Next up in our Black History Month Series is Valeria Atreides! We talk to her about her range of interests that bridge music with fashion and sex work, helping her express her creativity to the fullest. Valeria tells us about books and films she has found inspirational, the unique challenges Black Trans sex workers face, gives some tips to new BIPOC Performers, shares her hobbies, and more.
Tell us a little about yourself. How did you get started in the adult industry?
I dabbled in camming off and on over the last decade. At the start of the pandemic, I lost my day job and decided to put more effort into fan sites and X (formerly Twitter), which resulted in studios reaching out to me.
What are some tips you would give to BIPOC sex workers who are just starting out?
Listen to your body and mind regarding when to say no and when to rest. Also, ask for what you want/need and do not sit back and wait for opportunities to present themselves to you.
What are some unique challenges Black Trans sex workers face?
From customers telling other workers they are “glad they’re white” to feeling like you must fit into a specific, polished, and frankly more basic image to be taken seriously, whereas others being alternative seems applauded. And noticing that the same 10 or so Caucasian Trans women get most of the bookings, the challenges can seem endless. And I am a lighter skinned girl. I can only imagine the things darker skinned sex workers deal with. But the world is changing, so I keep my head up!
What are some steps studios, platforms, and sex workers can take to help shape the industry in positive ways and dismantle racism?
Firstly, just hire more non-white people across the board, in front of and behind the camera, so that there are fewer instances of someone being wronged and feeling like there is no one around them to validate their perspective.
Then examining the ways where perpetuating certain stereotypes/fetishes, regardless of “how well it sells,” creates a feedback loop that validates the consumers assumptions and biases. As another example, we have seen the term “shemale” lessening in usage, I think in part because of the adult industry using more appropriate terms.
Tell us how empathy and listening to the experience of BIPOC Performers can help to create safer spaces.
I think humans get very defensive about being wrong and causing harm when we should be more focused on listening and learning new perspectives. We only have our own unique path of life to go by, and we are bound to unintentionally hurt others who do not share that experience, so I think we should shift our instinct of “needing to be good” closer towards being open to learning from people who differ from us.
What are some support networks Performers can access for resources and other educational materials?
The one I have personally tried was Pineapple Support which helped me get affordable therapy when I was going through a rough patch! It was quick and easy to be matched with a therapist.
Your Model profile says you enjoy reading and watching films. What are some books and films you have recently watched that inspired you?
Currently, I am reading Art Sex Music by one of my favorite musicians Cosey Fanni Tutti (Throbbing Gristle). As someone who likes experimental art/music, it is great to see that someone straddled those worlds as well as sex work. And yet here we are, decades after Cosey bridges those spaces, and people in certain arts communities still begin to stutter when I tell them I do porn!
For films, Kokomo City was a nice authentic look at modern Black Trans women in different life paths. The use of humor while discussing darker topics mirrors my own communication. And of course, seeing people who are like me and finding happiness, love, etc. is always reassuring.
What other activities do you enjoy doing? Any hobbies, passions, or causes you want to tell us about?
In my free time I am usually consuming documentaries on true crime, aviation, and cosmology (specific interest in black holes, no pun intended). I also love to DJ, mostly industrial, noise, and techno. But I am also really into jungle, drum and bass, breakcore, ambient, and Memphis rap!
I have an archival fashion collection that I am proud of. Margiela, CDG, and Rick Owens are my favorites. But also, my good friends at House of Perception are amazing and slowly taking up space in my closet!
Collecting taxidermy is another thing I love! Very grateful to have found 2 fawns (one is albino), which are my dream finds!
In a world of talent, how do you make sure to stand out? How does brand marketing play a role in your growth strategy?
I try to incorporate my love of experimental fashion, music, and media into my work, whether that is visually, props, discussing my interests with fans, or even my stage name! For me authenticity while remaining sexy is key.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Meeting all these independent, intelligent women from all different walks of life! In terms of filming, I think doing Legal Porno in Prague fulfilled a fantasy of mine in a secure environment (a gangbang and watersports).
Tell us about your career goals; what would you like to accomplish in the next year?
I would like to work with more studios, have my fan sites pay all my bills on their own, and have more consistent collabs lined up with other creators!
Who are some Black Performers we should all have on our radar and why?
EROS ORISHA, Destiny Mira, Leilani Li, and Jasmine Lotus! All are gorgeous, but also equally as sweet, genuine, and helpful to other women in the industry.
We are not at all surprised to learn about Valeria’s positive experience with Pineapple Support. If you need affordable therapy, Pineapple Support is a free to use therapy center for all members of the sex work community. Visit their website to learn how they can help you today.
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