Trans Pioneer Wendy Williams Inks Publicity Pact With Ikigai Marketing

LAS VEGAS — Trans pioneer Wendy Williams has inked with Kristel Penn’s Ikigai Marketing for publicity services.

The performer, producer and entrepreneur is a Transgender Erotica Awards honoree for Lifetime Achievement as well as the first XBIZ Awards winner for Trans Performer of the Year.

Her two-decade genre-hopping career includes the 2012 Urban X award for Transsexual Interracial Performer of the Year and 2017 BBW Awards Trans Star of the Year honors.

Williams had typically flacked for herself, but elected to sign with Ikigai when she decided to begin stepping away from onscreen performances. "I am excited to work with Ikigai as my time in front of the camera comes to a close,” she said. “I decided I wanted someone to help me navigate and (brainstorm) with. I have so many projects that having Kristel in my corner can only make things easier and more professional.”

Williams’ varied slate of projects her personal cosmetics line, Painted by Wendy; producing and hosting the long-running weekly trans event LexingtonTGirlParties.com; and ownership of the Roadhouse LGBT bar in Cookeville, Tennessee.

Penn praised Williams’ advocacy and her pioneering career in adult. “It’s an honor to work with Wendy during this pivotal moment of her career,” Penn said. “By the time I entered the adult industry 11 years ago, Wendy was one of the most well-known performers in trans porn, and that continues today. She has been a longtime advocate of trans inclusion in the adult industry, and I believe her visibility and hard work has helped shape what our genre looks like today.”

Follow Williams on Twitter and Instagram.

Williams is among the trans industry luminaries interviewed in the current XBIZ World cover story "Trans Pop! How a Fringe Genre Captured the Imagination of Adult." Click here to read it.

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

Cameryn Morie Makes Her WIFEY Debut

Cameryn Morie stars with her husband Bobby B. and Alberto Blanco in the latest release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint WIFEY.

Ken Feels Returns to Bellesa House

Ken Feels stars with Aviana Violet in the latest scene from Bellesa House.

Coco Bae Stars in 'Futa's Curse' From Futanari XXX

Coco Bae stars with Matty Mila in “Futa’s Curse,” from Futanari XXX, directed by Mark Zicha.

Elly Clutch Stars in Latest From Ricky's Room

2024 XMAs Female Clip Creator of the Year Elly Clutch stars in the latest release from Ricky's Room, titled "An Aftershock Affair."

Isa Bella, Sage Hunter Topline 'Lesbian Hotwives 3' From Sweetheart Video

Isa Bella and Sage Hunter headline the third volume of "Lesbian Hotwives," from Mile High Media studio imprint Sweetheart Video.

LeWood Drops 5th Volume of 'Anal Crazed'

Evil Angel has released “Anal Crazed 5,” the latest title from director/performer duo LeWood (Francesca Le and Mark Wood).

Remy Rune, Ruby Moon Headline Latest 'Lesbian Seductions'

Remy Rune and Ruby Moon topline the 81st volume of “Lesbian Seductions” from Girlfriends Films.

Mature.nl Taps MsSexySaigon as Producer

Mature.nl has named MsSexySaigon as its newest studio producer.

Ny Ny Lew Returns to Brazzers

Ny Ny Lew stars with multi-XMAs winner Vince Karter in the latest scene from Brazzers, titled “Naughty Ny Ny.”

Digital Playground Premieres Ricky Greenwood's Feature Thriller 'Raw'

Digital Playground has dropped “Raw,” the latest thriller from multi-XMAs winner Ricky Greenwood.

Show More