean added that he feels he may have been elevated above his male peers of Color due to his fair (light) complexion and racially ambiguous features. Questioned whether this Town Hall meeting was simply a publicity stunt and “all for show”, or if actual change will manifest from the discussion.

Natasha Dreams – Has felt forced into consistently being type cast (stereotyped for roles). Like Kira Noir, Ana Foxxx and Sean Sevran has felt tokenized by the adult industry. At the end of the meeting made it known that she recently received approval to create an all Black Trans movie and noted that she plans to employ far more Black behind the scenes crew (hair stylists, make up artists, lighting specialists, etc).

Lexington Steele – Eloquently provided a background in regards to his history in the adult industry dating back to 1998. Explained how from his perspective the European adult market is more progressive due to their casting system not being centered on race (ethnicity). Steele noted that he is not against the “IR” (interracial) label, but does feel that there appears to be an orchestrated and systemic effort to diminish the Black on Black adult content market.

Lexington also proposed the idea that an adult industry Union specifically for Black performers could be beneficial – specifically in regards to the race based wage disparity (discrimination). Lexington also voiced frustration in regards to Black producers and directors of his era who produced high quality (high end) adult content (such as Alexander DeVoe and PInky XXX) not receiving equal acknowledgment to that of Greg Lansky (of Blacked).

Wolf Hudson – Mentioned how the Covid-19 pandemic has inadvertently revealed the necessity and “power” of the independent performer and content producer due to the high demand from distributors for original and new content.

Isiah Maxwell – Expressed that he does not like the “IR” (interracial) label, but also didn’t appear very knowledgable in regards to the history of Black contributions to the adult entertainment industry (which Lexington Steele pointed out).

Misty Stone – stated that she and Sinnamon Luv would like more representation on the APAC board and stated a list of “demands” that she feels should be met by the mainstream studios (some reasonable – others not).

Ricky Johnson – Made it known that he’s felt that he’s had to feel uncomfortable in various “on set” situations for the sake of his “white” peer’s comfort.  Stated that he would like to see the “IR” (interracial) label normalized rather than be viewed as a “fetish”. Expressed that he feels the mentality of agents needs to shift away from the racist attitudes that were prevalent 20 plus years ago. Outlined his thoughts on the importance of Black talent launching their own adult content studios and being their own boss. Shared that he will launch his own studio once he’s released from his contract.

Shine Louise Houston – appeared to be incredibly pained by the mistreatment of Black performers and the segregation of the industry via categorization of the adult industry. Has made a conscience effort over the years not to submit her work for “awards” or align herself with the mainstream adult industry (apparently) due to not feeling like she’s adequately accepted. Shine voiced her frustration in regards to financial hurdles she’s faced and has had to find ways to overcome as an adult industry business owner of Color and concluded with the all important question: Considering the YEARS of discussion that’s already taken place WHY DON’T WE CHANGE (and why HASN’T there been change)?