We caught up with Maitland before the event to discuss overcoming the stigma of working in porn and how working in the sex industry can empower women to become the titans of their industry that they should be.
What are the biggest stigmas in the sex industry and how are professionals overcoming these?
A huge stigma is that adult performers (most especially women) are in the industry for one of the following reasons: they are crazy, on drugs, have suffered horrific sexual abuse, their families hate them or they can’t do anything else. There is rarely a conversation in which a woman is empowered by selling her sexuality and society in general has extraordinary trouble recognizing and embracing a sex worker’s success. This is not to say the issues I mentioned aren’t very real and important but they in no way run parallel to having an adult career. These issues are issues everywhere and are more and more being recognized and given voice. It is not the adult industry where they are used to degrade or humiliate.
It especially angers me knowing that the hard working people in the industry have to constantly defend and explain themselves for doing the work that they choose and love. So many hide behind a curtain of shame, which includes lying about their profession, hiding behind fake names and being truly fearful of both physical and financial retaliation. I always try to be as public and open about my journey as I can. Being a public and positive voice and influence is important to me. I want to show people that we can be vocal and proud. I’ve been given a unique stage as a Hollywood actress and now an actress in porn to show the adult industry to the world at large using a different lens.
How did porn liberate you from Hollywood?
I’ve never been one to be told I can’t do something and sit with that comfortably. And I was told for so long by Hollywood that I was only allowed to check one box as an actress and play one type of role. My personal exploration in the world of sex work and eventually adult film making has allowed me to step outside a box Hollywood had long ago locked. Now I get to play such different, provocative roles. I love that. I am completely untamed.
How can working in the sex industry be empowering for women?
The fact that we own our sexuality both in a broader sense and a literal sense is the of the most important things we can do as women. To find freedom as women with our sexuality in history has been rare, and it’s one of the last frontiers for women that has remained taboo and shackled. To be free sexually is to be unowned and truly liberated. The amount of success and money women can achieve in this industry has never been greater, and with the rise of platforms like OnlyFans women have never had more control of a thing that history and men have always controlled. The only thing that is stopping us from going all the way forward is the scare tactic of taboo.
What advice would you give to those looking to make a career out of adult entertainment?
First, grow your social media and find an audience you connect with. That will be vital for any porn company of merit to work with you. They need to know you have interest and a following. It doesn’t have to be huge but it’s important to have your own solid base. Working with big companies will then allow you to start and grow your Onlyfans or other platform. A strong base there will give you financial freedom and then you can carve out the career path you want and have financial freedom for a long time to come.
You won’t want to miss out on hearing Maitland speak in person on these topics and more. Keep up to date with her latest work and events by following Maitalnd Ward Baxter on her Instagram and X accounts, and be sure to check out Residence 11 on our social media sites to catch all the latest updates and programs offered. Tickets on sale now! Enjoy live performances, deep dive talks with experts in various fields of intimacy, give aways and much more at our R11 Desire Summit on Intimacy & Relationships .