HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — The Adult Performer Advocacy Committee (APAC) is partnering with the Free Speech Coalition (FSC) to hold two simultaneous events Sunday, October 6, from 6 to 8 p.m., on the subject of race in the adult entertainment industry.
Performer advocate Lotus Lain will moderate the FSC's People of Color Forum, facilitating a discussion for people of color to connect and strategize on the matter of race in the industry.
“The people of color in this industry need a space where they can come together to discuss shared experiences on what it actually means to be a person of color in this industry,” Lotus said. “We want to start a dialogue about how race and racism affect everyone. The fact that issues are always framed as black-versus-white is emblematic of the deeper problem of the erasure and silencing of other ethnic groups. We want to make sure all people of color feel welcomed, heard and listened to.”
At the same time, an Anti-Racism Workshop will be hosted by Riley Reyes, Chairwoman of APAC, offering a space for white members of the industry to learn about racism and bias, and how to strive to be better allies.
This workshop was presented by Tristan Taormino at the Sex Down South conference earlier this summer. It incorporates tools and strategies from a wide variety of sources including Alliance of Anti-Racist Whites Everywhere (AWARE-LA) and Showing Up for Racial Justice.
“I’m so grateful to Lotus for taking the lead on this important project, and I can’t wait for the follow-up summit in which both groups are able to share and strategize using what we’ve learned in our respective meetings,” Riley explained. “I hope plenty of producers, directors, and crew make it to the Anti-Racism Workshop as well.”
“Performers aren’t the only ones who have to navigate racism and bias,” Riley said. “We’re all in this together.”
Both events are open to all adult industry professionals, including performers, producers, agents, directors and crew members. Los Angeles-area locations are kept confidential for performer safety, so attendees should RSVP to apac.information@gmail.com or via Twitter DM to receive the workshop’s address, where snacks and beverages will be provided.