CANOGA PARK, Calif.—Longtime entrepreneur and HIV/AIDS activist Eric Paul Leue will take over as Executive Director of the Free Speech Coalition, the adult industry trade organization, effective February 1, 2016. Leue had most recently worked as the Director of Sexual Health and Advocacy at San Francisco-based Kink.com.
“It’s an incredible honor to be able to lead the charge of the Free Speech Coalition, at a time when the adult industry is fighting for its very survival,” said Leue. “When it comes to free speech, performer safety, and sexual health, we cannot let the moralistic and anti-scientific arguments dictate policy. I will fight to keep our industry safe and legal.”
The adult industry in California currently faces two existential threats: new Cal/OSHA regulations which would require eye protection, dental dams and condoms when shooting adult film, and a ballot measure which would allow private citizens to file lawsuits against producers and performers who don’t appear to comply with the regulations.
Leue has extensive experience in both nonprofit and for-profit arenas. Leue started his first successful business while still in his teens, and has managed budgets and fundraising for multinational corporations, nonprofit organizations and his own successful business, EPL Brand Services.
A former Mr. LA Leather, Leue has served on the LA County PEP and PrEP Workgroup since 2013, and on the Los Angeles Commission on HIV since 2014. In the past year, he was named one of the “Top HIV Advocates of 2015” by HIV Plus magazine, one of The Advocate’s “40 Under 40,” and recognized by the Mayor of Los Angeles for his “Untiring Advocacy and Exemplary Service.”
Leue came to the attention of the adult industry directly in 2014, after circulating a petition calling for the removal of long-time industry opponent Michael Weinstein, of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation. He has since become a regular figure at Cal/OSHA hearings, legislative events, rallies and producer meetings.
“Eric has been a major contributor to our success over the past two years,” said Board Chair Jeffrey Douglas. “He has been a fierce advocate for our industry, and we look forward to a successful 2016 and beyond.”
