LOS ANGELES — Chaturbate held its 3rd annual Health and Wellness Day on Sept. 25, highlighting various ways for broadcasters to maintain peak physical and mental health.
A rep said that the event "was once again a resounding success, with participants learning from fellow broadcasters about everything from how to maintain their mental health, to what to expect when transitioning, to how to learn to not only accept but love their bodies."
Chaturbate's Health and Wellness Day took place on the streaming platform, and featured panelists and a keynote speaker.
“Chaturbate has always taken the health and wellness of its broadcasters seriously,” said Shirley Lara, the company's chief operations officer. “We want to make sure we are always doing everything we can to support our broadcasters, and the annual Health and Wellness event has become very popular. For people to get the message that they are supported at all levels is something we really believe in.”
The day kicked off with a panel titled "Nourishing Body & Mind: Healthy Habits," featuring Dr. Jess, Juliette Garden and Drizzy. The group talked about how food can affect the mind and body, and offered tips on finding a healthy balance. Nourishing snacks, taking the time for meal prep and enjoying foods high in Omega 3 fatty acids are all essential, the trio agreed, as is making sure you get the right amount and type of rest, especially since many broadcasters work nontraditional hours.
Garden said she prepares for sleep by making sure she is in a dark room and has complete silence, while Drizzy noted it can be difficult to prioritize self care when your schedule is out of sync with most people around you, but stressed that it is still important to schedule it.
“You can care about your friends, your family and even your fans, but you can’t fill other people up and then still care about yourself,” Garden explained.
Self-Confidence and Broadcasters' Health and Wellness
Following the sessions, Leila Lewis, the XBIZ Award-winning BBW adult performer and content creator, presented the keynote address. She shared the challenges she encountered while breaking into the industry, as well as the successes she has enjoyed, in "Curves and Confidence: Navigating Body Image as a Curvier Model."
Lewis noted that she joined the industry in 2017, at the peak of the body acceptance movement, but still had problems finding agencies to represent her and companies to work with. Most did not want to take chances on plus-size models, she said, despite the fact that "BBW" and "plus size" are consistently leading search terms on all types of adult sites.
She shared that keeping a positive attitude throughout the process took some effort, and she still works daily at making sure she loves her body. Lewis suggested daily affirmations for her fellow broadcasters, as well as realizing that while there might be people who don’t find you appealing, there are just as many who do.
“No matter what or who you are, there is a place in this industry for you,” she said.
Following Lewis’ talk was the LGBTQ+ Transitioning panel, moderated by Dr. Xtine Milrod and featuring panelists Muse and Aurora Skye. The three discussed the challenges and rewards that come with working to become your true self. Among the points they addressed was the use of pronouns.
“Use whatever pronouns make you feel like you,” Muse advised, while Skye warned against restricting yourself.
“You might identify by a lot of pronouns or just one,” Skye counseled. “It depends on how you feel inside.”
The panelists also discussed the term "nonbinary" with Skye commenting, “Nobody fits really into one box,” before touching up one of the hardest things people transitioning must deal with: transphobia.
“Cis people are never questioned about why they are the way they are, and that’s not fair,” Skye said.
The Importance of Body Acceptance
The final panel of the day, "Body Acceptance & Mental Health," featured moderator Dr. Danielle Sass and Chaturbate broadcasters Ashley Blayde, Dahlia Dee and Kates Kurves. The focus of the panel was self-love and acceptance and how it fosters resilient mental health.
“Being in front of so many awesome people who are telling you how attractive you are really helps to boost your confidence,” said Dee, adding that her goal is always body acceptance versus body positivity.
Kurves echoed that sentiment, adding that at the start of her career, she was skeptical that she would be able to find fans since she is plus-sized, but that she has since learned there is someone for everyone.
“Camming has really helped me to learn to love myself more, and that was such a weight lifted,” she said.
Blayde talked about how she started her sobriety journey during her camming career, and has undergone emotional, mental and physical changes during the process, but has found fans who have been supportive every step of the way.
Self-love was also addressed during the panel, with Sass noting that self-care is inclusive for all genders.
“Self-love is not a girl thing,” added Dee. “It’s not just a tub and a glass of wine; it is about consciously treating yourself kindly.”
For more information and to watch videos of the event, visit Chaturbate.com.