“Unfortunately, sex workers of all denominations have to deal with big business and big business is out to make big money. Every niche and every fetish has at some point been top of the pile as far as earnings are concerned. To this end, business, adult and sex workers alike, have sought to take advantage each and every single time.”

If you are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender or Queer you have most likely heard of Pride. In fact, Pride has been running for over 50 years now, which is somewhat longer than the LGBTQ banner has existed!

The Birth of Pride
Each year, in June, there are celebrations held world-wide, to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan. Spontaneous demonstrations were held by members of the gay community in response to a police raid that began in the early hours of June 28th 1969, at a place called the Stonewall Inn, situated in Greenwich Village.
This uprising was most likely the tipping point for many Gay communities in the US and sparked the actions of the Gay Liberation Movement. Their protests covered many important social areas, such as discrimination towards housing and employment, government hostility and the centuries of abuse suffered by anyone non heterosexual.

The Importance of Pride
Over the years, it has grown into a worldwide symbol of what it really means to be gay. The celebrations attract millions to the parades, concerts, parties, work-shops and memorials, all around the world.
Memorials are held to commemorate those who have been lost to hate crimes or HIV/AIDS. The main purpose behind many of them, being to recognize the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals that have had an impact on history. Not just locally but nationally and internationally. It truly is one of the largest celebrations with support on a world-wide basis.
In 2019, New York (and the rest of the world), hosted the largest international Pride celebration in history. The Stonewall 50 – WorldPride NYC 2019, which was produced by Heritage of Pride, commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, with over five million attending in Manhattan alone.

Pride in the Adult Industry
Ever since white performer Hugh Hunter denounced his nomination in the ‘Best Ethnic Scene’ category, at the GayVN awards 2017, racism has been at the forefront. That’s not to say its existence prior to then was less important. In fact, some would say that it’s existed for decades.
There were complaints that the sex industry marketed racial fetishes and produced stereotype pornography.
Some even called it overt racism.
Let’s look at that a little more closely. What happens when almost every single thing in our lives is labelled? It means that every like or dislike becomes fodder for other people to complain about. Why should someone that is attracted to dark skin be dragged into a debate on racism. Sometimes, things are just as they are and it’s only others that seem to have a problem with it.
The majority of the Gay and Lesbian populous are more than happy in their own skin. They find themselves arguing for their cause with a lot of small-minded people. Perhaps I should call it the LGBTQ community, so as not to offend anyone who doesn’t belong to the Gay or Lesbian category.
Unfortunately, sex workers of all denominations have to deal with big business, and big business is out to make big money. Every niche and every fetish have at some point been top of the pile as far as earnings are concerned. To this end, business, adult and sex workers alike, have sought to take advantage each and every single time.

The pride in Pride
All being said, it is the responsibility of each, and every one of us to rid the industry and society of such prejudice. Everyone should be able to live their lives to the full and be whomever they want to be, providing it falls within the laws we create as a society. However, where those laws fall foul of basic human rights, we still need to question them.
I, for one, long for a world where we do not have a need for ‘labels’ as a means of describing some sort of fight against a portion of society. A world where I am simply who I am, and you are who you are. A world full of individuals able to live their lives as they please, lawfully and happily. So, can Pride really make that happen?
There have certainly been some big changes during the past 50 years and perhaps significantly during the past couple of decades. People are more open about themselves and the causes they support.

Stopping Negativity
Social media has a huge impact on getting the message across. The more support we give to positive causes, the better everyone’s lives will be. The less attention we give to the haters, the quicker they will disintegrate into nothingness.
The thing we must all remember about haters is that they are fuelled by responses to their negativity. So instead of providing the fuel for them, channel your angst into positive causes.

Support is Key
Providing support on-line or in person is crucial, and has been even more important during the pandemic. Just being able to talk to someone can make a world of difference to those that are suffering.
Organizations such as Pineapple Support are there to pro
vide help for anyone that works in the Adult, On-Line sector. Whatever kind of support you may need, they have people available to listen, to help and to provide advice, whenever needed.
We’d love to hear about other organizations or help available to adult workers and especially those individuals who provide incredible aid, assistance and sponsorship for this sector. Drop us a line and let us know who we should be featuring, and we’ll do our best to make it happen. Read more articles here