Sociologist Chauntelle Tibbals to Moderate 'Women in Porn' Debate

CYBERSPACE — Sssh.com, sponsor of the upcoming “Women in Porn: Shattering the Myths” online debate, announced today that the discussion will be moderated by sociologist Dr. Chauntelle Tibbals, whose fields of specialty include gender, sexuality, work and organizations, new media, and popular culture.

Sssh.com founder Angie Rowntree said that Tibbals has been instrumental in organizing Women in Porn: Shattering the Myths, and is “deeply informed on all the issues we want to cover.”

“Chauntelle has been researching the adult industry for more than 10 years, and is one of the few academics who has taken the time to consider the industry’s nuances and approached it with an open mind,” Rowntree said. “She’s is the perfect person to moderate this discussion, and has been an amazing resource for us during the planning of the debate.”

Tibbals said that helping to organize the event “has been extremely rewarding.”

“As a sociologist and social justice advocate, it’s been wonderful to contribute to an event that’s working to broaden public understanding by encouraging multiple perspectives,” Tibbals said. “Not everyone has to agree, but everyone’s voice is worth consideration. I am excited to help break down the ‘talking about’ and encourage the ‘talking to.’”

Tibbals’ research has been published in numerous scholarly journals including Sexualities, Gender Work & Organization, Journal of Contemporary Ethnography, and Stanford Law and Policy Review. She has been quoted and cited extensively by cultural and news media outlets including CNN, Business Insider, Slate, and NPR.

"Women in Porn: Shattering the Myths" is an interactive panel discussion pitting prominent women working in the adult entertainment industry against some of the industry’s harshest critics to debate the nature of the industry and women’s changing role in it. Previously announced panelists include Penthouse managing director Kelly Holland, adult performer/director Ashley Fires, and MakeLoveNotPorn.com co-founder Cindy Gallop.

The panel will take place July 22 at 3 p.m. EDT, and will be available to viewers free of charge on MindBrowse.com. It also will be live-tweeted and monitored at @ssshforwomen under the hashtag #WomenInPorn. Viewers may interact during the event and pose their own questions and points under the #WomenInPorn, which may then be discussed by the panelists as well.