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

Adult Time Drops Latest Installment of Jim Powers' 'MILF Overload'

Adult Time has released the latest installment of director Jim Powers' series "MILF Overload."

Vixi Rafi Is Hustler's 'Cover Honey' for January

Vixi Rafi is the Cover Honey for the January issue of Hustler Magazine and appears in a 14-page centerfold spread shot by Davide Esposito.

Siri Dahl Featured in Pornhub's 'Model Spotlight'

Siri Dahl is featured in Pornhub’s latest “Model Spotlight” blog.

Brandi Johnson Makes Her WIFEY Debut

Brandi Johnson stars with her husband Daniel, Dan Damage, and Goldey in the latest release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint WIFEY.

Richelle Ryan, Vince Karter Star in Christmas-Themed Release From New Sensations

Richelle Ryan and multi-XMAs winner Vince Karter star in the latest release from New Sensations.

Toby Dick Drops New Evil Angel Release With Baby Kxtten

Baby Kxtten stars in a new Evil Angel scene alongside director/performer Toby Dick.

Cherry Kiss Talks Perfectionism, Pressure and Loving the Grind

Cherry Kiss was en route to Exxxotica New Jersey when she learned she had received her green card. Fittingly, she had just landed at an airport in New York — home to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. After successfully navigating the naturalization process, which she describes as “hard work,” she felt grateful for the friends who helped her with all the paperwork, and has since been trying to pay it forward by helping other friends with their U.S. visa applications.

Elizabeth Skylar Stars in Christmas-Themed Elegant Angel Release

Elizabeth Skylar stars with Parker Ambrose in a scene from Elegant Angel titled “A Hotwife for Christmas.”

PASS Names 3 New Board Members

Performer Availability Screening Services (PASS) has named RubyLynne, Beth McKenna, and Kira Noir as new members of its board of directors.

Show More