2020 was ... well, I think we can all agree that we certainly don’t want to do that again. We saw forest fires that ravaged Australia and the American northwest, suffered intense civil unrest, went through the most polarizing presidential election in history and battled a worldwide economic downfall unlike anything we’d ever encountered ... all against the backdrop of a global pandemic that claimed over a million lives worldwide. That’s a lot to process in a year ... hell, that would be a lot to process over ten years, but it happened and somehow, we made it through.
And believe it or not, a few good things might have happened too.
2020 was unbearably difficult, but now we stand at the doorstep of a new year that will bring new opportunities, new potential and, with hope, better things to come.
We Learned to Adapt
When the pandemic first hit, there was a lot to get used to in a short amount of time. Our workplaces, shops, grocery stores, banks ... basically every day-to-day destination was suddenly off-limits. It would have been simple, so simple, to fold up and shut down. But rather than breaking, we learned how to bend.
The adult industry was one of the hardest hit, as suddenly thousands and thousands of sex workers were shut out of studios, strip clubs and other in-person venues. But did they simply stop earning? No! They took their business online with enthusiasm and ingenuity.
2020 saw an absolute explosion of online sex work that helped maintain the livelihood of performers who simply had to adapt. And in adapting, they learned how much is possible from the comfort of their homes. In some cases, the possibility of online sex work became a reality to many who’d never considered the adult industry as a form of income. Sex work became, for a lot of people, a lifesaver.
The lesson for 2021: Persevere. There is always another way, even when the situation feels insurmountable. Being flexible in your business will make you more successful no matter what fate throws your way.
We Learned to Give Back
During the explosion of online sex work that started back around March, there was another emergency brewing: 27.2 million acres of Australian land were burning, taking down homes, ecosystems and human lives. A few months later, the same fate would strike the American northwest, destroying thousands upon thousands of residences and killing 33 people. Donations were needed to help battle the blazes, and help came from unexpected sources ... sex workers. Initiatives sprung up out of nowhere, with influencers pledging donations in exchange for nude content. That money went directly to areas of dire need and helped alleviate some of the cost of the damage and get those areas back on their feet.
The lesson for 2021: Use your platform. As an influencer — whether your reach is 1,000 people or 1,000,000 — you have the ability to use your talents and abilities to not only entertain, but to benefit others.
We Learned to Protect One Another
The accessory of the year? Masks, preferably of the N95 variety, became all the rage as COVID-19 ravaged the world and overcame our healthcare system. With initiatives such as F*ck COVID, thousands and thousands of dollars were raised by sex workers who wanted to give help where it was needed. This money went directly toward providing personal protective equipment to medical workers on the front lines.
The lesson for 2021: Spot opportunities. Whether you’re looking to enhance your own business or reach out and provide help for others, creativity goes a long way. When you remain open to the possibility of bringing about change, you’re much more likely to be successful.
We Learned to Be Better
With so many new sex workers taking the stage, the learning curve was fast and furious. In my corner of the industry, FanCentro launched Centro University, the first educational program for sex workers looking to make a living online. It made headlines all over the web and gave thousands of influencers the tools they needed to create a brand and start making money with their content. This wasn’t just a band-aid on a temporary problem, but the launch of many, many new careers.
The lesson for 2021: Keep growing, keep learning and keep evolving. Don’t ever settle because you feel like your business is good enough or you feel you’ve hit a plateau. Strive for constant improvement, accept education, and apply those lessons to help yourself become as successful as you can possibly be.
We Learned to Love Each Other
Millions of profiles, including those of online sex workers, went dark on June 2nd in protest of the death of George Floyd. The idea of using influence to facilitate change was not just a flash in the pan, and we saw a record number of adult influencers using their platform to demand positive changes.
The lesson for 2021: Maintain strength in your convictions. Whether it’s taking a stand against a clear injustice or advocating for yourself, no one will speak up for you. Make your voice heard and you’ll be that much stronger for it.
We Learned That This Isn't the End
2020 was unbearably difficult, but now we stand at the doorstep of a new year that will bring new opportunities, new potential and, with hope, better things to come.
Brooke Powell is the Community Manager at FanCentro, a premium social media network for influencers, models and adult stars.
