Webcam Performers Callum and Cole Launch ‘Donate A Stream’ Campaign for Pineapple Support

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Scottish webcam duo Callum and Cole have pledged to donate 100% of the tips received from their first charity stream on to Pineapple Support, the industry’s leading mental health non-profit. The two-hour charity stream will take place at 7.30pm GMT on Saturday November 16th.

“On Saturday the 16th of November, we are doing our first ever charity stream on Chaturbate and donating 100% of the tips received to Pineapple Support,” say Callum.

His partner, Cole hopes other cam performers see this campaign and help make it a trend. “We’re also calling for other models to do the same. Join us and donate a stream to Pineapple.”

Pineapple Support CEO Leya Tanit says that grassroots initiatives like Callum and Cole’s is crucial to the long-term success of Pineapple Support:

“While we’ve been really blessed to have support from major producers and platforms in this industry, projects like Callum and Cole’s are at the very heart of what we do — building support networks for performers, from people who understand what they’re going through. Campaigns like these not only help raise money, they destigmatize mental health, and raise awareness about our services. I’m in awe of Callum and Cole.”

Pineapple Support has worked steadily to expand its services for webcam performers everywhere. A recent partnership with The Webcam Lab has enabled the organization to provide free therapy to cam models across Colombia.

Pineapple Support was launched in 2018 by Tanit, in response to a string of losses in the adult industry from depression and other mental illness. The organisation, which is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit in the United State and a registered charity in the UK, has so far connected over four hundred adult performers to mental health services; including free and low-cost, therapy, counseling and emotional support.

Streamate Joins Pineapple Support as Gold Sponsor

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Streamate has joined Pineapple Support as a gold-level sponsor, joining over four-dozen adult companies to commit funds and resources to help the organization provide mental health resources to performers and other adult industry members.

Streamate’s financial support will underwrite free and low-cost therapy to performers anywhere in the world, and support Pineapple Support’s continued growth.

“Streamate is very excited to be a supporting sponsor of Pineapple Support,” said Liz, the company’s director of marketing. “As a leader in the cam industry, it’s imperative we show our encouragement for all models’ well-being and personal health, and the industry as a whole. Having organizations like Pineapple providing support and therapy services to the adult industry is critical and strengthens us as an industry. Streamate is honored to be a part of it, and we genuinely appreciate the hard work of Pineapple Support.”

Leya Tanit, the org’s founder and president, thanked Streamate for their sponsorship. “Over the past year-and-a-half, we’ve been able to develop innovative pilot programs that have reached hundreds of performers — a first step in building lasting performer health programs,” she said.

“Streamate’s sustaining commitment to Pineapple Support will help us expand our services,” Tanit continued, “and allow us to build an enduring organization that performers can count on to help them through difficult times.”

Tanit founded Pineapple Support in 2018 after several high-profile losses in the adult community from depression and mental illness. The organization has connected over 500 performers to mental health services.

In related news, the inaugural Pineapple Summit is set for October 30 and 31. The mental health summit is entirely online and free. Registration is now open; visit pineapplesummit.org for additional details.

For the latest updates, follow Tanit and Pineapple Support on Twitter.

Pineapple Support Welcomes Five New Board Members

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Pineapple Support, the industry’s leading mental health non-profit, is welcoming five new members to its board. This expansion highlights the significant growth the organisation has undergone in the past year. Pineapple Support is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit in the United States and a registered charity in the U.K.

The new board members are Legal Affairs Chair Corey Silverstein, Fundraising Chair Emma Rainville, Marketing and Website Chair Brad Mitchell, Social Justice Community Chair Tim Valenti and Treasurer Alison Boden. They join President Leya Tanit and existing members Lane Farin (Vice President and Secretary) Dr. Jena Field (Client Support Chair) on the board.

“Our little seedling is turning into a tree,” says Tanit. “In the past four months, the amount we are investing into therapy has grown by nearly 600%. As we’re growing at such a rate, it’s important to have a strong team, our new board members are all exceptional members of our community, who can bring their knowledge and experience to the table. I am grateful and honored to be working alongside them.”

Boden, CEO of BDSM powerhouse Kink.com says she’s honored to join the team.

“Pineapple Support Society is playing a critical role in supporting performers, who truly are the lifeblood of our industry,” “I look forward to working with the organization’s incredible team and my fellow directors.”

Brad Mitchell, Marketing and Website Chair, says the work is personal.

“Having experienced depression myself and lost many friends to suicide, mental health issues are near and dear to my heart. Pineapple Support’s mission is important and I am thrilled to lend my support in every way possible.”

NakedSword founder Tim Valenti is eager to join as Social Justice Community Chair.

“The progress that Pineapple has made in a relatively short amount of time to address mental health issues in the adult industry is both impressive and inspiring. I am thrilled and honored to join Leya and her team to provide expansion and outreach to include LGBTQ models, sex workers, and adult professionals — some of the most marginalized and at-risk members of our industry.”

Activist and Fundraising Chair Emma Rainville agrees.

“Whenever I’m voting on a matter that will affect the people our organization has set out to help, I think of two things. First, what points have been brought to the table by the people who are here? And second, what hasn’t been brought to the table by the people we have set out to serve, but are not present? The voices that are not represented when we are making decisions, those should be the loudest in our ears as we vote.”

Corey Silverstein, Legal Affairs Community Chair is eager to lend his expertise to the cause.

“It’s an honor to get to participate with this organization. Leya and her team have already done so much to help the industry as a whole and I can’t wait to see how far this organization can go.”

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 organisation has connected over four hundred adult performers to mental health services so far, including free and low-cost, therapy, counseling and emotional support.

Pineapple Support continues to receive support from sponsors and partners, allowing 62 therapists and 226 volunteers to have helped over 480 performers since it was founded. The organisation will host the adult industry’s first ever mental health summit, The 2019 Pineapple Summit, for October 30-31. Registrations are now open online for the first Pineapple Summit, which is entirely online and free for all adult performers. Register by visiting www.pineapplesummit.org.

Pineapple Support to Host Therapy Sessions at XBIZ Berlin

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Pineapple Support will offer walk-in and by-appointment therapy sessions throughout XBIZ Berlin 2019, besides hosting a roundtable workshop on Wednesday, September 11.

Pineapple Support therapist, Michele Karban, and other members of the Pineapple Support team will be on hand during the day to discuss tools and practices with which performers can protect themselves, and how to get free mental health support.

“I’m thrilled to be attending XBIZ Berlin as part of the Pineapple Support team,” shared Karban. “Having been involved with Pineapple Support from the very beginning, I’m now looking forward to offering a drop-in therapy space at [the conference]. My hope is any performer who is needing a confidential area to talk will access this space or see it as a first step for anyone who is considering therapy for the first time for themselves, and would like to find out more.”

The roundtable workshop, “Putting Performers First,” will be held at the Konferenz I space in the XBIZ Conference Center at 11 a.m. local time, and will address mental health stigma within the adult industry and how performers and producers alike can help combat it.

“The performer community has always faced societal pressures, but today’s performers are more vulnerable because of rampant cyberbullying,” said Pineapple Support founder Leya Tanit.  “As an industry, we need to understand the specific struggles that performers face both on and offline, and learn how to best support them.”

Since its launch in 2018, Pineapple Support has connected over three hundred adult performers to mental health services, including free and low-cost therapy, counseling and emotional support. The organization is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit in the United States and a registered charity in the U.K.

While walk-in appointments may be available, those who wish to book an appointment with therapist Michele Karban should do so by contacting Karban directly via WhatsApp at +44 7814 942528.

Pineapple Support & WebCam Lab Offer Free Therapy to Colombian Models

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Pineapple Support has partnered with the Webcam Lab and Fundación Liam to bring free therapy to cam models and adult workers in Colombia.

The sessions are available now.

The Webcam Lab, a comprehensive service center for the Latin American cam industry and AJ Studios’ charitable arm Fundaciòn Liam will work with Pineapple Support to ensure a full-time therapist will be available to any model or performer in Colombia needing mental health services and therapy.

“Our company has always been characterized by the support and genuine interest in the progress of the more than 2,500 models that are an active part of the Webcam Lab family of affiliate studios,” said Webcam Lab Relationship Coordinator José Luis Araujo S. “It is valuable for us to integrate to this philosophy the support and the quality service that Pineapple Support represents.”

British performer Leya Tanit founded Pineapple Support in 2018 in response to a string of losses in the adult industry from depression and other mental illness. Since its launch, the organization has connected over 250 performers to mental health services including free and low-cost, therapy, counseling and emotional support.

“There are many adult models and performers in Colombia without access to stigma-free and specialized support,” Tanit said. “I’m incredibly thankful to The Webcam Lab and Foundación Liam, whose support will allow us to promote the mental health and well-being of performers in the Latin adult industry.”

“As a foundation, we have always tried to have the best tools to positively impact the lives of people with whom we have the pleasure of working,” said Foundación Liam Director Lisbeth L. Contecha. “Tools that we know are greatly enhanced by working with Pineapple Support.”

Performers who are interested in accessing therapy or studios that wish to secure free therapy for their performers can email psicologaclinicatwl@gmail.com.

Or visit PineappleSupport.org/Colombia

Pineapple Support, Blue Pearl Offer Free Adult Biz Counseling

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Pineapple Support has renewed its partnership with industry therapist Jasmine Johnson (MSW, MA, LCSW) of Blue Pearl Therapy to host two free five and four-week online support groups for adult industry performers — one for survivors of sexual trauma and one centered on grief and loss, beginning August 7th and 21st.

“We hope these sessions will help performers build strong bonds and develop an ongoing support network,” said Leya Tanit, founder and president of Pineapple Support. “Jasmine was one of the very first therapists to offer her services to Pineapple Support. She knows how important it is for performers who have experienced trauma and grief to talk with others with similar backgrounds.”

Blue Pearl Therapy is a sex-worker-aware, stigma-free therapeutic practice that provides both online and offline therapy and coaching. Johnson is a licensed clinical social worker and gerontologist providing therapeutic services related to PTSD, depression and anxiety for over 15 years.

Tanit launched Pineapple Support in response to a string of losses in the adult industry from depression and other mental illness. In its first year alone, Pineapple Support has connected over 250 adult performers to mental health services including free and low-cost, therapy, counseling and emotional support.

“As an active clinical therapist and adult entertainer myself, I know firsthand the challenges that can accompany accessing mental health support,” Johnson said. “I am elated to partner with Pineapple Support to help bridge the gap between mental health resources and sex workers.”

Johnson said performers can expect to meet online weekly with peers and a sex worker-friendly therapist to discuss the impact of grief and sexual trauma, including coping skills. Performers can expect a judgment-free safe space where the only thing anyone needs to have in common is being a member of the adult industry community.

“One of the hardest things that adult performers face is stigma from the therapeutic community,” Tanit explained. “We need to meet performers on their own terms, and in an environment that understands their needs.”

For more information, click here.

Pineapple Support, Silverstein Legal Team Up for TES Show

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Pineapple Support has announced a partnership with legal advocate Silverstein Legal for the upcoming 2019 European Summit (TES) in Prague from September 13-16.

Pineapple Support founder Leya Tanit and adult industry attorney Corey D. Silverstein of Silverstein Legal will be on hand during the trade show offering free consultations from their private suite on issues related to performer mental health and well-being.

“We wanted to help people prioritize the issues that affect their businesses and their workers,” said Tanit. “By creating a space away from the crowds, and offering free, confidential consultations, we can provide a bit of refuge for businesses to address issues critical to their growth and success.”

Pineapple Support is additionally welcoming any potential sponsors to visit the suite to learn how they can help support the mental health of workers in the adult industry and will hold a “Building Stronger Companies Through Mental Health” seminar at TES on September 14.

Silverstein will also present several educational seminars throughout the conference, including “Legal for Newbies: Back to Basics” on September 14 at 11 a.m.(GMT+2), “FOSTA/SESTA Update” later in the day at 2 p.m. and “Legal: Where are We Now and Where are We Going” on the 15th at 2 p.m.

“Silverstein Legal is proud to be returning as a sponsor to TES in Prague,” commented Silverstein. “After last year’s remarkable event, and substantial interest from TES attendees for scheduled and impromptu legal meetings, we wanted to provide attendees with a quiet and private place to meet. Teaming up with Pineapple Support for this special place was the perfect fit given the anonymity and privacy that our respective clients desire.”

Pineapple Support is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit in the United States and a registered charity in the U.K. Since its founding in 2018, it has connected over two-hundred-and-fifty adult performers to mental health services; including free and low-cost therapy, counseling and emotional support.

Silverstein Legal is a boutique law firm focused on areas of the law that impact the adult entertainment industry. His clientele includes hosting companies, affiliate programs, content producers, payment processors, website operators, dating websites, webcam sites, traffic brokers, affiliates, advertising networks and social media websites and performers.

Those interested in consulting with Tanit or Silverstein should contact them directly to schedule the meeting. The suite will be open for walk-in appointments during the show, as available.

Pineapple Support Highlights Danger of Sex Work Stigma in Brutally Honest Video Campaign

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Pineapple Support, the industry’s leading mental health resource, has launched a brutally honest video campaign to help raise awareness of the mental health challenges faced by adult performers. The video sheds light on the toll that discrimination, stigma, stress, consent violation and emotional abuse can inflict on performers.

“We wanted to be uncompromisingly honest about the effect stigma has on adult performers,” says Leya Tanit, Founder and President of Pineapple Support. “The video may be difficult to watch, but so is the reality faced by performers. As our industry knows all too well, sex worker stigma can be life-threatening. Most importantly, we wanted those struggling to know that they are not alone — and that there is help.”

Founded in 2018 by Tanit, Pineapple Support provides adult performers with 24/7 access to emotional support and other mental health resources. In just over eighteen months, the organisation has connected over two hundred and fifty adult performers with free and low-cost therapy, counseling, group sessions, and other resources.

The one-and-a-half-minute video, featuring actress Lyra Law, was produced in collaboration with CC Productions and Clips4Sale.

“We’re proud to have partnered with Pineapple Support on this project,” says Neil Orkin, CEO of Clips4Sale. “We hope the message in this video helps people to better understand the impact of stigma and mental health issues on adult performers. The outstanding work that Pineapple Support is doing is paramount to the future of the adult industry.

Christina Carter who directed the video for Pineapple Support says that it was crucial that the video tackle the issues with realism. Carter says even Lyra Law’s tears were real. 

“We could have shot something bubbly and beautiful,” says Carter. “But we are not here to sugarcoat the issues. We are here to truly help our fellow talent and industry. I hope we’ve got your attention.” 

Pineapple Support is encouraging performers and allies to share the video via YouTube, Twitter and Facebook.

 

WARNING – Please be aware that the video itself is disturbing, and involves representation of issues like addiction, assault, homophobia, whorephobia and self-harm, to name a few. If these or related issues are triggers, you may want to avoid it.

 

Pineapple Support, which is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit in the United State and a registered charity in the UK, offers stigma-free therapy and counselling. The Pineapple Support listener service is completely free, anonymous and available 24/7. Simply visit the website pineapplesupport.com and click “Get Support”.

 

Pineapple Support Receives DivaTraffic Award at AWSummit

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Pineapple Support, the adult industry’s leading mental health resource, was honoured to receive an appreciation award from DivaTraffic at the AW Summit. The award was presented to Pineapple Support founder Leya Tanit during the AW Summit Executive Awards in Mamaia, Romania.

“Leya Tanit is an inspiration to the community and deserves recognition for her initiative. We want to help spread the word and give Leya and her team some well deserved recognition for the impact they have on the industry,” says Thomas Pedersen, founder and CEO of DivaTraffic. “This year we have decided to give an award to Pineapple Support in support of what they are doing and to help bring attention to such an important issue as mental health for performers who are struggling.”

DivaTraffic has given a number of awards to companies or individuals in the adult industry that contribute to the community in a positive manner. Pedersen says he hopes the Pineapple Support Appreciation Award will bring attention to the important issue of mental health for adult workers:

“There hasn’t previously been many options for them to get the help they need, and they can often feel isolated and face discrimination for their work,” says Pedersen.

Pineapple Support was launched in 2018 by British performer Leya Tanit, in response to a string of losses in the adult industry from depression and other mental illness. In just over a year, the organisation, which is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit in the United State and a registered charity in the UK, has connected over two hundred adult performers to mental health services; including free and low-cost, therapy, counseling and emotional support.

“I’m tremendously honoured to accept the award on behalf of Pineapple Support,” says Tanit. “The support of companies like DivaTraffic really help us to do the important work that we do. The recognition that comes with this award will help to promote awareness with adult performers that are suffering with a mental condition.”

Pineapple Support, Blue Pearl Therapy to Host Online Group SUPPORT for Survivors of Sexual Trauma

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Pineapple Support has partnered with industry therapist Jasmine Johnson, (MSW, MA, LCSW) of Blue Pearl Therapy to host a five-week sexual trauma support program for 10-12 adult industry performers, beginning July 3, 2019.

“Jasmine was one of the very first therapists to offer her services to Pineapple Support,” says Leya Tanit, Founder and President of Pineapple Support. “She knows how important it is for performers who have experienced trauma to be able to talk with others with similar backgrounds. We hope these sessions will help performers build strong bonds and develop an on-going support network.”

Blue Pearl Therapy is a sex-worker-aware, stigma-free therapeutic practice that provides both online and offline therapy and coaching. Johnson is a licensed clinical social worker and gerontologist providing therapeutic services related to PTSD, depression and anxiety for over fifteen years.

Pineapple Support was launched by Tanit in response to a string of losses in the adult industry from depression and other mental illness. In its first year alone, Pineapple Support has connected over two hundred adult performers to mental health services including free and low-cost, therapy, counseling and emotional support.

“As an active clinical therapist and adult entertainer myself, I know first hand the challenges that can accompany accessing mental health support,” says Johnson.  “I have been elated to partner with Pineapple Support to help bridge the gap between mental health resources and sex workers.”

Johnson says performers can expect to meet online weekly with peers and a sex worker friendly therapist to discuss the impact of sexual trauma and coping skills. Performers can expect a judgement-free safe space where the only thing anyone need have in common is being a member of the adult industry community.

“One of the hardest things that adult performers face is stigma from the therapeutic community,” says Tanit, “We need to meet performers on their own terms, and in an environment that understands their needs.”

Pineapple Support is a registered 501(c)3 tax-deductible qualifying charity in the US, and a registered charity in the UK.

Those wishing to sign-up for the group should complete the Sexual Trauma Group Support Form