Ariel Demure doesn’t just break the mold. She grinds it into dust and struts right over in stilettos, cocktail in hand. Unapologetically raw and armed with a razor-sharp wit, Demure has proved time and time again that she’s more than just a performer — she’s a force of nature. Her 2025 XMA wins for Trans Performer of the Year and Best Trans Sex Scene are just the latest jewels in her crown, adding to an already illustrious career built on talent, vision and an utter refusal to play by the rules.
A creator in every sense of the word, Demure seamlessly shifts between writing, directing, acting and even costuming her own productions. While others might chase trends, she builds worlds, filling them with mythic creatures, unapologetic sexuality, and narratives that make you feel something beyond just desire. “Gorgons and Goddesses,” her latest brainchild, is a testament to that vision: an intoxicating blend of high art, subversive storytelling and unfiltered eroticism, all wrapped in a shimmering, serpentine bow.
Demure’s approach to adult cinema is part high-brow theatricality, part punk-rock rebellion, proving that porn can be more than just instant gratification. And it’s working. The industry has taken notice, lavishing her with awards, accolades and, most importantly, the creative freedom to keep doing whatever the hell she wants.
But don’t mistake her success for some polished Hollywood fairy tale. Demure is the first to admit that the road to artistic triumph is paved with mistakes and missteps. Still, if there’s one thing she excels at — aside from being drop-dead gorgeous and oozing effortless sex appeal — it’s taking every challenge and turning it into something jaw-dropping.
With a no-b.s. attitude and a work ethic fueled by artistic ambition, Demure is blazing forward at full speed, locked, loaded and ready for whatever comes next. In this candid Q&A, the queen herself dives deep into her inspirations, creative process and what’s next on the horizon. Prepare yourselves, for this is Ariel Demure, unfiltered and at the top of her game.
XBIZ: What inspired you to get into the adult industry, and what has been your favorite part of the journey so far?
DEMURE: I always wanted to be in sex work. I am like a little old barfly slinging back martinis, wearing a fur boa in the corner of my own little cabaret, holding court with all of my beloved offspring, who are making the world a better place for whores and the people who love them. So porn was a natural progression for me.
XBIZ: You clearly have a passion for story-driven adult content. What do you think it adds to the experience?
DEMURE: I think it’s important that any person who produces content should believe what they’re making is hot. I personally like watching porn with narratives. If I’m not invested in the characters, why would I care that they’re fucking? I also think sneaking your vegetables into your dinner is the best way to get vitamins. That’s the methodology I use for porn. I sneak subplots and narratives I care about into porn because I think it’s creative, it’s different and it’s a more challenging way to express myself creatively.
XBIZ: What inspired you to dive into Greek mythology for ‘Gorgons and Goddesses’?
DEMURE: I wanted to write a story about women finding their autonomy in a male-dominated sphere. Only recently has history been rewritten as a boys’ club. Women have always held the power of creation, and with my best friends by my side, we realized that we were just the gorgons necessary to personify that narrative. Also, trans women are often referred to as dolls but I’ve never felt like a doll — I’ve always felt like a creature, in the best way possible. I really wanted to play a sexy monster!
XBIZ: You weren’t just the writer and director of ‘Gorgons and Goddesses’ — you handpicked the cast, designed the costumes and even took charge of the makeup. What was it like being so hands-on with every aspect of the film?
DEMURE: Being a natural-born psychopath, pretending I’m capable of accomplishing the tasks of multiple seasoned professionals is just another weekday for me. It’s given me tremendous respect for the amount of knowledge and dedication various contributors bring to a single production, though. I learned so much from “Gorgons and Goddesses.” The most effective way to learn is by making mistakes, of which I made many. One example: Wasting money on trivialities like silk chiffon over polyester, when they read the same on camera, is not a wise use of the budget when it’s all coming out of pocket. The subscribers care more about cocks than they do couture. Lesson learned.
XBIZ: At the 2025 XMAs, not only did you take home the title of Trans Performer of the Year, but ‘Gorgons and Goddesses’ also won Best Trans Sex Scene. How did that feel?
DEMURE: I’m so grateful to the industry for still booking me to this day despite my being a cantankerous bitch. However, I felt like the roles I’d been getting lately didn’t have the depth I wanted. So I said, “Fuck it, I’ll write my own.” My rage has always been one of my strongest sources of creative divination. I was also inspired by my friends and our joint frustration with the state of the world. All we wanted was to make some art we could be proud of.
XBIZ: What was the most challenging, unexpected or memorable part of bringing ‘Gorgons and Goddesses’ to life?
DEMURE: I’m a whore first. Artist second. Businesswoman would probably be like fifth or sixth. Who fucking knew that trying to do big business would be so gosh darn hard? If it hadn’t been for Audrie Williams at Ten15 Group, this production would never have happened. From the editing process to the sound design and the multitudes of places in which graphic design was necessary, it all got done because of her. I’m sure I’m not even aware of half the fires she put out on my behalf without ever even mentioning them. It’d be impossible to speak enough about how fucking talented that woman is. I owe that entire production to her.
XBIZ: When you’re not creating, performing or winning awards, what do you like to do for fun?
DEMURE: Honey, you said it: I’m busy. So liquor, and some pussy when I need it.
XBIZ: What’s something about you that fans might be surprised to learn?
DEMURE: I always have a song going in my head, 100% of the time. I love the expected divas like Cher, Liza, Judy and Dolly, but I also really love ska, ’90s R&B, and old country. It reminds me of my childhood; it’s the shit I grew up listening to, so it just makes me feel the most Zen. I’m typically fucking to some 311, the Pixies or Pepper. And I can only clean my house if I put on Merril Bainbridge or Shania Twain. One of the clubs I used to work at had a ritual where we would listen to Celia Cruz every single night before we opened, and that still gets me pumped for any task I am not emotionally ready for. Whether that be mundane responsibilities or curling my hair before an awards show, Celia and Nina Simone are never far out of reach.
XBIZ: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to up-and-coming adult performers?
DEMURE: Don’t do anything to get the approval of strangers. If you’re trying to get into the industry, figure out why the hell you even want to be here first. Don’t try to “make a mark.” You’ll only embarrass yourself. The people who make a difference are the ones who are not trying.
XBIZ: You’ve already accomplished so much. What’s next?
DEMURE: Oh, you haven’t seen anything yet. I got a fresh prescription for antidepressants and a brand-new acupuncturist, so I’m ready for battle. Just in the two weeks it took me to recover from that awards show flu that was going around, I wrote two scripts that I’ve been procrastinating on for years. I’m so proud of them and can’t wait to bring them to life. Keep an eye out for more multigenerational porn epics, pretentiously overwrought narratives disguised with rhinestones and acrylic paint, and most importantly, the shiny, bouncy boobies at golden hour, all brought to you by yours truly.
