LOS ANGELES — The Free Speech Coalition today published a statement from Eric Paul Leue, its executive director, commemorating the contributions of sex workers and pornographers in the fight for LGTBQ equality.
Leue said that he wanted to praise the work of its members, its activists, and all those who celebrate the industry’s dedication to diverse sexualities, genders and relationships, on-and-off the screen as the Stonewall Riots, anniversary nears.
Leue said the following:
The FSC is proud to stand with our LGBTQ friends, members and allies this Pride month, as we have for so many years before. On June 28, we commemorate the Stonewall riots, a protest for LGTBQ rights that was led by sex workers. This weekend, millions will join in marches across the country to carry that spirit, and we stand with them.
The adult industry is proud to have always been in the vanguard when it comes to representations of LGTBQ sexuality and gender. From our earliest days, our industry has celebrated an endless diversity of sexualities and gender identities, in eras when other media wouldn’t even mention us. We are proud of that heritage, and proud of the work we continue to do.
Our LGBTQ performers, producers and customers not only pull the industry forward, they pull the world forward. Our films celebrate many ways of being and loving, lifting away shame by letting millions across the world know that they are not alone, and that their sexualities and identities are not only shared and accepted, but celebrated.
Those of us who work in the industry today know it is no different behind the camera than in front of it. There is perhaps no other industry on earth where alternative sexualities and gender identities of its workers are as wide and varied as ours. We are proud of who we are, and live, love and work boldly and openly.
In the face of renewed attacks on LGTBQ people, institutions, and policies, we stand with our partners in the LGTBQ advocacy community, meeting with legislators, signing onto LGBTQ legislation, and working to advance a world where gender and sexuality is celebrated rather than shamed.
We have fought these battles for decades, and our commitment to fighting them will never waver so long as the forces of intolerance and bigotry threaten our communities.
We at FSC would like to wish a Happy Pride to all our members.
