Kayden Kross Writes Essay for N.Y. Times

NEW YORK — The New York Times’ Fashion & Style web section today published a first-person piece by adult entertainment star Kayden Kross.

The porn actress’ essay is called “For Kayden Kross, the Family Business Happens to Be Porn,” and discusses about her rise to fame to her current life as a mother and fiancee to adult performer Manuel Ferrara.

Kross tells the tale of growing up and setting financial and long-term goals, as well as earning an associates degree and transferring to Sacramento State. But after getting close to a degree that didn’t interest her and seeing a gloomy economy on the horizon, college began looking less like the ticket to financial security, she said.

"When the housing market plunged, I felt trapped. I did, that is, until one slow Friday night at work when a man dropped $30 in my lap to hear him out. The next week I was on a plane for Los Angeles," Kross wrote.

Kross, who discusses the virtues and turbulence of modern love in the piece, first met Ferrara on her first porn shoot at age 21.  

"Manuel sat next to me and introduced himself. He had a French accent and a thick mess of dark hair," she said in the essay. "'We’ll be working together,' he said, an innocuous comment under normal circumstances but a loaded one when the work is porn."

The two matched like two peas in a pod, but Kross admitted that "navigating love when both of our jobs involve having sex with other people can be stressful."

She noted that Ferrara became jealous and moody in the days before shoots.

"He knew it wasn’t fair to ask me to stop, but he couldn’t hide the way he felt. Finally he said he wanted me to quit my contract and move in with him, with the logical next steps being marriage and children. I was 27," she wrote.

Kross admits in the essay she gave up a lucrative contract, although she continues to perform on occasion, though only with Ferrara or with other women. But, she says, she still makes a good living.

"Yes, it’s a double standard that Manuel gets to perform with other women while I don’t with other men, just as it’s a double standard that he still works full time while I have cut back," she wrote. "But I am the mother of an infant daughter, and caring for her is my priority right now, just as providing for us as best he can is Manuel’s priority. In the end, our calculation isn’t so different from the choice millions of other working couples face these days."

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

Roxie Rae Relaunches Site Through XSiteAbility

Roxie Rae has relaunched her site through XSiteAbility.

Nicole Nixon Stars in Latest From Immoral

Nicole Nixon stars with Matt Bird, Dean Van Damme, and "Porno Dan" Leal in a new three-part release from Immoral Productions.

Kiki Cali Toplines 'Pleasure Vixens 4' From BAM Visions

Kiki Cali headlines the fourth volume of "Pleasure Vixens," co-directed by multi-XMAs winner Mick Blue and Maestro Claudio, aka BAM Visions, from Evil Angel.

Brianna Coppage Makes Her WIFEY Debut

Creator Brianna Coppage stars with her husband Phillip and Jax Slayher in the latest release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint WIFEY.

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.

Show More