Adult performer, director, and sex-positive online educator – Chanel Preston is making serious waves in the adult industry. As a performer in the industry for over 5 years, Chanel has been nominated for several AVN awards and launched a sexuality web series “Naked with Chanel”, with widespread support. So, how she start working in the adult industry, and what has her experience been like? How does sex-positive empowerment play a role in her career, and desire to inspire and educate others?
I find it unfortunate that people are so misinformed about something that is so natural for everyone. I want to be a part of changing the misconceptions people have about sex so they can have healthier attitudes about sex and lead more fulfilling lives as a result.
– Chanel Preston
We couldn’t agree more! We got behind the scenes with Chanel Preston in a candid interview, complete with how she overcomes slut-shaming, and her advice if you’re interested in joining the adult industry yourself!
What inspired you to start working in your field, and what has the journey been like?
I have always been very comfortable with my body and sex in general. When I started stripping, I became more fascinated with the sex industry. It’s all around us, but it’s not an industry that a lot of people know much about. When I got into porn, I saw it as an opportunity to build a career and was already very comfortable with it, so I always approached my line of work as a business.
That’s amazing! What does a typical day at work look like for you?
Being in this industry, everyday can be so different. Generally, I have to be to work in the morning, but many times I don’t go into work until the afternoon or evening. I can spend anywhere from 4 to 24 hours on set depending on the company and the type of shoot. When I am not shooting scenes I am dancing, making appearances, or working on other things such as my podcast and blog on my website www.nakedwithchanel.com.
What is the most rewarding or fun part of your work?
I love performing! It’s so much fun and gives me an opportunity to explore myself sexually in a safe and comfortable environment. Not every gets the opportunity to do this, so I find it very rewarding. I also have an opportunity to help people explore their own sexuality. I love advocating for healthy sexual attitudes!
What are some challenges you’ve faced, or the hardest part of your work?
Because most of my work has remained in the adult industry, I haven’t had to face a lot of discrimination as a sex worker. However, I know as I branch out this may become something I am faced with more. Other than that, I would say the hardest part of my job is physical. If anyone watched hardcore pornography, they can see that a lot of the performers are doing some pretty physically demanding things. If I am working a lot, it puts a lot of stress on my body. I always jokingly complain about my bad whore knees.
I love the idea of “keeping people naked”. What sparked your passion for sex positivity?
I always knew I would go in this direction, so I have always had a passion for sex positivity. Over the years, seeing how uneducated people are has sparked my interest even more. I find it unfortunate that people are so misinformed about something that is so natural for everyone. I want to be a part of changing the misconceptions people have about sex so they can have healthier attitudes about sex and lead more fulfilling lives as a result.
Your web series and website addresses misconceptions about sex and the industry, plus sex-positive advice and education. How has this work, plus your other work in the adult industry, been empowering for you?
It’s very fulfilling to share my experiences with others in order to help them feel more comfortable with sexuality. Spreading my message is empowering to me and being the adult industry has given me the experiences I needed to have that message in the first place. I love speaking to others about sex and helping others have a discussion about sex also empowers me and hopefully empowers others.
How do you experience and overcome slut-shaming, or criticism about your field of work?
When I experience slut-shaming or criticism about my field, it tends to inspire me to work harder at changing people’s perception about sex and sex workers. I wouldn’t be here trying to educate others if the slut-shaming and criticism didn’t exist, so I use it as fuel. Also, I strongly stand behind that fact that being in the adult industry has made me a better person, so it’s really difficult for others to make me feel bad for the choices I have made. I love everything I have done with my life, and I wouldn’t be the person I am today without having made these choices.
What advice do you have for women who might be interested in working in this industry?
I always tell women getting into the industry to do your research. Make sure you are getting in for the right reasons and you are prepared for the repercussions you may experiencing involving yourself in the sex world. Being in the adult industry is like a tattoo; it never goes away. You have to be mentally prepared for this, and if it’s not something you are comfortable with, then this may not be the job for you. Also, the glitz and glamour that many see as an outsider does not exist anymore. We have to work REALLY hard to make a living now-a-days. If you think this will be easy money, then the choice to enter the adult industry should be reconsidered. I am also the president of a performer organization that offers some resources and information on getting into the industry here http://apac-usa.com/education/. Editor’s Note: This is an incredible resource! Definitely watch their video Porn 101 here.
What are some resources you’d recommend for readers to learn more about their own sexuality?
For starters, you can visit my website www.nakedwithchanel.com. I blog and post webisodes about topics related to sexuality. Also, I always recommend following sex-positive educators on Twitter. There are more and more resources out there, but they are not always easy to find, unfortunately. Twitter is the best way I have been able to explore other educators that have similar interests and goals as me.
Thanks for chatting with me! Before you go, do you have any plugs or upcoming projects you’re working on that we can look forward to?
Certainly my website www.nakedwithchanel.com. I am also always posting all my upcoming projects on my Twitter as well at @chanelpreston or @nakedwithchanel.
