Hi everyone, my name is Trip Richards and I am one of the top trans male performers in the adult biz, working under the handle TripleX-TransMan on most sites. I have been involved in various aspects of the adult industry for over six years. I focus full-time on video production for my fan pages and clip stores. As a niche performer, I like pushing the edges a little bit with my video content, while also intentionally normalizing diverse bodies.
This year has been unexpectedly challenging for so many people in every industry. The adult biz, in particular, has dramatically changed for those of us who were involved with in-person events and live shows. Production holds for studio shoots also negatively impacted many models.
I believe that adult performers are in a really unique position to speak about risk management during a pandemic.
In this respect, I feel fortunate, as my work was already primarily online through my own self-produced videos. However, I definitely feel the impact of COVID-19 indirectly through my fans. Many of them have lost income, which is leading them to cut back on their spending, while others find the escapism and pleasure from porn to be of heightened importance. I have therefore been focusing on keeping the content flowing!
When collaborating with other talent, my advice is to be creative and also flexible. For example, I was able to participate in an amazing virtual collaboration project where a number of models each submitted a short clip of themselves, and the organizer edited it into a socially-distanced orgy. Fans loved it because it was different, exciting and creative.
While I did take several months off from filming with other models, I have now returned to a modified filming schedule that takes into account minimizing risk for myself and my costars. I film once a month (usually several scenes in close succession) and then isolate myself in my home for the remainder of the month. I understand that this pattern of interaction may not be suitable for everyone, but for me, it’s working well and feels comfortable. And I know that my fans appreciate the steady stream of new scenes.
I believe that adult performers are in a really unique position to speak about risk management during a pandemic. We are already comfortable having conversations with our costars about sexual health, including asking when they were last tested or how many partners they have had since. We can use this framework to discuss COVID-19 as well, discussing whom we have come into close contact with, and what our overall risks may be.
I don’t think that anyone should be shamed for working during this pandemic (provided they are open and honest with their costars and other people they interact with), but conversely I don’t blame anyone who wants to remain more isolated during this period and not work with other models. Some people’s personal health status or risk tolerance is different, and that is a choice that should be supported, never questioned or insulted.
Staying motivated and inspired during these times can also be a challenge. For me, success in my career is always the biggest motivator. As a self-employed person, I see a direct connection between the effort I put into my work and the results I achieve. While none of us can control what happens in the world, we can control many elements of our daily life. I keep to a daily routine that includes healthy eating and exercise habits, and I also try to go to bed at a decent time.
I put a lot of hours daily into editing videos, managing social media, chatting with fans and planning content release schedules, but I also give myself permission to kick back and relax. Finding a sustainable balance is the best way to reach success. While that is true at any time, this year really highlights the importance of self-care so that we can all stay sane and strong!
Trip Richards is a content creator and performer who can be followed @TripleXTransMan on Twitter and Instagram, as well as Pornhub.com/model/triplextransmanxxx.
