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Pineapple Support, FSC to Host Webinar on Suicide Prevention

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.”

FSC Joins Pineapple Support as a Partner-Level Sponsor

Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has joined over 50 adult businesses and organizations in committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

“As the trade association for the adult industry, it’s critical that we lift up other nonprofits with our support,” FSC Executive Director Michelle L. LeBlanc said. “In just a few years, Pineapple Support has done what so many promised to do — built a real, reliable resource for therapy and support for sex workers. We’re proud to sponsor them, and look forward to helping any way we can in this especially challenging time.”

Leya Tanit, founder of Pineapple Support, welcomed the boost.

“The generosity of FSC and the continued support of the team is invaluable to our organization,” she said. “The FSC plays an incredibly important role in the continued wellbeing of not just individual performers but they also contribute to the improved health of our entire industry.”

“Our spending on therapy has tripled due to performers affected by COVID, so the support of all of our partners is crucial right now,” Tanit added.

A rep noted the commitment from FSC and other sponsors will help Pineapple Support to provide free and low-cost therapy, counseling and emotional support to models, performers, producers and workers in the sex industry throughout the world.

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.