Adult performer Cherie DeVille has been an advocate for the working rights of her fellow naughty content performers for a long time. The star is featured in a new Cosmopolitan magazine piece championing ethical porn within an industry that critics claim is anything but ethical. The article, 35 Porn Sites for Women that are Safe, Ethical, and Extremely Hot, takes a deep dive look into the specialty sites that produce and promote content that not only appeals to women but is also made consensually, respectfully, and with fair compensation.
Advocate and adult star
DeVille, "the Internet’s Stepmom," has been working in adult content creation for a decade plus and is as much recognized as a thought leader in the adult creator space, contributing political columns and candid interviews to media outlets such as The Daily Beast, The Hill, Yahoo, Rolling Stone, New York Post, Associated Press, Barstool Sports and controversial Netflix documentary Money Shot: The Pornhub Story. She's also an Adult Performer Advocacy Committee board member and Cam Model Protection ambassador, positions she holds in order to elevate her industry’s practices and community.
DeVille talks ethical porn with Kinkly
When Kinkly asked Cherie if things have gotten better or worse during her decade-plus career, working and championing the business, she offered:
“Over the past decade, I've witnessed a significant evolution in the adult industry. On the positive side, we've seen increased acceptance and normalization of adult content. Platforms like OnlyFans have empowered performers to take control of their careers, finances, and creative content, allowing for a more direct connection with our audience. This shift towards independent content creation has provided us with greater autonomy and financial stability."
Still, the stigmatization of sex, sex work, and porn is so pervasive that the adult industry faces serious challenges.
"However, it's not all positive," she added. "The constant threat of censorship and deplatforming looms large. Social media platforms and payment processors often impose restrictive policies, which can be both frustrating and financially damaging. These policies are frequently inconsistent and disproportionately target sex workers, reflecting broader societal stigmas that we are continuously fighting against."
How can positive change continue to happen?
“Positive change in our industry often comes from a combination of social and political shifts, as well as broader cultural trends. The growing movement towards body positivity and sexual openness has certainly helped destigmatize adult content. Additionally, the #MeToo movement has shone a light on the importance of consent and safety in all industries, including ours."
DeVille emphasized that change also needs to happen at the legislative level, especially to combat the anti-porn legislation that's being introduced all over the country.
"On the political front, advocating for sex workers' rights and pushing for legislation that protects us rather than criminalizes us is crucial. Engaging with lawmakers and being part of the conversation helps to ensure that our voices are heard. Grassroots activism and public awareness campaigns also play a vital role in shifting perceptions and garnering support.”
What we can all do
There is a lot to strive for, but DeVille's goals are all worthwhile. As we all try to make the world around us a little brighter through our interactions in it, we applaud women like Cherie DeVille and her commitment and advocacy.
