Starting a Non-Profit Was Never the Plan

/in /by

If you’d told me ten years ago that I’d be running an international mental-health nonprofit, attending board meetings, and using phrases like “strategic partnerships” without irony… I would have laughed, finished my drink, and probably asked you to pass me the glitter.

Back then, I was what you might generously call a free spirit. Others might say “wild child.” Either way, my life ran on instinct, spontaneity, and the kind of chaos that felt charming rather than concerning.

And yet here I am, founder and CEO of Pineapple Support, a nonprofit providing free and low-cost mental health support for people working in the online adult industry. Since we launched, we’ve connected thousands of individuals with sex-worker-friendly therapists, facilitated support groups, created educational resources, built global partnerships, and, most importantly, saved lives.

How did this happen?

The Accidental Beginning

Pineapple Support was born out of heartbreak, frustration, and the unbearable weight of watching people in my community struggle without support. The stigma was crushing. Resources were nonexistent. Loss after loss kept hitting us. I didn’t have a plan, but I had a fire in my chest saying: Do something.

And to be clear, I did not plan on starting small.
I aimed for world domination from the very beginning.
Because I only know how to go balls-deep.

I flew home from the January shows, sat down, and started building. By April, we had launched. No sponsors. No guarantees. Just determination, a very nervous savings account, and a refusal to wait for the “right moment”, because people were suffering now.

In that first month, therapy requests started trickling in, two or three at a time, then steady growth. And a few incredible therapists, who still work with us today, offered to delay invoicing until we secured funding. Their generosity built our foundation.

By October, we’d secured our official 501(c)(3) status.
By December, our first sponsor arrived: Pornhub.

I will always be grateful to them for believing in our mission when it was held together mostly by passion, stubbornness, and caffeine.

The Transformation I Didn’t See Coming

Here’s what no one prepares you for:
Starting something like this doesn’t just change your work.
It changes you.

If someone had told me everything I’d need to learn, the emotional growth, the leadership challenges, the internal rewiring, I’m not sure I would’ve had the nerve to start. That’s not the motivational TED Talk line I’m supposed to give you, but it’s the truth.

I went from someone who couldn’t keep a houseplant alive to someone managing a global organisation, overseeing budgets, fundraising, hiring staff, negotiating contracts, and (to my own shock) actively enjoying spreadsheets.

The shift from “wild child” to “businesswoman” was not graceful.
There were mistakes, cringe-worthy emails, panic-inducing meetings, and many nights sitting in the glow of my laptop thinking, What the actual hell have I done?

But slowly, eventually… I found my footing.

Along the way, I learned:

  • Leadership isn’t about being the smartest in the room – it’s about listening to the people in it.

  • Growth is messy, uncomfortable, and usually requires admitting you were wrong more often than you’d like.

  • You can absolutely be taken seriously and still keep your sense of humour. (In fact, it may be the only way to survive.)

The Grateful Bit

I didn’t start Pineapple Support expecting it to change me. I thought I was doing it to help others. But somewhere along the way, it became the thing that helped me, too.

It gave me purpose.
It taught me resilience.
It forced me to develop patience (still a work in progress).
And it showed me that no matter how unlikely your starting point, you can grow into exactly who you need to be.

Would I do it again, knowing what I know now?
Absolutely.

Would I do it exactly the same way?
More or less.

Would I still keep the glitter?
Always.

With love,

Leya

Why Even Bother?

/in /by

Creating a world where asking for help feels brave, not broken | Building safer spaces and turning stigma into support

Someone once asked me, “Why do you care so much?”. It wasn’t meant unkindly , it was a sincere question, and it stopped me, because the answer isn’t simple.

My journey in the adult industry began almost immediately after I finished school, and it was the first place where being a square peg in a round hole wasn’t just accepted, it was celebrated.

Growing up, I was always the misfit. From nursery until the day I left school, I never quite fit the script that everyone else seemed to understand. The world often felt sharp, alien, and isolating.

Until I found this community.

The adult industry was the first place I felt seen. Truly seen. I was surrounded by people who didn’t judge, who accepted me exactly as I was. For the first time, I felt safe being myself, bold, creative, messy, complicated, and still belonging.

That acceptance helped me blossom. It gave me confidence. It gave me identity. It helped shape the person I am today.

Fast forward nearly 20 years to 2017, and the industry was hit by a series of heartbreaking losses. One after another, we lost people we cared about deeply. I watched a community I loved falling through the cracks, no support, no resources, no safety net.

I saw the very people who had lifted me up now struggling quietly, invisibly, still carrying the weight of stigma everywhere they went. People who give so much of themselves to bring others pleasure, yet are denied empathy, respect, or even basic dignity.

And when you witness suffering in a community that once made you feel whole, you don’t just look away.

It broke my heart. If I’m honest, it still does.

That heartbreak became my motivation. Giving back didn’t feel like a choice, it felt like a responsibility.

Over time, this work,  building Pineapple Support, advocating for mental health, fighting stigma, has become part of my identity. It’s been my teacher, my mirror, my greatest challenge, and my proudest creation.

It’s also forced me to recognise my own privilege.
I have a voice that gets heard. Not everyone does.

So I made it my mission to use that voice, loudly, persistently, and unapologetically, for those who feel too tired, too afraid, too unseen to speak up for themselves.

So, why do I care so much?

Because this industry gave me my first sense of belonging.
Because it continues to give to me in ways I can barely explain.
Because every day I meet people with the same spark I once had, and I know how easily that spark can dim without support.

Caring isn’t just part of my work; it’s part of who I am.
This community shaped me.

And as long as I’m here, I’ll keep giving back to it.

with love,

Leya

Leadership, Shame, and the Sacred Hidden in the Chaos

/in /by

Lately, I’ve been tired. Not burnt out, though if we’re being honest, maybe just a little, but purposefully tired. Soul-tired in the way you get when you’re pouring yourself into work that matters. Between maintaining our existing resources and preparing to launch multiple new projects over the next six months, our team is building something big. Something that saves lives, shifts perspectives, and nudges an entire industry toward compassion.

And yet, even in the midst of that purpose, I find myself sitting with shame.

Shame that whispers I should be doing more, being more, holding everything together with more grace and less chaos. Shame for being human in a leadership role that can feel like it demands something superhuman. When I miscommunicate or make assumptions, I find myself wishing I could shield my team from the fallout. They’re brilliant, passionate, and dedicated, and the truth is, I set the pace. I create the workload. I drive the vision that asks so much of all of us.

But I’m learning, slowly, imperfectly, to meet that shame with empathy.

Instead of asking, Why aren’t you doing more?
I’m asking, What do you need right now?

Instead of slipping into criticism, I’m practicing compassion.

It’s messy. It’s uncomfortable. But it’s necessary. Because when you’re leading something that means the world to you, self-compassion becomes a leadership skill. A survival skill, even.

I want to say it gets easier, but it doesn’t. The goals grow. The pressure builds. The stakes rise.
But so does the impact.

And these next goals? They’re huge.
And I’ve got this.
We’ve got this.

I am endlessly grateful to every person walking this path with me, the team that believes, the partners who trust us, the community that keeps reminding us why the work matters.

The truth is, I haven’t been practicing everything we preach lately. I still make it to the gym, routine is my anchor, but after work, I crash. My social battery is empty. I haven’t checked in on the people I love, and yes, I feel guilty about that too.

But here’s what I do know:

The way we speak to ourselves matters.
Self-leadership matters.

If I can’t offer myself grace, how can I extend it to my team?
How can I offer it to the community we serve?

This work is messy.
But it’s sacred too.

Sometimes the sacred hides in spreadsheets and schedules.
In Slack messages and strategy decks.
In showing up even when you’re tired —
especially when you’re tired.

So here’s to the leaders who show up with empathy.
Here’s to the teams who hold big visions with open hearts.
Here’s to remembering that softness is strength
and rest is part of the mission.

with love,

Leya

Self-Love, Resilience, and Being True to Who You Are (Even When It’s Really Hard)

/in /by

Some days I’m neck-deep in the work of Gabor Maté. Other days, I’m crawling back to Brené Brown like the emotionally-exhausted, purpose-driven nonprofit CEO that I am.

Today is a Brené day.

There’s one quote of hers that I return to whenever the noise gets louder than the purpose — when the criticism, assumptions, and unsolicited opinions start to feel heavier than the mission:

“If you are not in the arena getting your ass kicked on occasion, I am not interested in or open to your feedback… There are a million cheap seats in the world today filled with people who will never be brave with their own lives, but will spend every ounce of energy they have hurling advice and judgement at those of us trying to dare greatly.”

Working in and advocating for the adult industry means that judgment is never far away. People form opinions quickly — about creators, about the industry, about the work we do at Pineapple Support — often without any real understanding. And yet, despite all the noise, we keep showing up.

When I founded Pineapple Support, plenty of people told me it wouldn’t work.
Too controversial.
Too ambitious.
Too difficult to fund.

But the people who really knew me didn’t hesitate. They understood that passion, purpose, and persistence can move mountains — and that the need for this work was bigger than the stigma surrounding it.

Brené talks about writing down the names of people whose opinions truly matter on a one-inch square of paper. That small square is a reminder of something powerful: most people are not qualified to give feedback on your life. If they’re not in the arena with you, fighting, failing, learning, and trying again, their opinions don’t deserve space in your mind.

I come back to that lesson often. Especially on the days when we are doing everything we can — and it still doesn’t feel like enough. When we cannot make everyone happy. When the weight of public perception clashes with the reality of running a mission-led organization.

What I’ve learned is this:

Self-love is more than self-care.
It’s being authentic even when it’s inconvenient.
It’s standing by your values when you’re misunderstood.
It’s choosing softness in a world that rewards hardness.
And it’s deciding whose voices get to come in — and whose stay outside.

To anyone building something meaningful, challenging stigma, or simply trying to live in alignment with who they are: keep going. Not everyone will understand your path, and that’s okay. Impact doesn’t always look like applause. Sometimes it looks like quiet, steady work behind the scenes that slowly changes lives, minds, and systems.

I love what I do. I love who I do it for. And I am proud — deeply proud — of the work Pineapple Support is doing to transform how our industry understands mental health, community, and care.

Let’s keep showing up for each other.
And just as importantly, let’s keep showing up for ourselves.

(Photograph from the day Pineapple Support launched at EXXXOTICA Denver.)

With love,

Leya

Pineapple Support Announces the 2025 Mental Health Summit

/in /by

“Sexual Education for the Sexually Educated – The Body-Mind Connection” 

 December 15–17, 2025 | 10 AM PST / 1 PM EST / 7 PM CET | 100% Online via Zoom 

Pineapple Support proudly announces the return of its annual Mental Health Summit, a three-day virtual event dedicated to exploring the powerful connection between sex, the body, and the mind. Presented by: Friends to Follow, and sponsored by Pornhub, StripChat, NiteFlirt and Reveal Me, the Summit will take place online on December 15–17, 2025,  

This year’s summit “Sexual Education for the Sexually Educated – The Body-Mind Connection”, brings together top mental health professionals, educators, and influential community voices for an immersive series of workshops and panel discussions. 

“At  Friends to follow: F2F.com, we believe that a strong body-mind connection is essential for every creator’s wellbeing. Pineapple Support leads the way in strengthening that foundation. We’re proud to support the 2025 Mental Health Summit and its mission to empower, educate, and uplift our community.” – Martijn, F2F

Centered on pleasure, identity, intimacy, and emotional resilience, the summit examines how sexuality shapes mental wellbeing and how individuals working in sex-positive environments can cultivate safety, empowerment, and self-acceptance. The event welcomes adult performers, creators, and industry professionals, along with mental health providers and advocates committed to trauma-informed, inclusive, and affirming care. 

The 2025 summit features key speakers Selina Smith, Jasmine Johnson, Rainier McCall, Nicki Line, and Dr. Tess Kilwein, accompanied by a diverse lineup of industry-leading panelists including Casey Calvert, Nyxon, Ana Foxx, Erika Love, Nyssa Nevers, Natassia Dreams, Nikki Night, Alec Hardy, Finny Fox, Josy Black, Laura Desiree, and Dillon Diaz. 

“Every year, this summit reminds us just how powerful our community is when we come together to learn, heal, and support one another. The connection between sex, the body, and the mind is at the core of our work at Pineapple Support, and this year’s theme truly reflects that. I’m incredibly proud to offer a space where creators can access knowledge, compassion, and affirmation without judgment.” Leya Tanit, Founder & CEO, Pineapple Support

Pineapple Support was founded by Leya Tanit in 2018, after a string of losses in the adult industry from depression and other mental illnesses. The organization, a qualified 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization in the United States, has connected over 16,000 adult performers to mental health services, including free and low-cost therapy, counseling, and emotional support. 

 

Registration is free, and all presentations will be streamed live via Zoom. For more information and to register, visit PineappleSummit.org

RevealMe Joins Pineapple Support As Supporter-Level Sponsor

/in /by

Pineapple Support, the adult industry’s leading mental health nonprofit, is pleased to welcome RevealMe as a supporter-level sponsor. The premium creator platform joins over seventy adult businesses and organizations in committing funds and resources to the organization.

“At RevealMe, our models are at the heart of everything we do,” says William Farrington, Co-Founder of RevealMe. “We know that success in this industry isn’t just about opportunity — it’s about feeling supported, valued, and cared for as a whole person. Partnering with Pineapple Support is our way of investing in the mental health and wellbeing of our community, ensuring that every model and member of our team has access to the care, compassion, and resources they deserve. By prioritising emotional wellbeing, we’re not only building a stronger platform, but helping to create a kinder, more sustainable future for the adult industry.”

Pineapple Support was founded by British performer Leya Tanit in 2018, after a string of losses in the adult industry from depression and other mental illnesses. The organization, a qualified 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization in the United States, has connected over 16,000 adult performers to mental health services, including free and low-cost therapy, counseling, and emotional support.

“We’re thrilled to welcome RevealMe as a sponsor,” says Tanit. “Their commitment to speaks volumes about the values at the core of their platform. We’re incredibly grateful for their support, which helps us continue to provide essential mental health resources to those who need them most.”

For more information and to become a member of Pineapples United, the membership club for adult industry members, please visit Pineapplesupport.org/Pineapples-United. If you have a business and would like to find out how to become an official sponsor of Pineapple Support, view the available packages by visiting Pineapplesupport.org/sponsorship.

 

Vonfirm level

 

are there more now?

 

confirm name

Duke Tax Joins Pineapple Support As Supporter-Level Sponsor

/in /by

Pineapple Support, the adult industry’s leading mental health nonprofit, is pleased to welcome Duke Tax as a supporter-level sponsor. The tax firm for creators joins over seventy adult businesses and organizations in committing funds and resources to the organization.

“We’re proud to support Pineapple Support, an organization that offers compassionate, judgment-free professional coaching, counselling and therapy tailored to the current challenges and complexities in the ever-evolving social media landscape,” says Duke Alexander Moore, Founder and CEO of Duke Tax. “Working as a creator can often be a lonely experience and having a platform like Pineapple Support that provides the tools and team to promote positive mental health can truly change your life. We’re proud to be a part of a community that highlights our shared values and provides invaluable services to creators.”

Pineapple Support was founded by British performer Leya Tanit in 2018, after a string of losses in the adult industry from depression and other mental illnesses. The organization, a qualified 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization in the United States, has connected over 16,000 adult performers to mental health services, including free and low-cost therapy, counseling, and emotional support.

“We’re so pleased to welcome Duke Tax as a supporter of Pineapple Support,” says Tanit. “Duke and his team champion the financial and emotional wellbeing of content creators, and their support highlights the growing awareness around mental health in our industry. Their generosity will directly help us continue to offer vital mental health resources to those in need.”

For more information and to become a member of Pineapples United, the membership club for adult industry members, please visit Pineapplesupport.org/Pineapples-United. If you have a business and would like to find out how to become an official sponsor of Pineapple Support, view the available packages by visiting Pineapplesupport.org/sponsorship.

 

confirm level

Natalie Pereira Joins Pineapple Support as Executive Assistant

/in /by

Pineapple Support, the adult industry’s leading mental health nonprofit, is proud to welcome Natalie Pereira as its new Executive Assistant. A passionate advocate for mental health, Pereira will support the organization’s mission to provide inclusive and stigma-free support to performers across the adult industry.

“I believe mental health support should be accessible without fear or shame,” says Pereira. “Joining Pineapple Support feels deeply aligned with my purpose, to contribute to spaces that celebrate authenticity while providing real tools and resources to those who need them most.”

Pineapple Support was founded by British performer Leya Tanit in 2018, after a string of losses in the adult industry from depression and other mental illnesses. The organization, a qualified 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization in the United States, has connected over 16,000 adult performers to mental health services, including free and low-cost therapy, counseling, and emotional support.

“Natalie brings not only skill and creativity but a lived understanding of the communities we serve,” says Tanit. “Her commitment to destigmatizing mental health and creating inclusive, celebratory spaces makes her an incredible addition to our team. I’m thrilled to welcome her to Pineapple Support.”

For more information and to become a member of Pineapples United, the membership club for adult industry members, please visit Pineapplesupport.org/Pineapples-United. If you have a business and would like to find out how to become an official sponsor of Pineapple Support, view the available packages by visiting Pineapplesupport.org/sponsorship.

RM11 Joins Pineapple Support As Supporter-Level Sponsor

/in /by

Pineapple Support, the adult industry’s leading mental health nonprofit, is pleased to welcome RM11 as a supporter-level sponsor. The premium creator-focused platform joins over seventy adult businesses and organizations in committing funds and resources to the organization.

“RM11 isn’t just another paywall, it’s a creator-first, premium experience,” says Natasha August, CEO & Co-Founder of RM11. “RM11 offers the highest revenue split in the industry and tools to monetize engagement through livestreams, video calls, messages, exclusive content, and more. With concierge support that reduces burnout, creators can focus on what they love most: creating.”

Pineapple Support was founded by Leya Tanit in 2018, after a string of losses in the adult industry from depression and other mental illnesses. The organization, a qualified 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization in the United States, has connected over 16,000 adult performers to mental health services, including free and low-cost therapy, counseling, and emotional support.

“We’re thrilled to welcome RM11 as a new sponsor,” says Tanit. “Their commitment to reducing burnout and supporting creators aligns with our mission to ensure performers have access to mental health care and emotional support. RM11’s contribution helps us continue to meet the growing needs of our community.”

To learn more about becoming a sponsor of Pineapple Support, please visithttps://pineapplesupport.org/sponsorship. Details about additional ways to support, as a company or individual, can be found on the organization’s website https://pineapplesupport.org.

 

The quote here doesn’t make RM11 look that great, as it generally promotional about RM11 and not the PS mission/needs of creators. Was this all they sent over? If so, we can run it but just wanted to flag for Leya that it reads a little off. Her call.

Athena Bellamy Joins Pineapple Support as Brand Ambassador

/in /by

Pineapple Support, the adult industry’s leading mental health nonprofit, has appointed Athena Bellamy as its latest brand ambassador. The adult performer, mentor, and mental health advocate joins a growing team of ambassadors dedicated to promoting mental wellness and supporting performer wellbeing across the industry. Bellamy is widely recognized for her self-care advocacy and has created transformative tools for sex workers, including The Camming Compass workbook.

[ATHENA QUOTE]

Pineapple Support was founded by British performer Leya Tanit in 2018, after a string of losses in the adult industry from depression and other mental illnesses. The organization, a qualified 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization in the United States, has connected over 16,000 adult performers to mental health services, including free and low-cost therapy, counseling, and emotional support.

“Athena’s advocacy work is incredibly aligned with our mission,” says Tanit. “She brings a powerful combination of lived experience, professional insight, and a deep commitment to uplifting her peers. We’re thrilled to have her join our Pineapple Support ambassador team.”

For more information and to become a member of Pineapples United, the membership club for adult industry members, please visit Pineapplesupport.org/Pineapples-United. If you have a business and would like to find out how to become an official sponsor of Pineapple Support, view the available packages by visiting Pineapplesupport.org/sponsorship.