Sometime’s I am more focused on what’s going on with my art practice instead of what’s trending in the industry. After however many years I’ve learned to just go with what I’m inspired to do. I end up occasionally starting or setting trends instead of falling victim to following them.
That being said I also try to see myself in a role where I can witness the industry I am a part of and bridge a gap betwen the porn industry, fine art world and academia. I want to be able to talk about where I see porn “going” I suppose so I try to see this question through the lens of how I have been able to move through the industry as a person with my beliefs and values and body.
It has become a pattern that I see the foundational work I did in the early 2000’s around representation and inclusivity in porn has been embraced widely by the mainstream. Many companies are run by queer, lesbian, or bisexual women. Performers have way more power right now because the independent business that the internet economy has opened up has created less need for closed-door meetings between agents and directors. Even the platforms we use to sell or rent directly to our fans are largely run by women CEOs. (Manyvids, amaterporn, pinklabel.tv)
Right now things are far more individualistically creative and cinematic and perhaps catching up to mainstream film in many ways – and at the same time, struggling with corporate consolidation like that happening with MindGeek and Gamma, which present ethical consumption but exploit small businesses in many ways by capitalising on our original ideas and complaints about a previously unwelcoming industry. You’re still seeing only the least outspoken performers get hired by the corporate conglomerates. PornHub is not going to be calling me for a paid gig any time soon, nor is Evil Angel and quite possibly Gamma because I’m willing to address the things that could make them better, or get them into trouble with the people who care about human rights and shit. MY role has only ever to try and work in the industry and be able to talk about some of these issues honestly. Because why not? But when 3 companies own all the jobs – you’re not going to see them taking risks on people like me who quite honestly, made what they’re doing possible.