Trans Pioneer Wendy Williams Inks Publicity Pact With Ikigai Marketing

LAS VEGAS — Trans pioneer Wendy Williams has inked with Kristel Penn’s Ikigai Marketing for publicity services.

The performer, producer and entrepreneur is a Transgender Erotica Awards honoree for Lifetime Achievement as well as the first XBIZ Awards winner for Trans Performer of the Year.

Her two-decade genre-hopping career includes the 2012 Urban X award for Transsexual Interracial Performer of the Year and 2017 BBW Awards Trans Star of the Year honors.

Williams had typically flacked for herself, but elected to sign with Ikigai when she decided to begin stepping away from onscreen performances. "I am excited to work with Ikigai as my time in front of the camera comes to a close,” she said. “I decided I wanted someone to help me navigate and (brainstorm) with. I have so many projects that having Kristel in my corner can only make things easier and more professional.”

Williams’ varied slate of projects her personal cosmetics line, Painted by Wendy; producing and hosting the long-running weekly trans event LexingtonTGirlParties.com; and ownership of the Roadhouse LGBT bar in Cookeville, Tennessee.

Penn praised Williams’ advocacy and her pioneering career in adult. “It’s an honor to work with Wendy during this pivotal moment of her career,” Penn said. “By the time I entered the adult industry 11 years ago, Wendy was one of the most well-known performers in trans porn, and that continues today. She has been a longtime advocate of trans inclusion in the adult industry, and I believe her visibility and hard work has helped shape what our genre looks like today.”

Follow Williams on Twitter and Instagram.

Williams is among the trans industry luminaries interviewed in the current XBIZ World cover story "Trans Pop! How a Fringe Genre Captured the Imagination of Adult." Click here to read it.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Haley Spades Stars in Latest From Immoral

Haley Spades stars with Charlie Dean, Matt Bird, and Dean Van Damme in a new three-part release from Immoral Productions, directed by "Porno Dan" Leal.

Octavia Red Makes Her Vampired Debut

Octavia Red has made her Vampired debut alongside Talia Mint and 2023 XMA Europas Female Performer of the Year Tiffany Tatum in the new feature “Hunters.”

Lily Starfire Fronts Latest From Brazzers

Lily Starfire stars with Kyle Mason in the latest release from Brazzers, titled "Eating Ass Is the Game."

Country Hotwife Makes Her WIFEY Debut

Content creator Country Hotwife has made her debut for Vixen Media Group (VMG) studio imprint WIFEY, alongside her husband StagHubby and former XMAs Male Performer of the Year Isiah Maxwell.

Vixen Media Group Celebrates 10 Years of 'Tushy'

Vixen Media Group (VMG) is celebrating the 10-year anniversary of studio imprint Tushy.

Cherry Kiss Stars in Latest 'Blind Dates' From Bellesa

Cherry Kiss headlines the 16th volume of "Blind Dates," from Bellesa.

Emma Rosie Toplines Pat Myne's 'Gape For Days 5'

Emma Rosie headlines director Pat Myne's "Gape For Days 5," from Evil Angel.

Adult Time Drops 2nd Installment of Bree Mills Thriller 'Escape From Camp Conversion'

Adult Time has debuted the second episode of the Bree Mills-helmed thriller "Escape From Camp Conversion," from studio brand Girlcore.

Eris Jolie Makes Her TransAngels Debut

Eris Jolie has made her TransAngels debut alongside Bree Brooks in "A Very Filthy Cookout."

Liz Jordan Stars in Latest From Ricky's Room

Liz Jordan stars in the latest release from Ricky's Room, titled "The Plum Latex Anal Affair."

Show More