STAR DIARY: Could you describe your initial entry into the adult entertainment industry and how you received your first significant opportunity?
Riley Reid: I began my career as an extra for Reality Kings' "In The VIP," which essentially involved dancing in the background. Having a pre-existing comfort with sexual exploration, this role felt natural. After five such gigs, I approached BangBros for my first featured scene, and my career progressed organically from there. Before long, I had spent five years in the industry, earning a Best Female Performer award, followed by another five years and a Pornhub award for most searched pornstar. The trajectory of my career felt somewhat serendipitous. I genuinely enjoy my work, which I believe is reflected in my performances. I find on-camera intimacy and the entire production lifestyle appealing. Entering the adult film industry provided a sense of belonging, fulfilling a desire for community, which has sustained my commitment. This genuine job satisfaction and personal growth, I believe, translate authentically on screen.
Were there any individuals you admired when you were starting out? What is the dynamic like among performers – is it supportive or primarily competitive?
In my early days, I was dedicated to learning about the adult film industry. I developed admiration for several performers, including Asa Akira, Bella Donna, Stoya, Skin Diamond, and Angela White, among others. These women were iconic figures, possessing beauty, sex appeal, and considerable talent. For instance, Skin Diamond is a singer, Stoya is a writer, and Asa Akira is also a writer. All of these women are award-winning and internationally recognized. Their business acumen and confidence were particularly admirable.
While acknowledging the industry's competitive nature, I consciously chose to associate with supportive individuals. Personally, I am grateful for my experiences in this industry and the diverse range of people I have encountered.
STAR DIARY: What have been the most significant obstacles you have encountered in your career progression?
Riley Reid: Personally, the most persistent challenge I face is the societal prejudice and discrimination directed towards sex workers. Beyond online harassment, we experience systemic disadvantages as working professionals. Access to essential services such as banking, housing, loans, online and website services (including email servers, e-commerce hosting, and payment processing), and various business services is often restricted. These are resources often taken for granted, yet sex workers face significant limitations in these areas, a disparity I actively oppose.
Regarding hate comments, the discriminatory attitudes towards sex workers can be severe. I personally have concerns about future parenthood, fearing that my children might be shamed for my profession. The possibility of them being exposed to my adult content inappropriately is a significant worry. These anxieties stem from the negative stigma associated with the adult entertainment industry, where the label "pornstar" carries a considerable burden.
How have you observed the industry evolve since your initial involvement? What are your current perspectives on the industry?
The industry is in constant flux, and its evolution has seemed particularly rapid in recent years. During my initial decade, while internet pornography was prevalent, physical DVDs still had a market. Currently, DVD sales are negligible, and even production companies are experiencing challenges due to internet traffic on social media and aggregator sites. This shift has created a landscape where performers hold more prominence than production companies. Previously, companies often established the brand and fame of performers. However, social media has fundamentally altered this dynamic. The proliferation of online platforms allows performers to cultivate their own brands independently. They are no longer solely reliant on contracts with major companies to gain recognition. Performers now have unprecedented opportunities to brand themselves and directly monetize their content through fan engagement, potentially yielding higher incomes than traditional production company work. The methods for creating, filming, and selling content have expanded significantly, and with the continued growth of internet and social media platforms, the number of online performers is likely to increase.
It appears that the acceptance of pornography is growing, and the associated stigma is diminishing. Have you also noticed this trend?
I wholeheartedly agree. While substantial progress is still needed, there has undoubtedly been a greater acceptance of sexuality. Pornography seems to have gained a degree of mainstream appeal, and associating with it is sometimes even perceived as fashionable. Social media has enabled adult entertainment brands to market themselves in ways that encourage participation without shame, fostering a sense of community.
Furthermore, social media platforms have empowered performers to voice their perspectives, which I believe also contributes to changing perceptions of pornography. Traditionally, viewers only see performers in their on-screen roles, with little insight into their individual identities. Platforms like YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram provide an avenue for performers to share their personal narratives, humanizing the individuals behind the characters.
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STAR DIARY: How has your personal perspective and approach to being a pornographic actress shifted over time?
Riley Reid: My understanding of pornography has undergone a significant transformation. Initially, my perception was quite naive. My preconceived notions of "porn stars" were limited to figures like Pamela Anderson and Jenna Jameson – typically blonde women with large breasts. I was unaware of performers such as Sasha Grey, who presented a more conventionally attractive image with a smaller bust. Anyone outside the mainstream, I mistakenly assumed, were simply amateurs producing home videos for sale to production companies. My initial understanding was heavily skewed towards the amateur side of the industry. Consequently, I held an ambiguous view of pornography, unsure whether to categorize it as positive or negative.
My introduction to the adult film industry was marked by caution, fueled by concerns about exploitation. I strongly advise anyone considering entering the industry to exercise prudence and conduct thorough research. Personally, my first experience as an extra fundamentally altered my perspective. While I acknowledged the professional aspect of pornography, I was unaware of the extensive network of production companies and the diverse genres within the industry. My prior exposure to pornography was quite limited in scope.
Immersion in the adult industry illuminated its multifaceted nature, encompassing production, DVD distribution, talent agencies, and more. Furthermore, I gained a profound understanding of the complexities involved in being an on-screen performer, aspects I had never considered previously. To be frank, the pornography industry and sex work were not subjects I had contemplated before my involvement. This was due to my own lack of awareness, but since entering the industry, I have learned extensively and have strived to offer both positive and critical insights.
My personal feelings and views on the industry have evolved considerably. The most impactful changes have stemmed from my direct experiences. A prevalent and ongoing challenge is the negativity I encounter as a pornographic actress. Across various aspects of my personal life, I have faced issues rooted in the stigmas and shame associated with my profession. These experiences have paradoxically fostered a sense of gratitude and awareness regarding my work that I might not have gained in a more conventional profession, such as teaching. For instance, being a teacher would likely not result in a restricted dating pool, housing denial, bank account closures, or discrimination in accessing basic business services. The list of stigmas and discrimination I face as a sex worker is extensive. Ultimately, these challenges have reinforced the idea that sharing my body online can be empowering and positive, and societal misunderstanding does not negate its validity.
What do you find to be the most rewarding aspect of being a pornographic actress? What do you enjoy most about it?
The professional autonomy afforded to adult performers is something I deeply appreciate. The creative and personal freedom I experience has opened doors to opportunities I never imagined possible. This profession allows for international work, enabling me to travel and collaborate with various companies or independently. I have the flexibility to work as an on-screen talent for established productions or to take on roles as a director, producer, stylist, editor, and performer for my own projects. This creative control over my professional life is the most rewarding outcome of my involvement in pornography, and the level of fulfillment I've found in this industry has exceeded my expectations.
What types of roles and scenes do you most enjoy filming?
Without a doubt, producing my own content is my absolute preference. I particularly enjoy shooting gonzo-style scenes with a more avant-garde or fashion-inspired aesthetic. I envision the introductions to my films having a visual quality akin to a stocking advertisement or similar stylized content. I appreciate the freedom to be playful and sensual on set, transitioning from expressive movement to intimate acts with both male and female partners. Specifically, I favor nighttime sets illuminated by a ring light camera, as I find this setup to be particularly appealing and sensual.
STAR DIARY: Given the prevalent negative stigma surrounding the adult entertainment industry, what key understandings would you like to impart to those unfamiliar with it?
Riley Reid: Numerous negative stigmas exist, each requiring a specific counter-argument depending on the misconception.
Regarding the assertion that "porn ruins your life," I believe accountability for one's actions is crucial. Poor choices and a failure to capitalize on opportunities should not be attributed to the profession itself. Individuals bear the responsibility to thoroughly research the advantages and disadvantages of any career path and assess its suitability. I urge people to refrain from blaming the industry and instead consider the individual's agency.
Could you discuss your personal romantic relationships and how you navigate them in relation to your profession? What has your experience with dating been like?
Romantic relationships within the context of the adult film industry have presented challenges. However, dating can be difficult across various professions. A recurring issue for me has been partners or potential partners wanting me to leave the adult industry. Boyfriends and casual acquaintances have often issued ultimatums or made remarks about wanting me to quit. This has been a significant challenge. My most recent relationship lasted nearly three years, and for a considerable time, I believed it to be positive and fulfilling. It was only after the breakup that I recognized the extent to which I had suppressed aspects of myself to accommodate my partner's discomfort and insecurity regarding my work. This included censoring sexual humor and even influencing my professional choices, such as avoiding certain types of scenes. This suppression was emotionally taxing. After the relationship ended, my former partner admitted to sometimes being reluctant to kiss me after work, comments that deeply affected me. These experiences have understandably led to a degree of apprehension about finding a loving partner while remaining in this profession. I have even had men express concerns that dating me could negatively impact their professional opportunities due to public association. The idea that being with me could jeopardize their careers, for example, preventing a music licensing deal or a voice acting role, is disheartening. It is painful to feel that dating me is considered detrimental to one's business. While I hope to eventually find a confident partner who accepts and appreciates me fully, I am trying to manage my expectations regarding love to avoid potential disappointment. I find it healthier to anticipate challenges while remaining open to positive outcomes.
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STAR DIARY: What was the rationale behind choosing the name Riley Reid?
Riley Reid: As longtime followers may know, my initial stage name was Paige Riley. However, this was quickly changed upon discovering that another performer already used that name, though some of my early work can be found under Paige Riley. Interestingly, many people assume this was my real name rather than my first pseudonym. When selecting both Paige Riley and Riley Reid, my intention was to choose a name that sounded authentic and relatable, like the "girl next door." After learning that Paige Riley was taken, I decided to drop "Paige" and retain "Riley" as I felt it had a more alluring quality. Given a second opportunity to name myself, I gave it more consideration, seeking a name that was easy to pronounce, sounded genuine, and had a certain appeal. I didn't fully appreciate the branding implications at the time, and I am immensely grateful for the second chance to choose Riley Reid, as a different name might have led to a different career trajectory.
What are your aspirations for the future of Riley Reid? What direction can your audience anticipate for your career moving forward?
While predicting the future with certainty is impossible, my initial expectation was to leave the industry after five years. However, a decade later, I am still actively involved. My current goal is to explore opportunities within the mainstream entertainment industry. I envision having a cartoon show while still maintaining some connection to the adult industry, as I am passionate about contributing to its growth and evolution. Regardless of specific ventures, my intention is to remain a supportive advocate for the adult industry, perhaps until I am older and pursuing a different path, such as running a flower shop with many canine companions.
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