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

Maitland Ward Featured in A&E's Docuseries 'Secrets of Celebrity Sex Tapes'

Multi-XMAs winner Maitland Ward is featured in the A&E documentary series "Secrets of Celebrity Sex Tapes."

Andi Avalon Stars in Latest From TeamSkeet

Andi Avalon stars with Scarlet Skies and Mike Mancini in a new scene for TeamSkeet’s “Shoplyfter” series, titled “Case No. 8004034 — Guards Need to Cool Off Too.”

Sarah Arabic Performs Her 1st Anal for Brazzers

Sarah Arabic performs her first anal scene alongside multi-XMAs winner Mick Blue in the latest Brazzers release.

Evil Angel Drops Angelo Godshack's 'Hardcore Gangbangs 5'

Evil Angel has released director Angelo Godshack’s “Hardcore Gangbangs 5.”

Getting the Band Together: The All-Star Team Behind 'Once Upon a TS Summer'

“I should have died on impact.” That’s Blake Lovely talking about a Nevada car accident she was in last December. We’re discussing her new feature, “Once Upon a TS Summer,” which premiered Thursday — but Lovely doesn’t just want to talk about the movie itself. She wants to explore the entire process that took her from being a relatively new, rising performer to becoming the driving force behind one of the major trans titles to drop in 2025.

Ariel Demure Stars in Final Installment of GenderX Feature 'Transpirella'

Reigning XMAs Trans Performer of the Year Ariel Demure stars in the final installment of GenderX's "Vampirella” parody "Transpirella,” directed by Jim Powers.

Coco Bae Makes Her Hentaied Debut

Coco Bae has made her Hentaied debut opposite Black Angel for studio brand Freeze in “The Power to Do Anything,” directed by Sofia Lee.

Merida Sat Leads Latest From Immoral Productions

Merida Sat stars in a new Immoral Productions trilogy alongside John Price and studio honcho “Porno Dan” Leal.

Ricky's Room Drops 2nd Installment of Roxie Sinner Showcase

Ricky’s Room has released the second installment of its Roxie Sinner showcase, titled "Roxie’s Foursome Fantasy."

Cubbi Thompson Fronts Latest From New Sensations

Cubbi Thompson and Vince Karter star in the latest release from New Sensations.

Show More