Guest column by Alix Lovell (STDs within the porn industry)

Today is another one of our guest columnists. She's approaching the subject of STDs which is something many people don't understand. So sit back and find out some home truths from the inside the Industry by the gorgeous Alix Lovell 

 

The last time I wrote as a guest columnist I discussed the topic of safety within the industry and clearing up a lot of common questions I've heard regarding safety on mental,emotional and physical levels. This time I want to cover the STD topic. It's possibly the most common fear to people coming into the industry and most commonly talked about when the conversation of porn comes up around civilians. I also feel it's so important to talk about because it's the most misunderstood and typically the thought process I hear from people and assumptions made are mostly wrong and even completely opposite from the truth at times. So I'm going to present this with what I hear most often and respond with the facts that I have. Mind you this could be different info from European industry. I can only fully speak for US porn industry. However, I know we do share lots of similarities in the manner of how we conduct our business. So for the states most people know you get tested but they don't always know how often or what the tests cover or how we get the info to one another. 

I recently had a civilian friend freak out when I told her most of the time we don't use condoms but we get tested and her response was "it's to risky".My response in return was "what if I told you in a lot of ways you're at a high risk of catching a STD then I am". She told me she couldn't see how. Her sex life from what she shared with me is to sleep with a random guy here or there with condom use. She probably tests once a year if that. It only takes one broken condom or one sliding around because condoms are not as secure as seeing a proven clean test. 1 of those guys alone could have slept with thousands. Imagine if 2 or 3 guys she chose had each slept with as many or more. So that's a painted picture for the amount of security the average American citizen who is sexually active is receiving or so this is what i most commonly hear from people not in porn.

One thing about porn I love is it helped regulate my sex life in the safest and healthiest ways possible. I embrace my sexuality but it's with the same group of people. The industry is like one fat orgy! Most of us know having sex outside of the industry especially without protection is asking to pull in a STD to a community that has all but cut out possibility of contracting STDs. With it being a direct link to our income most performers do not stray with this in mind. Not to mention we still have a large community with lots of sexy people to choose from. It takes about 14 days for a STD to show up after you test so that's the mandatory amount of time before your test is considered expired. So we test every 14 days and it's mandatory. With every performer and the director checking each other's tests before shooting. Performers get sent home and often times will have more of a struggle getting hired again if you show up with a dirty test. 

 I've had one person say that even testing isn't always that credible and that's fair. We can't ever be 100% sure, but then I said I would take my odds testing every 14 days over testing once a year, especially when most people don't even test that often.  Not to mention our testing is not a test you can go have done at your local clinic with your local doctor. It's extensive testing and the best testing in the world on all the major STDs. They do blood and urine test. I think there are lots of hurdles to think about when wanting to join the industry or even if you're someone who is just curious and wants to help strengthen the industry. This in my opinion is one of the strongest areas and if anything if your sexual appetite is intense and you aren't into the managomy relationship life this is the healthiest career for that lifestyle. When it comes to STDs and alleviating that worry, that for me was so much worst when I was out of porn. Hope this was a good educating read for most and I am looking forward to hearing any responses! 

Guest Columnist Alix Lovell

I first want to start by saying I am so grateful to have a platform to express my opinions and vision for the adult industry on! 

My first topic I wanted to dive into is the common questions I hear often from the civilian population outside of the industry. People constantly ask about the safety levels as far as emotionally, mentally and with people physically harming you. 

(NOT STDs that's its own entire topic) 

We have all heard the bad stories on those documentaries. So this is unfortunately the face of the industry that the people are seeing. Most don't have information to go on other than a couple of horror stories. I want to educate the public to realize what we are doing is not harming every person coming in, also to gain a better understanding and respect for the actual hard work being done and how it's helping a lot of people as well. I have spoken with people who wanted to possibly join the industry but were so indecisive due to the stigma that continues to gloom over us. We have all heard it before you can't judge a book by its cover, for now our cover is a misrepresentation of the industry as a whole. 

 

We have seen and heard a few stories that went wrong, but in comparison to how many performers there are and how many success stories we hear there has not been a real fair representation on both sides. I think of one success story I hear often and that's Nina Hartley(one of my most looked up to power house women in the industry). However this is only one story. I have met incredible men and women in this industry that are happier and healthier than people I know out of the industry but no one seems to want to hear their stories. So it comes back down to people  focusing on the bad when we are no different than any other industry when it comes to good and bad people. 

I put it so eloquently to a friend recently, I believe not only the adult entertainment industry but the mainstream industry as well and specifically fame, has a way of bringing everyone's shit to the surface. It's a tool not good nor bad but has a function, it forces you to face truths about yourself, possibly more so with adult work because your dealing with facing deep-rooted things for a lot of people when it comes to physical intimacy. No one is perfect in or out of adult film we all carry problems. So my opinion is once you grab this tool if you aren't prepared to transform and use it to turn into the best version of you and face yourself then you can take it in a very ugly direction. 

This is not meant for everyone to do! I also need to clarify that clearly! Just like every other industry. Some people are meant to be a fireman,or a funeral director, or a neurosurgeon etc. but I have heard multiple times people say "he/she just has it" that "it" is important to have before anyone grabs this tool! Also why I am a firm believer in spending lots of time educating yourself before making the choice. So the ones who grab on and confront who they really are and own it they turn into the most remarkable people on the plant. Again this goes for any one who meets fame. We have seen hot messes in all entertainment categories but we also see amazing people pull out things in them they otherwise may have never known were there. This is what being a pornographic performer has continued to do for me and I have seen it do for others. So my honest opinion is you will be no more or less safe choosing this industry then you would choosing any other and it's always about educating yourself first before deciding if it's for you. I think it has had more to do with the fame when you're not ready and taking on something that doesn't truly make you happy that can cause problems for any performer. I know this is only my opinion and not all will agree but I hope this can help alter others views on a topic they were otherwise unsure of.

 

Don't miss more articles from Alix Lovell coming soon to Inside the Porn. Be sure to follow her on Twitter @xalixlovellx for more of what Alix is up to. 

Erika Icon - The Rub PR

Well today's interview is a little different. Have you ever wondered who makes sure porn stars get the right publicity and are working for the right people? Well today we are interviewing the person you want to be talking to if you're a porn star. 

Erika Icon has been running The Rub PR since 2008, working with the top producers and performers. She has forged a reputation as hard working and having contacts with all the big studios and magazines in the industry. And today she is with is here at Inside the Porn to give us an insight into the mind of the PR genius. 

JJ: Hi Erika. It's an absolute pleasure to meet someone who is the brains behind the stars. 

So tell me how did you get into the industry? 

Erika: Prior to working in the adult industry, I worked for six years in advertising as a Copywriter/Art Director. The grind was really getting to me and zapping me creatively, so I decided it was time to find a new career. I started looking on Craig’s List and found a place called WantedList—they were looking for a DVD buyer and someone who would wear many hats in the company. They hired me and I was there for almost three years before leaving to do PR and writing for AVN and XBIZ.

JJ: That's certainly a big departure, it's inspiring to see you take that risk of leaving behind a good job and trying something new. 

What's the best thing about the industry? 

Erika: The people are awesome—I have made friends I know I will have for the rest of my life. I also like that you can be yourself in the adultindustry, in advertising, I had to cover up my tats and take out my piercings.

JJ: Getting to be yourself is a big bonus when you're working. And I know you are always crazy busy so it must be important to feel like yourself. 

What's the worst thing about the industry? 

Erika: I would say piracy. It’s starting to affect us all. People need to pay for their porn

JJ: Piracy is the most annoying thing in the world. It puts so many people out of work. 

What's the funniest thing that's happened whilst you've been working? 

Erika: I went to a local gentlemen’s club to support one of my clients who was featuring. They thought I worked there and were ushering me back to the dressing rooms. When I finally convinced them I was one of the girl’s publicist, they charged me $20 and made me observe the two-drink minimum. I explained to them I was working, just not in the capacity of hitting the stage, and I still had to pay.

JJ: Haha, you should have hit the stage and earned your money back. 

What does a typical day of being in PR look like? 

Erika: There’s no typical day, which is one of the things I love about my job. Each day is very different. Usually, weekends I write all my PRs for the week and send them out throughout the week. I’m always on the phone, texting and on the computer setting up interviews and making the magic happen. There are also meetings with clients and a million other things that make up my days. Let’s just say it’s never boring.

JJ: Well having known you for a little while I know you're always working. Everytime we chat you're hard at it. 

And where can people find you online? 

Erika: They can go to my website http://therubpr.com/, follow me on Twitter @therubpr or Instagram  therubpr, and we also have a Facebook company page. I also blog for XCritic.

JJ: What's the best thing about your job? 

Erika: I like being able to help people. I’ve done a lot for my clients in the eight plus years I’ve been a publicist. Watching someone like Nikki Delano go from a newbie to a big name has been very exciting. Seeing Ryan Driller win Male Performer of the Year and two awards for scenes at XBIZ this year was definitely a proud moment. And when my girls like Sarah Jessie and Summer Brielle are on the covers of magazines, I’m so proud of them.

JJ: You have a long list of amazing clients and you must never get bored of seeing them succeed. 

Have you ever considered performing yourself? 

Erika: Yes, but I feel that it’s a conflict of interest doing PR and being a performer—it’s almost like you’re competing against your clients for the limelight. My job is about my clients, not me. So, no, you won’t be seeing me on your computer or big screen TV anytime soon, although I’ve had a lot of offers over the years.

JJ: Dammit. That's my dreams shattered right there haha. 

My one must have question is what's your favourite film? 

Erika: In the mainstream, it would be “Goodfellas”—yeah, I like some violent mafia movies. If you’re curious about my favorite porn, I’d say “The Fashionistas”. It’s high art and very sexy.

JJ: Goodfellas is a great girl I love it so much. I haven't seen the Fashionistas but always happy to watch new porn haha 

Where is your favourite holiday destination? 

Erika: I rarely get to take vacations because I’m always working. When I do go on vacation, I like places like Vegas because I can sleep late, shop, eat some amazing food, and I get to see my friends that live there.

JJ: Vegas is a favourite of mine too for the very same reasons. Great minds think alike. 

Tell me one thing about yourself that I wouldn't know by just looking at you? 

Erika: I’m a Nichiren Buddhist and have been for almost eight years. I bring my Buddhist practice into my every day workspace. I truly do care about my clients—I try to be there for them when they need someone to listen, support all of their successes, and really do wish the best for them. Other times, I have to be patient with clients, interviewers or other industry people, which isn’t easy, but is part of being a good person. If it weren’t for my Buddhist practice, I wouldn’t have the courage to start my own business.

JJ: Well a lot of people have many reasons to be thankful you became a Buddhist.

What's been your biggest achievement in life of work? 

Erika: I’ve been nominated for multiple AVN and XBIZ Awards, along with an Inked Awards Special Achievement nomination. Cosmo, PR Week and the Wall Street Journal have interviewed me. Being able to share these achievements with my dad and seeing how proud he is of all my success and building a thriving business from the ground up, makes me very happy.

JJ: Making your dad proud must be an amazing feeling and being recognised by so many people for your hard work is very impressive. 

What's been the most challenging thing you've had to overcome? 

Erika: Dealing with haters and trolls. It used to bother me, but now I realize they’re just unhappy and jealous people. It’s made me a stronger person and made me see how successful my company has become. It’s like that saying, “If you have haters, you’re doing something right.”

JJ: I need to get myself some more haters I think haha 

What should someone look for if they're thinking about going to a PR firm? 

Erika: There are quite a few things, but going with a reputable company is very important. Ask around and see what that publicist and/or company has achieved and talk to current and former clients. Make sure they have the connections they say they do and also that they can actually write a press release. If they’re promising you the moon, giving you free or discounted pricing, and are more into being a fan boy than a professional, definitely don’t go with them.

JJ: Well hopefully people reading this who are considering using a PR firm will find that helpful. 

What's one bit of advice you'd give to some one getting into the industry? 

Erika: For the girls, I’d say do your research and make sure it’s what you really want to do. Making just a few movies will follow you for the rest of your life, and could keep you from working in the real world, once your time is over in adult. Also, think about how you would feel if your family and friends found out, and would you risk those relationships. And lastly, never do anything on camera you’re uncomfortable with.

 

If you’re a guy, realize your chances of getting into porn are slim to none, like a unicorn inside of a rainbow, as Ryan Driller would say. There are very few guys who actually film on a regular basis—there’s like 12. There’s more to performing than getting paid to get laid. I get emails all the time with dick pics. I direct them to my blog about what it really takes to be in the industry: http://therubpr.com/blog/?p=781.

JJ: I've read your blog and I have to say it's a great read and people should check it out for some heat views and advice. 

Where do you see yourself in 5 years time? 

Erika: I will have definitely won some marketing and PR awards like AVN, XBIZ, and NightMoves. I’m going to open a mainstream PR company, as well, so my adult clients have more mainstream opportunities. But, one thing that won’t change will be the personalized service that we offer our clients, and the stellar results we produce that astounds even us sometimes.

JJ: I'm starting to think I could do with some PR services myself haha 

And finally, what's the weirdest rumour you've heard about yourself? 

Erika: With me, what you see is what you get, so there’s nothing weird going around about me. But, if you’ve heard Coop’s Devil Girl is based on me that would be true.

JJ: Well I have to say I've not heard anything bad about you. Always in hear in great things. 

Thank you so much for taking the time out of your super busy schedule to do the interview it's been an honour and a learning experience haha. Have a great 2016.