Pineapple Support, FSC to Host Webinar on Suicide Prevention

/in /by

Pineapple Support will host a free webinar sponsored by Free Speech Coalition (FSC), titled “Suicide Prevention: Awareness, Education, and Strategies to Reduce Risk,” on Friday at 12 p.m. (PDT).

The webinar — discussing suicidality and suicide prevention, with a focus on harm reduction — will be led by licensed social worker Sarah Kelleher.

“This webinar will explore education and awareness surrounding suicide and prevention, as well as strategies to help you and loved ones cope and reduce risk,” Kelleher explained. “Together, we’ll explore the current language and tactics surrounding suicide and how prevention can look during a pandemic, when our go-to community and services may be on hold.”

“It’s important to note that this webinar discusses themes that some listeners may find upsetting,” she added.

Michelle LeBlanc, CEO of FSC said, “The past few months have been stressful for many in our industry, and everyone should be aware of the warning signs of someone in crisis. Over the past few years, FSC has worked hard to build up resources for performers and creators through our Inspire Program.”

“As part of that, it’s essential that we also support the crucial work Pineapple Support is doing to provide mental health resources for our community,” LeBlanc added.

“The adult industry has suffered a number of tragic losses recently,” Pineapple Support Founder Leya Tanit said. “Education and awareness are both vital tools in helping us to protect performers, while we equip ourselves with strategies that can help to prevent future losses in our industry.”

Kelleher is “a licensed social worker, passionate about topics focused on destigmatizing sexuality, sexual and erotic labor, with experience working with clients with a history of trauma, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, PTSD and substance use,” Tanit added. “I can say with confidence that our participants will find this webinar incredibly useful.”

DialXS Joins Pineapple Support as a Sponsor

/in /by

DialXS has joined over 60 adult businesses and organizations in committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

“It is an honor to sponsor an organization which supports the wellbeing of so many,” CEO Chris Visser said. “We’re thankful to Pineapple Support for their hard work in providing these essential services around the world, and for allowing us to play a part in supporting their work.”

The group, founded in 2018 by Leya Tanit, has so far connected over 5,000 adult performers and industry members to mental health services, including free and low-cost therapy, counseling and emotional support.

“I’m so very thankful to DialXS for their continued support and sponsorship,” Tanit said. “Every cent of your donation will be spent ensuring that no adult performer ever feels as though they have nowhere to turn.”

Pineapple Support is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization in the United States; click here for sponsorship details.

Find DialXS online here; visit PineappleSupport.org and follow the group on Twitter.

Pineapple Support to Host Online Event ‘Navigating Relationships’

/in /by

Pineapple Support will host a free, two-day webinar on how to successfully navigate relationships for adult performers on August 25-26.

The event will be led by Pineapple Support therapists and counselors with sponsorship support from Adult Time, Chaturbate, ePlay, Flirt4Free, Segpay and SextPanther.

The two-day schedule of events follows:

Wednesday August 25

10 a.m (PDT): “Healing from codependency” with Ivy Kwong
11 a.m (PDT): “Relationship diversities” with Silva Neves
12 p.m. (PDT): “Communication from the heart” with Nicki Line
1 p.m. (PDT): “Ethical non-monogamy” with Melissa Lesane
2 p.m. (PDR): “Relationships in the industry — Reinvention” with Rachel Wells
Thursday August 26

10 a.m (PDT): “Defining your needs in a relationship” with Alex Mufson
11 a.m (PDT): “Hot crossed boundaries” with Emily Richman
12 p.m. (PDT): “Relationships after trauma” with Shea Graham
1 p.m. (PDT): “Loving yourself” with Wendy Haggerty
2 p.m. (PDR): “Red flags” with Alex Mufson
“We’re proud to support Pineapple as they work to provide guidance, validation and understanding to the performers in our industry,” President of Flirt4Free David Aguilar said. ”Every human being needs support, particularly those whose occupational stigma can blind the general public to the dynamic, creative and passionate people they are.”

Chaturbate COO Shirley Lara said the company is pleased to join Pineapple Support in sponsoring the event.

“The health and wellness of the Chaturbate community is a top priority and we encourage everyone to attend this event for guidance on how to create and foster a healthy relationship,” she added.

The group, founded in 2018 by Leya Tanit, has so far connected over 5,000 adult performers and industry members to mental health services, including free and low-cost therapy, counseling and emotional support.

“No matter which industry you work in or what you do, finding and maintaining relationships, particularly romantic ones, can be a challenge,” Tanit said. “Add the complications and unique stressors of working in the adult industry and the prospect can sometimes feel out of reach. These webinars will help adult workers navigate and thrive in their personal lives.”

Click here for additional event details, including how to register.

Pineapple Support is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization in the United States; find sponsorship details here and follow the group on Twitter.

Pineapple Support to Host New DBT Online Support Group

/in /by

LOS ANGELES — Pineapple Support has announced a free, online support group with a focus on using Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) techniques to improve interpersonal skills.

The six-week support group, led by therapist Sophia Graham, will start on Friday, August 20.

“Our efforts to manage our own emotions are frequently challenged by our interactions with other people,” said Graham. “Sometimes this leads us to behave impulsively or to explode, damaging our relationships. Other times we can fail to speak up assertively for what we need, which can lead to resentment or misunderstandings later. This course is about empowering us to handle interpersonal situations more effectively.”

Pineapple Support founder Leya Tanit said, “This course invites you to reflect on the myths that can hold you back in relationships, while teaching you how to be more assertive.”

“Sophia is a disabled, queer coach and therapist working primarily with marginalized individuals and groups,” Tanit added. “Sophia’s work can help you gain control over your life and relationships. These flexible and scientifically supported dialectical behavior therapy techniques are a way to clearer communication and more fulfilling relationships.”

The two-hour “DBT Interpersonal Effectiveness” support group begins on Friday, August 20 at 10 a.m. (PDT), and will take place online each Friday at the same time until September 24.

Ariel Anderssen Joins Pineapple Support as a Sponsor

/in /by

BDSM model and producer Ariel Anderssen has joined over 60 adult businesses and organizations in committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

“As a BDSM filmmaker, I have many friends and peers who’ve delayed getting support for their mental health, because of the discrimination they anticipate facing if they tell a therapist about their career choices,” Anderssen said. “The safety-from-stigma that Pineapple Support represents seems immensely valuable to me.”

The group, founded in 2018 by Leya Tanit, has so far connected over 5,000 adult performers and industry members to mental health services, including free and low-cost, therapy, counseling and emotional support.

“We are thrilled to welcome Ariel Anderssen as a supporter of our organization,” Tanit said. “Generous contributors like Ariel help us to fight the stigma surrounding mental health and help send a message to our industry that seeking support is encouraged. I’m incredibly grateful to all of our generous sponsors that enable us to continue providing mental health services and emotional support to performers all around the world.”

Pineapple Support is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization in the United States; click here for sponsorship details.

Pineapple Support Announces Corporate Training Program

/in /by

Pineapple Support has announced a corporate training initiative, available exclusively to sponsors of the organization, that is designed to help companies provide better support to their performers.

“The industry has suffered a number of tragic losses in the past few weeks,” said Leya Tanit, founder and CEO of Pineapple Support. “Not everyone who is suffering reaches out or asks for help directly, and it’s critical that we train people in our companies and on our platforms to recognize need, and enable them to begin discussions.”

“We know navigating this conversation without proper training can be frightening and traumatic for both the person struggling and the person attempting to help,” she continued. “Our corporate training sessions help employees and other staff members know how to react, and what resources to provide, when someone is in need.”

The sessions will cover a range of topics, noted a rep, including “how to identify and react to a performer in crisis, how to support a sexual trauma survivor, spotting the early signs of mental health issues and invisible disabilities, as well as training in gender, sexual orientation, cyber-bullying and BIPOC-specific support.”

The interactive training sessions will be held every two months and archived on a password-protected portal.

Pineapple Support, founded in 2018, has so far connected over 5,000 adult performers and industry members to mental health services, including free and low-cost therapy, counseling and emotional support.

“This is the first step in helping to build a greater web of support for industry workers,” said Tanit. “Equipped with the right knowledge and training, employees who work directly with models can play a critical role in providing crisis support. In the future, we’ll be inviting participants to gather and talk about the issues they’ve faced on their platforms, so that we can better learn from each other.”

Pineapple Support is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization in the United States; click here for sponsorship details.

Callum & Cole Launch Fundraiser for Pineapple Support

/in /by

Content creators Callum and Cole, twice-crowned XBIZ Europa award-winners for “Best Male Clip Artist,” have launched a fundraiser to benefit Pineapple Support that involves the duo climbing Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in Great Britain.

“The duo launched a Givelively fundraising page for those that wish to support their venture, setting an initial goal to raise $1,500 in donations,” noted a rep.

The real-life couple first began fundraising for Pineapple Support in 2019.

“We decided to take on the seven to nine-hour climb to raise money for a charity that’s close to both of our hearts,” Cole said.

“Mental health is really close to home for me; it’s something I’ve battled with most of my life,” noted Callum. “I’m in a good place now and have been for the last few years. Something I found that brings me peace is my love for the outdoors and this climb will be a challenge, but one I’m buzzing to achieve. I truly understand the important role Pineapple Support plays in our industry and would love to use this opportunity to support them in supporting others.”

The group, founded in 2018 by Leya Tanit, has so far connected over 2,000 adult performers and industry members to mental health services, including free and low-cost therapy, counseling and emotional support.

Pineapple Support is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization in the United States and a registered charity in the U.K. Click here for sponsorship details.

“I’m both touched and inspired by Callum and Cole’s generosity with this brave fundraiser,” Tanit said. “The challenge they’ve set themselves is also a wonderful example of how setting goals, helping others, exercising and enjoying time outdoors can have an incredibly powerful effect on mental health. The entire Pineapple team is behind you, Callum and Cole, and we thank you for undertaking this adventure to give back to your community.”

Click here to make a donation; follow Callum and Cole on Twitter and find their premium social media linkage here.

Pineapple Support Connects 5K Performers to Mental Health Services

/in /by

Pineapple Support has announced the organization has now connected over 5,000 adult performers to mental health services globally.

“This is a significant milestone,” Founder Leya Tanit said. “When I began as an adult performer, sex-positive and stigma-free support for mental health was extremely rare and difficult to find. In the past three years, we worked hard to change that. We still have a long road ahead, but I’m hopeful we’ve begun to make a difference.”

Tanit founded Pineapple Support in 2018, after losses in the adult industry from depression and other mental illnesses. The organization, a 501(c)(3) in the United States and a registered charity in the United Kingdom, connects adult workers to mental health services, including free and low-cost therapy, counseling and emotional support.

“Without the generosity and dedication of our partners, supporters, sponsors, therapists and staff, we would not have been able to connect so many workers with mental health services and support,” said Tanit. “Most importantly, I’d like to thank everyone who has trusted in the services that Pineapple Support provides. Your health and happiness is what drives us to ensure that no one in our industry has to suffer alone.”

Pineapple Support to Host ‘Family Conflict’ Support Group

/in /by

Pineapple Support will provide a free, online, six-week support group with a focus on family conflict led by counselor Steven Mollura, LPC, LMHC, beginning Tuesday, July 6 at 1 p.m. (PDT).

The series will focus on “the unique stressors related to adult entertainment on performers and family members,” says Mollura. “We provide a safe place to explore the characteristics of healthy family relationships, appropriate assertiveness with family members and the hidden dynamics that shape your life.”

Pineapple Support founder Leya Tanit explained that Mollura “is a kink-aware counselor that helps individuals gain insight into the meaning of their lives as well as address the unknown or unconscious factors affecting thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and beliefs. We’re very excited to have such a talented counselor leading this support group to help equip performers with the knowledge and tools necessary to effectively deal with family conflict.”

The “Family Conflict and Support” support group will take place online each Tuesday at the same time until August 10.

For more information, visit Pineapple Support online and on Twitter.

MobiusPay Joins Pineapple Support as a Sponsor

/in /by

MobiusPay has joined over 60 adult businesses and organizations in committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

“Ultimately, mental health is essential to wellbeing,” MobiusPay Founder and President Mia said. “The work Pineapple Support is doing is important for the support of the community we have served for over a decade and I’m pleased to contribute to such a worthwhile cause.”

The group, founded in 2018 by Leya Tanit, has so far connected over 2,000 adult performers and industry members to mental health services, including free and low-cost, therapy, counseling and emotional support.

“Thank you to MobiusPay for their support and generosity,” Tanit said. “Your support helps us pay for professional therapy for those performers who need it but cannot afford it. It will help us save lives.”

Pineapple Support is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization in the United States and a registered charity in the U.K. Click here for sponsorship details.

Visit PineappleSupport.org and follow the group on Twitter.