LOS ANGELES—Trans erotica brand Grooby announces that it will be sponsoring a trans sex worker bi-weekly virtual process group run by the LGBTQ Center OC. The group will be facilitated by marriage and family therapist (MFT) trainee Kristel Penn, and offer a safe space for trans performers to discuss topics related to sex work and navigating the industry safely, self-care as a sex worker, community building and other trans specific topics.
“The longtime ethos of Grooby has included a strong component of community outreach and support for our performers,” explained Penn, who serves as Grooby’s creative and editorial director. “We have made donations to organizations that support the needs of our community, hosted free educational workshops on a variety of business and wellness topics, and continue to offer support in a way that honors our performers.”
Grooby will be financially sponsoring the bi-weekly group by donating money to cover the group fees for attendees during their first 15 sessions. The group is currently accepting new members, who will be interviewed by Penn to determine if they are a good fit, and will start in late August/early September. Those interested in learning more can contact Penn directly at [email protected].
The LGBTQ Center OC, where Penn is currently doing her MFT training, is one of the oldest gay and lesbian community centers in the United States. It was first established as a volunteer organization in 1971 and incorporated in 1975 into a non-profit community-based organization. The Center provides services to more than 14,000 individuals annually across a broad spectrum of offered services and programming. Visit the LGBTQCenterOC.org to learn more.
“During my practicum at the LGBTQ Center OC, I knew very early on that my larger goal there would be to create a therapy group for our trans performers," Penn said. "Sex workers, but particularly trans sex workers, face a higher level of discrimination and lack of access to affirming resources out in the world, and this felt like an extension of Grooby’s ethos that I could use my education to help with.”
Companies interested in providing future financial support for this group may contact Kristel directly at [email protected] for more information.
