LOS ANGELES—Acclaimed adult star Domino Presley has announced the launch of her trans sex worker support initiative, the Jazmin Shibata Scholarship.
“I think it’s important to give back to your community whenever you can if you are able to do so,” explained Presley. “Trans sex workers are too often left in the dust. Everyone wants to look like an ally but doesn’t do the work or research to actually be an ally. I grew up with trans sex workers. I am a trans sex worker. I was the real-life, modern-day Pretty Woman. I’m just trans and got paid more. So, it just feels natural to throw the rope back and help wherever and whenever I can. I hope more girls who are of certain privilege do so as well.”
Adult industry trans advocate and therapist trainee Kristel Penn recently created a virtual support group for trans sex workers hosted by the LGBTQ Center in Orange County where Penn is completing their practicum. Through the Jazmin Shibata Scholarship, trans sex workers will be able to attend the group at no cost. Trans adult company, Grooby, also provides monetary sponsorship for the group.
“For as long as I’ve known Domino, she has been a vocal advocate for mental health particularly for the trans sex worker community,” said Penn. “I have seen her use her platform so many times (and often without credit) to elevate the voices of other trans sex workers, but especially ones with smaller platforms than her or ones who are further marginalized in our industry. She is arguably one of the most well-known trans performers in our industry and I really respect that she wants to use her own resources to help others access care that may not be affordable to them otherwise.”
Through the Jazmin Shibata Scholarship, funds have also been allocated to help pay for trans sex workers who are seeking letters of support for transition-related medical care. Qualified individuals will be able to receive assistance at no cost to them, and a free assessment and letter of support from Penn (MFT trainee) to be given to their doctor and/or insurance company that follows the criteria required by the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH).
Presley explained, “A lot of girls can’t afford to get the paperwork done that’s necessary for them to further their transition. They’re already struggling to pay rent, get medications, get insurance, pay for laser, and save for surgeries, and they have to deal with society on top of that. I’ve known Kristel for basically my entire career and she has helped my community in so many ways that often go unnoticed. When Kristel was telling me about this new group she had started and the letters of support she’s been writing for many trans folks, I immediately wanted to support in any way I possibly could. So I did.”
To those interested in learning more about the Jazmin Shibata Scholarship, contact Kristel Penn directly at kristel.yoneda@lgbtqcenteroc.
Follow Presley on Instagram at @TheDominoPresley and on Twitter at @DominoPresley.
