DailyBeast Showcases 'Porn's Behind-the-Camera Feminists'

LOS ANGELES — The Daily Beast has approached the porn empowerment/debasement binary from the askew angle of feminist women working behind the scenes.  

Heavily focalizing Kelly Holland, the managing editor of Penthouse Entertainment, the piece published last week reveals the motivations and meditations of women who made a name for themselves in adult with their clothes on (and sometimes off).

“Holland is one of the most powerful women in the entertainment industry — adult or otherwise,” Daily Beast reporter Emily Shire wrote. “She and a few other women working behind the scenes of the porn industry as writers, directors and entrepreneurs are combating the stereotype that the only place for a woman in porn is in front of the camera servicing men.”

Previously a mainstream documentarian, Holland explains how working in porn recast her view of traditional feminism, and the anti-porn stigma often attached to it.    

“The first few decades of feminism were dominated by the East Coast intellectual elite, those doing women’s studies at Wellesley,” she said. “It set in motion not an issue about women’s rights, but more of an issue of what good girls should be doing. That’s a class issue, not morality.”

She noted that porn stars exemplify a feminist lifestyle, in which they reclaim their bodies from their fathers, husbands, religious leaders and ever their “girlfriends.”

“Porn’s Behind-the-Camera Feminists” also featured Sssh.com Founder Angie Rowntree and Joanna Angel, creator of the alt-porn monolith BurningAngel, who, albeit from very different aesthetic perspectives, believe women can find sexual gratification working in porn and watching it at home.

“Porn is not one thing,” Angel said. “No one says they dislike all music because they don’t like one band.”

The piece concludes with a counterpoint offered by Shy Love, creator of Adult Talent Managers. Love, who also worked as a performer, believes that porn sometimes deprives women of agency and discourages her daughter from entering the industry.

To read the story in full, click here.   

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Isa Bella, Selena Ivy Topline 'Lesbian Sex 28'

Isa Bella and Selena Ivy headline the latest release from Girlfriends Films, titled “Lesbian Sex 28.”

Catherine Knight Stars in Latest From Brazzers

Catherine Knight stars in the latest release from Brazzers, titled "GRWM (To Fuck)."

Federal Appeals Court Vacates FTC 'Click to Cancel' Rule Pending Review

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit on Tuesday vacated the Federal Trade Commission’s “click-to-cancel” rule aimed at making it easier for consumers to cancel online subscriptions, pending further review.

Elegant Angel Premieres Nicole Kitt Showcase 'Cats Eye'

Nicole Kitt gets the spotlight in a new four-part showcase release from Elegant Angel.

Private Releases 'The Love Hotel 2'

Private has released “The Love Hotel 2,” directed by Dave Menich.

Ember Fiera, Jesse Pony Headline 'TS Girls Do It Best' Sequel From TransSensual

Ember Fiera and Jesse Pony topline the sequel to “TS Girls Do It Best” from Mile High Media studio imprint TransSensual.

Khloe Kapri, Melissa Stratton Topline 'Lesbian Trainer 3' From Sweetheart Video

Khloe Kapri and Melissa Stratton headline the third volume of “Lesbian Trainer” from Mile High Media studio imprint Sweetheart Video.

FSC Drops Florida AV Lawsuit in Wake of SCOTUS Decision

A U.S. district court judge granted on Tuesday a motion by Free Speech Coalition to dismiss the trade association’s lawsuit over Florida’s age verification law, a case that had been on hold pending the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the constitutionality of state AV laws.

Gal Ritchie Toplines Dorcel's 'Pigalle'

2025 XMAs winner Gal Ritchie stars with Clara Mia in the latest feature from Dorcel, titled “Pigalle.”

Ukrainian President Responds to Porn Legalization Petition

President Volodymyr Zelensky responded Tuesday to an OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine, stating that he would wait for the legislative process to play out “in accordance with established procedure.”

Show More