The topic of Sober Porn Stars is something I’ve been researching almost exclusively since last summer. I’ve interviewed nearly a dozen sober porn stars - both over the phone and IRL in Los Angeles. This piece in The Temper is the first of many that I’ve written on this *very* important topic.
Excerpt:
“Working in pornography is arguably one of the most stigmatized, misunderstood professions. Plus, being in recovery from substance use disorder and other mental health adversities often means leading a stigmatized, misunderstood life. A quick Google search of “sober porn stars” took me down a rabbit hole of former adult entertainers who are now in recovery and often cite the porn industry as the catalyst for their downward spiral. While these anecdotal stories deserve to be heard, what about the people who get sober and still choose to work in porn? What about the folks that are working in the porn industry and thriving — both personally and professionally — precisely because of their recovery?”
Read my full article on The Temper.
Stay tuned for many more pieces about sober porn stars. Until then, catch up on my writing at tawnylara.com or listen to my podcast, Recovery Rocks, co-hosted with Lisa Smith.
Tawny is an NYC-based writer, public speaker, and event producer who’s passionate about smashing stigmas associated with both sexuality and sobriety. She’s been dubbed “The Sober Sexpert” by Ruby Warrington.
Tawny’s words are published in Playboy, Huffington Post, The Temper, Audiofemme, SheSaid, Recovery Campus, WorkIt Health, and NY Yoga & Life Magazine. Tawny shared her recovery story on stages all across the world: IOGT World Congress, New York State Recovery Conference, United Federation of Teachers, and more.
In addition to writing and public speaking, she’s the founder of the Readings on Recovery™ reading series and SobrieTea Party™ and co-host of Recovery Rocks podcast with Lisa Smith. She’s also a charity volunteer with Road Recovery and an award-winning filmmaker of the recovery documentary, Fixed Up.