Posts

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.

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 Celebrates 2nd Anniversary, 1,000th Performer Milestone

/in /by

Adult industry mental health nonprofit Pineapple Support is marking its 2nd anniversary with another milestone: the organization has now connected over 1,000 adult performers with mental health and emotional support services.

Founder Leya Tanit said that when she started Pineapple Support in 2018, she “couldn’t have imagined that we’d be able to reach so many performers in such a short amount of time.”

“It has not been easy, and the need is still great,” Tanit added, “but it’s incredibly rewarding to reach this milestone in conjunction with our second birthday.”

Pineapple Support was conceived in early 2018 by Tanit, a British performer, in response to losses in the adult industry from depression, addiction and other mental illnesses. Tanit launched Pineapple Support at Exxxotica Denver on April 7, 2018.

Since then, Pineapple Support has secured financial sponsorship from over 40 adult companies, received 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status in the U.S. and charity status in the U.K., and assembled a Board of Directors made up of industry leaders.

In addition, Pineapple Support has amassed a team of over 100 therapists providing low or no-cost services to adult performers, along with over 300 trained “active listeners” who volunteer with the service.

The non-profit has provided adult professionals with one-on-one therapy, online support groups, monthly webinars and 24/7 online emotional support.

Last year, Tanit launched the Pineapple Summit, the only online mental health summit specifically for the adult industry.

“I am so thankful for the generosity and dedication of our industry in helping build this organization, and for the tireless work of the therapists who help our community daily,” Tanit said. “I look forward to celebrating even more milestones and anniversaries in the coming years. As we often say, it’s okay to feel lonely, but it doesn’t mean you’re alone.”

For more from Pineapple Support, follow them online and on Twitter.

Pineapple Support Celebrates 1st Year, Highlights Achievements

/in /by

Adult industry mental health resource Pineapple Support is celebrating its first anniversary this month and sharing numbers that tell a story of growth and achievement.

According to the org, since its founding in April 2018, it has connected nearly 130 adult performers to vital mental health resources, including providing more than 40 performers with free or subsidized therapy. More than double that number have used the nonprofit’s active listening service.

“Pineapple Support was born out of the urgent need to provide adult performers with stigma-free and sex-work-positive mental health services,” says Leya Tanit, founder and president of Pineapple Support. “We are so grateful that so many people have come together to begin building a true resource for the adult industry workers.”

Pineapple Support, a U.S.tax-deductible 501(c)3 nonprofit, has no salaried staff. Funds raised have gone to therapists and treatment, outreach and awareness, and professional, technical and administrative services.

The currently reported stats are:

  • Total Money Pledged: $87K
  • Number of Performers Treated: 127
  • Number of Therapy Sessions Subsidized: 400
  • Number of Therapists Recruited: 29
  • Number of Volunteers Trained: 133
  • Number of Sponsor Companies: 21
  • Number of Events Attended Globally: 11
  • Number of Therapists Contacted: 1,250

“I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished in just a year, but the need is vast,” said Tanit. “Because of the stigma associated with sex work, adult performers are at much greater risk for depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction and other mental health issues, but have fewer avenues to judgement-free care. As an industry, we can change this, but we need everyone to come together.”

Pineapple Support was launched by Tanit, a performer herself, in response to a string of losses in the adult industry from depression and other mental illness. Major adult companies have already stepped up to support the organization, including PornHub, ModelHub, xHamster, Kink.com, Clips4Sale, Gamma Films, Rabbits Reviews, WankzVR and others.

Pineapple Support is Looking for Volunteers To Join Their Team of Listeners

/in , /by

Becoming a Volunteer Listener for Pineapple Support

Volunteer listeners have full control over when and how long they are available to listen. They provide a safe, anonymous, caring, non-judgemental and completely stigma free space for adult industry performers to reach out.

 

What it means to become a listener.

Pineapple Support provides free emotional support 24/7 to people within the adult entertainment industry. We want to support others so they never have to feel alone. Having someone there to listen can make all the difference in someone’s life. Active listening is a great way to support someone. It’s not solving problems, it’s helping someone feel heard, valued, and understood.

Pineapple Support have joined up with 7 Cups of Tea, one of the biggest and best emotional support platforms. When you join Pineapple Support, you not only get to feel good about doing something awesome.

– You become part of the community that genuinely cares and helps others. As a listener, you have access to peers, other listeners, and mentors.

– You develop excellent active listening skills, which will strengthen your relationships, improve your confidence, and equip you to deal with conflicts.

– You get free hands-on training that is designed to help you learn by doing. As 7 Cups says, training is directly relevant and immediately applicable to your life.

Here is how it works: we provide free online training & support – all you need is an internet connection to get started.

  • Free active listening course
  • Online volunteering from home (or via app!)
  • Control your own availability to listen
  • Get certifications to boost your resume
  • Get support & coaching from friendly mentors
  • Feel amazing that you are making a difference in other peoples lives!

 

Click here and join our team of listeners today.

ModelHub and PornHub Sponsor Pineapple Support

/in /by

At the Modelhub and the Pornhub Model Program, the safety and wellbeing of their models, and of all sex workers, are our number one priorities.

That’s why, in honor of the International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers, they proudly announced their new partnership with Pineapple Support, an online mental health service developed specifically for adult industry models and performers.

As we know, ours can be a trying industry, with its own unique set of struggles. While stigma associated with the adult industry is slowly starting to change, we know that being a part of this community can make certain relationships, conversations and situations very complicated. It can even take a toll on your emotional health. That’s why we’re making sure you have the resources you need to stay happy, healthy, and profitable.

Pineapple Support and Pornhub share a common goal – making sure that all sex workers and porn performers have access to the care they need.

Everybody deserves mental health services, but they can be inaccessible for a number of reasons – some models may not be able to find a provider that is sex-worker-friendly. Some others may simply not have good providers available in their area. Many others are unable to access mental health services due to prohibitive cost.

We’re looking to change that.

Pineapple Support provides 24/7 emotional support, meaning you’ll be able to chat anonymously, for free, with one of Pineapple’s Trained Listeners – they are specially trained to offer empathetic support, and listen to you without prejudice or stigma.

Chatting with a Trained Listener is completely free, and access to a licensed therapist through Pineapple Support is subsidized or also free.

Take care of yourself, so that you can keep taking care of business:

Sign Up To Pineapple Support Today.

 

If you’re able, please also consider donating in honor of International Day To End Violence Against Sex Workers, to help make sure everyone can have access to mental health services.

Paxum Matches Donations To Pineapple Support

/in /by

As a preferred payment method for adult industry performers, Paxum is taking a stand in the fight for performer rights and personal safety by matching donations to Pineapple Support.

According to the company, a year ago shock waves rippled through the adult industry when news spread that beautiful and talented performer August Ames had tragically taken her own life as a result of mental illness. The distressing news came quickly after several other adult performer suicides and made a huge impact on the industry, with many performers expressing shock, confusion, and grief. As a result, some offered themselves to their colleagues for support and comfort should they find themselves in a similar position.

For one performer in particular though, Leya Tanit, the news of so many performer suicides in just a few short months compelled her to take urgent action to create a positive change for performers’ mental health worldwide. Through pure determination and dedication coupled with valuable industry support, just a few months later, Tanit’s idea is already a concrete reality with her founding of Pineapple Support — a registered non-profit organization dedicated to providing 24/7 mental health support for all industry performers, with no discrimination, judgment or stigma attached.

When the Winter Holiday season approaches many of us find the shortened days and colder temperatures can contribute to increased feelings of negativity, loneliness, anxiety, and depression. For some people, suicidal thoughts can push through more prominently during the winter; more than in any other season, so as human beings it’s important to provide support to our fellow human beings when we can.

Paxum wholeheartedly backs Pineapple Support and its goal to support all adult performers. To provide these services takes funding, and so Paxum will be matching all donations to Pineapple Support during December and January, up to $2,000, when sent through Paxum.

“We invite you to join us to help make a difference for all performers in the adult industry,” Paxum’s Ruth Blair says, explaining that “Every donation counts, whether you donate $1, $5, $10, or $100, Paxum will match you!”

Blair says every penny will go to Pineapple Support, which as a registered non-profit organization, can use Paxum services completely free.

“Providing this much-needed service to the adult industry through Pineapple Support is something I feel extremely passionate about,” Tanit explains, “and with companies such as Paxum not only sharing this passion but generously offering their support, we are able to offer therapy, counseling, and emotional support to the many who often could otherwise fall through the cracks.”

To donate, simply send your donation via Paxum to contact@pineapplesupport.org.

For more information, click here.

Clips4Sale And Pineapple Support Team Up and Take Action

/in /by

As we reach the end of another year we look back on 2018 and recall fond memories of shows attended and milestones reached. Sadly not all memories are happy ones, 2018 saw the loss of many lives in the industry, shining stars, friends and peers. When Clips4Sale heard of Pineapple Support’s mission to provide outreach, emotional support and assistance to those working in the adult industry, they immediately offered resources.

For over 15 years Clips4Sale has continued to be the #1 clip download site. Proudly representing all producers and models that wish to share their videos with the world. With over 1,000 categories to choose from and over 7 million video clips, it is clear why Clips4Sale is continuing to attract those wanting to sell or purchase adult video clips.

“Clips4Sale is proud to be a sponsor of Pineapple Support Charity.” Said Neil, visionary founder of Clips4Sale. “After many years of seeing first hand the struggles people in the industry have, I am very proud to be able to work with a great charity that can offer help to those individuals who need it the most.”

After the recent tragic events that left the adult industry in shock, the non-profit organization was formed. Pineapple Support provides emotional support and mental health care to all those working in the adult industry. Founder and president of Pineapple Support Leya Tanit said, “Our industry has lost too many beautiful souls, it is time we took action.”

“Since I began my career in the adult industry back in 2010, Clips4Sale have always been a company I look upon fondly.” Said Leya, “Their ethos to treat every producer and model equally, no matter their ranking, status, looks, sexual preference or fetish is one close to my heart. Neil actually has his personal mobile number available on the website for studio owners to contact him directly. This approach to the business, to look at producers and talent as individuals rather than assets is part of what makes Clips4Sale a very special company within this industry.”

Clips4Sale are set to become a major sponsor of Pineapple Support once US legal filings are confirmed and have already shown their support over the past few months by providing Pineapple with resources at adult conventions across the US. They have most recently sponsored the production of a Pineapple Support 2019 calendar, which will be available to buy online at www.PineappleSupport.com and at industry conventions over the coming months. Leya Tanit adds, “During these first few months, I honestly don’t know what Pineapple Support would have done without Clips4Sale’s support and shared vision.”

Pineapple Support is a registered charity in the UK and is currently filing in the US as a 501c3 non-profit. Confirmation is anticipated early 2019.

 

To become a sponsor of Pineapple Support or to provide resources to assist with their work, please visit www.PineappleSupport.org

Three-day Whirlwind Through Prague Gets Performers One Step Closer

/in /by

For those outside the adult industry, it’s important to point out that the executives working in this industry are by and large huge supporters of the talented people who consistently turn out the most amazing content for the massive worldwide audience of porn fans. The industry sustains itself with a circuit of business-focused tradeshows that include the one Pineapple recently attended in Prague.

“It was quite a whirlwind of activity,” explained Pineapple CEO Leya Tanit. “From a full slate of meetings each day with producers, directors and service providers, to the evening award shows and activities throughout the day I managed to meet with dozens of top quality companies and the amazing people who manage them at every level. Presenting the Pineapple mission is a passion of mine, and I can say that the enthusiasm and receptive remarks we got back in response to what we are doing was extraordinary.”

The industry is well aware that the mental, physical and social health of sex workers and performers is a vital part of what makes the industry function. Many of the execs we spoke with are former performers or are very close to a number of performers, which gives them an important amount of perspective on the urgent issues facing some of todays top starlets.

“As one company owner said to me, ‘we don’t make cars or widgets like other industries, we are the most intimately human sector and our interest in the health of our performers goes far beyond any financial or commercial limits. We want every consenting adult who participates in our films or watches them from home to know that each actor and actress are cared for to the full extent we can foster on their behalf.’ – and that sentiment was echoed by nearly everyone I spoke with during the Prague tradeshow, said Ms. Tanit.”

Pineapple will continue to remain very active throughout the year at a variety of shows inside and outside the adult industry, providing a presence and a voice for performers who often choose not to attend. If you would like more information about our upcoming schedule, to arrange meetings or wish to discuss issues you would like to see raised by our staff during future events please contact us today. We look forward to hearing from you and working with you to ensure the highest degree of safety, security and respect for everyone who works in the adult marketplace whether they have their clothes on or off while doing so.

Pineapple Support at Exxxotica Denver

/in /by

Exxxotica Denver…. Where do I start..? It can only be with a massive, huge THANK YOU to everyone who helped Pineapple Support, to everyone who donated money and prizes at the booth, to all the incredible, kind people that I met over the weekend. To say I am bowled over by the response we received would be an understatement, you guys are just amazing, all of you.

The team at Exxxotica so generously donated a booth to Pineapple Support and allowed us to host a seminar on mental health in the adult industry, you made us feel so welcome and a part of the show, thank you.

To the people who attended the seminar, asked great questions and were so full of love for Pineapple Support, thank you for calming my nerves and for being such amazing people. I’m actually looking forward to the next time we host a seminar and it is totally down to you guys.

The response we received on the booth left me speechless and realizing more than ever how much the industry needs the service that Pineapple Support is providing. I cannot actually remember the last time I received so many hugs! It was amazing, it felt amazing. Almost everyone that came to talk to us at the booth has signed up as a listener or donated their hard earned cash. You guys are the bread and butter of Pineapple Support, without you there would be no us. Thank you!

It wasn’t just the response from the performers and fans that was exceptional; almost every single booth at Exxxotica donated something to our fund raising raffle. To know we have support from businesses within the industry is imperative; if we are going to make a change then we need to make it together.
You guys rock, thank you!
Agreeable Agony
Vibrant inc
Adam & Eve
Bliss Cruise
Pure Romance
Polly’s Pleasures Jewellery
Goddess Nyomi
Bad Dragon
Migliori
Sliquid
It’s The Bomb
Lip Sense
Clips4Sale
My Free Cams
The Tremor
Touch of Fur
Chronic Candy
Cannabis and Hemp Association
Kill Your Culture
Bedroom Kandi
Kritter Klips
Dance Safe
Lux Vanity
ShaundamXXX
Rare Boutiques
Rubber Doll
Kimmie KaBoom

And lastly but my no means least, Christina Carter and Kimmie Kaboom. You ladies are my rocks. There are no words for the thanks I would like to give to both of you. I love you girls so much.