Last night...

Last night following the FSC Summit, I received the award for Positive Image Female Performer. Even though I was told a week or so ago, it was still really surreal. You all know the things I do, you've helped pitch in and support so many of my causes, and I want to really thank you for that.

As I was seated in the room that we were doing the awards in, I was up near the front, facing forward. Paul Fishbein presented me with my award & as I made my way up to the podium and turned around to face everyone, I absolutely lost my breath. In one second it dawned on me just how many very, very important, influential, long standing members of our industry were looking right back at me. I don't usually get nervous easily, but I think if you would have tapped me on the shoulder I would have fallen over. I somehow managed to not pass out as I made my way through something akin to an acceptance speech, and I thought I'd share it with you.

(first I thanked Paul. I still can't believe all those nice things he said were about me)

I'd like to thank the Free Speech Coalition - Diane Duke, Joanne Cachapero, the board, and all of the members. We all know that it's not an easy time in our industry right now, and we are grateful for all of the time, effort, and energy everyone puts in.

I really do owe this award to Steve O and my entire Wicked Pictures family for always supporting me & encouraging me to grow- not just as a performer, but personally as well. I have done some really amazing things both for and with Wicked, and as long as I am in this business I will continue to do just that. Sidenote- my decision to become much more active in charity work came about 4 years ago when Wicked sent me to Sexpo South Africa in Johannesburg I and spent time in Soweto afterward. I can literally remember the SECOND that my life changed, and if it wasn't for signing at a booth for Wicked at Sexpo, it wouldn't have happened. 

With the passing of Measure B last Tuesday, we as an industry should be reminded that the general public isn't quite as ready to embrace porn as we would like to have thought. We need to keep educating them on our industry. We have to continue to fight the stereotypes that they've held for so long. I try to do that every single day in one way or another, but the truth is, I'm not the only one. There are so many smart, strong women in this industry that lead by example- Nina Hartley, Candida Royalle, Jiz Lee, Tristan Taormino & more. These women are my inspiration & my idols. There is a new crop, too- Kimberly Kane, Kelly Shibari, Kylie Ireland, Kayden Kross, Bobbi Starr, Stoya, and other women using their voice everyday. They are amazing, and I am accepting this award to share with them.

Thank you.

PS- and as always, thank YOU. yes you, the one reading this right now. : )