CYBERSPACE — Adult industry nonprofit Pineapple Support has announced a milestone: 100 performers have been connected to various services, including mental health support, direct therapy, therapeutic listening and provision of mental health services.
Pineapple Support is dedicated to “improving mental health access for adult performers,” a rep said. “They help provide access to free and low-cost psychotherapy, counseling and emotional support to persons working in the adult industry.”
The org’s founder, Leya Tanit, has seen "a tremendous response from both performers and producers since its launch last year,” she said. ““I am proud that we’ve been able to reach this many people, this quickly, but there is so much more work to be done.”
“Because of stigma, and financial instability, performers have a harder time accessing mental health services than the general population. And when they do access it, they are often confronted with judgment about the work they do. Given the enormity of the losses we have faced in the past few years, it’s essential that our industry come together to fight for better mental health access.”
Over the past few months, a rep notes, Pineapple Support has “provided therapy and counseling services at industry trade and award shows, organized performer gatherings during holidays and worked to raise money for additional services. In addition to direct therapy, the organization now has over 60 volunteer active listeners, and online chat, available 24/7 for performers who may be struggling with depression, anxiety, addiction or other issues.”
Clips4Sale, Kink.com, Mindgeek and xHamster are among the companies lending financial sponsorship, as well as in-kind services, to Pineapple Support.
“During the tradeshows, there was so much goodwill for what we’re doing, and so many have promised to help support our mission,” said Tanit. “While I’m glad we’ve reached as many as we can, we cannot rest until everyone in our industry is able to access the care they need.”
Connect with Pineapple Support online and follow them on Twitter and Instagram.
