Happy International Women’s Day to all the badass babes who make up our wondaful community! Join us in celebrating women's achievements with this year's theme #BreakTheBias. This year, we asked some of the amazing women in our Model Program what breaking the bias means to them.
Besides being one of the most recognized and decorated names in the game, Cherie DeVille is an outspoken activist penning think-pieces about contemporary issues surrounding free speech and sex work. Her dedication to standing up for and uplifting the voices of her multifaceted colleagues is just one of the reasons Cherie is a badass woman #BreakingTheBias!
What misconceptions do people still have about female adult performers? How do you personally challenge that?
I think the biggest problem is that they dehumanize us, so to fight against that, I try to do a lot of content that’s not just sexual. I write for a variety of news outlets, I try and put out a lot of comedy content and lifestyle content, not just for myself, but to show fans that we’re just people. Different people with different interests, not just sexual!
This year’s theme is #BreakTheBias – how do you contribute to Breaking the Biases people have about women and the industry?
I try to get out in the mainstream, I try to do projects that aren’t always pornographic to show that I and all of the other performers in the industry are multifaceted individuals that do more than just have sex on camera. I write for the Daily Beast and make a lot of advocacy content.
What is a misconception or bias people might have against you that you’d want to address?
Something I see a lot of in interactions with fans is that they assume all adult performers will have sex with anyone at any time. And when you’re not willing to do that, they get confused and hurt. I want to remind people that we are human beings with choices. Just because we have more sex than you do, doesn’t mean that that sex is without choice. We are still people who have the right to say yes or no to any experience. Being a sex worker doesn’t inherently mean we have to have sex with you. It’s the same problem street-based sex workers have with law enforcement saying, “they can’t be sexually assaulted because they’re whores”. I need people to know that just because you’re in the sex industry doesn’t mean that all sexual contact is appropriate. We still have personal choice and we’re actual human beings!
Tell us about how and when you got your start; were there any challenges as a woman entering the game in your 30s?
I think the fact that I entered the industry in my 30s was a blessing. The MILF category was incredibly popular when I started, so they were always looking for women in their 30s and 40s to play these roles. And as you might have noticed, there’s way less women in their 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s in the adult industry than there are women in their 20s. So tons of roles, plus huge demand, plus a small set of performers doing the work, it got my name out of there much faster than if I had to compete for “teen 18+” roles!
What do you accredit your success to?
I accredit my success to my professionalism. I think my professionalism got me as many jobs as my acting skills, or sexual performances, or my lovely face. I think showing up prepared, having your wardrobe, having your lines well memorized, being professional and being in a good mood will get you just as far as having amazing physical attributes. Honestly, that is the main advice I would give any new up and coming performer. Be professional, answer your emails punctually, communicate with your agent if you have one, show up on set well prepared and well groomed, know your lines, and have your stuff. That will get you as many gigs as any performance or physical based attribute!
Keep up with Cherie on Instagram: @Cheriedevillexo and Twitter: @CherieDeVille
Collectively, we can all speak up, support, inspire, and #BreakTheBias to help create a world free of stereotypes and discrimination. So join in, comment, and tell us what it means to you!
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