When I worked to defeat California’s Proposition 60 in 2016, our opposition campaign was outspent nearly 10 to 1. Nevertheless, our community came together and garnered enough support and awareness to defeat that harmful, misguided piece of proposed legislation — by more than a million votes.
This November 5, we need to do it again.
The little things we do can create ripples that turn into waves, so never think that your vote and your participation in democracy doesn’t matter, because it absolutely does.
While the outcomes of federal, state and local elections nearly always affect the lives and livelihoods of those working in and consuming adult entertainment, this election in particular has higher stakes than ever before in my lifetime. The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, has drafted a 900-plus-page document titled “Project 2025.” If enacted by the candidates this organization and its supporters hope to put in office, the policies proposed by Project 2025 would not only gut free speech, bodily autonomy and human rights, but would also outlaw adult entertainment and criminalize those who create it. That makes this election personal for anyone working in this industry, as well as for anyone who is a consumer or supporter of the work we do.
Shake Off the Cynicism and Get Involved
I know that many of us feel ambivalent about the democratic process for a variety of deeply valid reasons. However, if we want to continue life as we now know it in the world of adult entertainment, we must use the tools we currently have, and that includes participating in the democratic systems that govern our country.
I know it can feel overwhelming to go up against the forces that seek to destroy our livelihoods and disenfranchise our communities, but the good news is that we each have an arsenal of powerful strategies at our disposal, and collectively that can create change on a massive scale. When anxiety about the fate of free expression gets you down, dive into action with the following proven strategies to build collective power — and change the course of history.
Make Sure Your Vote Is Counted
As one of the most important acts for both our community and self-care, voting is paramount. To that end, be sure to double-check that you are registered to vote at your current address via vote.org — check even if you think your information is up to date. If you’ll be traveling or even living abroad on Election Day, make sure to register for an absentee ballot. Determine which polling station you will vote at or where you will drop your ballot off, and how you will get there. Vote early if you can — some states allow voting to begin 40-50 days before Nov. 5 — so you can avoid waiting in line on Election Day. Remember: if you are still in line when the polls close, stay in line as you are still entitled to cast your vote!
Spread the Word About Voting
Encourage other folks to vote, especially those who may face challenges in doing so. For instance, most folks who have been convicted of a felony are likely still eligible to vote if they have completed their sentence. Even some people who are incarcerated can still vote. If you know someone in either of these situations, reach out and do all you can to help them vote.
Don’t be afraid to get loud! While casting your vote in the ballot box is a deeply private and personal decision, don’t be shy about participating in meaningful discourse about upcoming elections and using your platform to educate and inspire your friends, fans and followers about the issues facing all of us.
Get Informed and Band Together
Do your own research, but also consider utilizing a local voter guide that aligns with your beliefs. There are a variety of nonpartisan resources that can help you make informed choices for each election cycle. Vote411.org will give you personalized information about local races near you, as well as upcoming candidate forums and debates.
We are stronger together, so use election season as an excuse to throw a little shindig. For the past several elections, a large handful of friends and I have gotten together for libations and charcuterie to research candidates and fill out our sample ballots together. It takes the pressure off and makes the whole process way more fun. It’s also a great opportunity to learn about what’s going on in adjacent counties and districts, so you can be as informed as possible.
Hold Elected Officials Accountable
Election Day is just one day, but our legislators work for us 365 days a year, so lobby them and don’t be shy about providing critical feedback. Just like an agent, never forget they work for you. As adult entertainers, we often work outside of the typical work week and business hours, so we may find ourselves with a unique opportunity to show up consistently for hearings and constituent hours in order to make sure politicians are fulfilling the promises they make when campaigning.
In 2018, I had the honor of organizing and participating in a nationwide lobbying day led by adult industry workers. We showed up at offices of elected officials, including the current Democratic presidential candidate, Vice President Kamala Harris, who was a California senator at the time. We took a photo with her aide and dropped off literature about our concerns; now that legislator we lobbied is in the White House and vying to be the leader of the free world. The little things we do can create ripples that turn into waves, so never think that your vote and your participation in democracy doesn’t matter, because it absolutely does.
The Bottom Line
If you create or consume porn and would like to continue doing so, you’ve got to vote — now more than ever. If you care about free speech, I am begging you: Register to vote, research Project 2025 and the candidates who support it — and vote. Remember: Our community is tremendously powerful, especially when we come together to fight for our survival.
As an adult entertainment professional of over a decade with hundreds of scenes both in front of and behind the camera, Siouxsie Q is the reigning XBIZ Director of the Year — Gay Movies, alongside her husband/collaborator Michael Vegas. She is also an avid advocate for industry rights, engaging in culture journalism, writing about issues facing the community and working with organizations like Free Speech Coalition, PASS, APAC and the ACLU.
