Loneliness – An Epidemic
A transformative three-day online educational event, “Loneliness – An Epidemic,” where we delve into the complexities of loneliness and its profound impact on our well-being. You are now able to watch this event on our YouTube channel. See the full schedule below.
Why Attend?
In our increasingly digital world, passive consumption and social comparison are quickly replacing genuine human interaction, contributing to a significant rise in loneliness. This pervasive issue is not just a fleeting feeling; it negatively impacts both our physical and mental health.
While loneliness affects everyone, it can be particularly prevalent for individuals working in the adult industry. The nature of this work, often done in isolation and against a backdrop of polarized public opinion, can exacerbate feelings of loneliness. Whether you are creating personal content from home, engaging in camming, or any other form of remote work, the lack of in-person connections can take a toll.
What to Expect:
Each session will include a comprehensive presentation followed by an interactive group discussion, allowing participants to share their experiences and learn from one another.
Unpacking Feelings of Loneliness: Understand the root causes of loneliness and how it manifests in our lives.
Forming Meaningful Connections: Explore practical strategies for building and maintaining healthy relationships.
The Importance of Touch and Contact: Learn about the crucial role physical touch plays in our emotional well-being.
Connections on the Spectrum/Neurodivergent: Discover ways to form connections that respect neurodiversity and accommodate different social needs.
Addressing Social Anxiety: Gain insights into overcoming social anxiety to foster more fulfilling interactions.
With thanks to;
Webinar 1 (August 27th): “Loner Wolf or Lonely Wolf?”: How to Recognize the Impact of Loneliness on Mental Health – with Nigel Cook
11am PDT | 2pm EDT | 8pm CEST
Human beings require social connection, and those social needs manifest differently for every person. Although we may prefer the comfort of “alone time” occasionally, too much social withdrawal (voluntarily or otherwise) from others may have long-term negative impacts on our mental health.
This webinar will explore the causes of loneliness in depth as well as the effects loneliness has on our brains and bodies. Similarly, this webinar will help participants recognize if their isolation from others is a healthy much-needed break or reinforcing undesirable stress reactions, which in turn can help them decide how they would like to respond to their feelings moving forward.
Special consideration and attention is given to the unique needs of people participating in the adult entertainment industry. The following panel will feature 5 performers/industry execs speaking about their experiences of loneliness and sharing insights into how they have responded to those feelings.
Nigel Cook (he/him) is a certified sex therapist in St. Louis, MO. Primarily, Nigel works with clients who have experienced sexual violence and are looking to reclaim what sexuality means for them. Nigel’s sexual philosophy is that all people have a right to engage in sexual self-expressions that are meaningful for them, whether that means gender transitioning, practicing kink, or doing consensual sex-work. In addition to therapy services, Nigel also offers professional development trainings and teaches graduate level courses on the topics of social work, ethics, trauma, and human sexuality
Meet our panelists
Demora Avarice
Demora Avarice is a large bust model who has made a name for herself through her pioneering of fat transfers as a viable alternative to implants.
Josy Black
Josy Black is a seasoned and respected figure in the adult industry, with a remarkable career spanning over a decade.
Laura Desiree
Laura Desiree, based in New York City, is an Adult Industry Expert, Certified Intimacy Coordinator, Pleasure Educator, and Activist.
Lotus Lain
Lotus Lain is an Adult Performer, Cam Model, Sex Worker Rights Activist, Producer, Published Writer, Public Speaker and Intimacy Coordinator for TV & Film.
Natassia Dreams
Pineapple Support and Pornhub Brand Ambassador Natassia Dreams has worked with some of the industry’s leading studios and websites, and shot award-winning scenes herself.
Webinar 2 (August 28th): “Yes, new friends”: Building Healthy Connections – with Devin D’shae
11am PDT | 2pm EDT | 8pm CEST
The relationships that we surround ourselves with are direct mirrors into the relationship that we have with ourselves. What do we see in the communities of which we immerse ourselves in and where might there be need for healthy boundaries? Join sex and relationship therapist, Devin D’shae LPCC, as we explore ways to not only build but maintain healthy, loving relationships that surpass toxicities of today’s societies.
Devin D’shae (she/her) believes that human sexuality should be incorporated into the holistic approach of wellbeing. With both personal and professional experience in power exchange, gender identity and expression and ethically, non monogamous ways to exist in relationships, her passion lies in exploring all the alternative ways that one can show up in the world.
Devin graduated with her Masters in Mental Health Counseling at Long Island University and has experience working with diverse populations, ranging from adolescents to adults. She is most passionate about providing an explorative yet safe place for adult workers to achieve their highest selves, without judgement, guilt or shame.
She takes a collaborative and playful approach to treatment and is excited to guide you through the many discoveries of self.
Meet our panelists
Ashley Ace
Ashley Ace is a globally award-nominated BBW model with over seven years of experience in the adult industry. At 35, Ashley has become a prominent advocate for body positivity and sexual education.
Emma Martin
Emma is the Founder of Imperfectly You, an online platform dedicated to the well-being of sex workers.
Erika Love
Erika Love is an award nominated content creator, podcast host, and consultant. She is also a Pineapple Support Ambassador.
Darling Rivas
Darling Rivas Muñoz has a passion for community, and is dedication to representing her roots, which has made her a beloved figure in the adult entertainment scene.
Mark Hassell
Mark Hassell is the Chair of SNAP - Support Network for Adult Professionals. He has over two decades of experience in the adult industry, and currently serves as the UK Regional Manager for Cam4.
Webinar 3 (August 29th): Navigating Neurodivergency & Connection: Building a Path Forward – with Rainier McCall
11am PDT | 2pm EDT | 8pm CEST
Join us in a skills-share and roundtable amongst neurodivergent peers and professionals in identifying barriers to connection, neurotypical expectations and how to manage them, and prioritizing your boundaries, needs, stims, and authentic needs/accommodations/wants.
Rainier McCall (they/them) is a licensed mental health counselor, yoga teacher, and EMDR consultant who specializes in working with the following: those with complex PTSD, religious trauma, disordered eating, Autistic folks, Borderline Personality Disorder, Dissociative Identity Disorder, those in the adult industry, LGBTQIA2+ folks, couples, and many more. Rainier is a recommended therapist and sought out for their distinct compassion and attentiveness to trauma and attachment. Rainier is an autistic, warm human who identifies as non-binary and has lived experience in the world of C-PTSD and many specialties provided.
Meet our panelists
Benny Fox
Having decided to leave his job as an aspiring politician to work in adult entertainment, Benny has a nuanced view on what it means to be in the industry, especially as a queer, neurodivergent man.
Eve Batelle
Southern California Goddess Eve Batelle is a 12 year adult industry veteran with humble beginnings as a dancer in North Hollywood.
Leya Tanit
Leya Tanit is the Co-Founder and CEO of Pineapple Support, the adult industry’s leading mental health non-profit organization.
Rhyheim Shabazz
Rhyheim Shabazz is a prominent figure in the adult entertainment industry, celebrated for his work in gay adult films. His engaging content has earned him over 1.4 million followers on X.
Sir Peter
Sir Peter’s career has rapidly ascended, earning him prestigious accolades and recognition across the globe. He continues to leverage his influence to try and reshape societal perceptions about sex work.
How to Participate:
Prepare to engage in meaningful conversations that can help transform the way you connect with others. Together, let’s address the epidemic of loneliness and build a community of support and understanding. You can now watch the full event on our YouTube channel.
With thanks to;
