OAKLAND, Calif.—Nenna Joiner, owner of adult boutique Feelmore 510 in Oakland, Calif., announced she is running for California Congressional Delegate (District 13).
The mission of Feelmore is “To inspire people to lead socially involved and sexually empowering lives,” and Joiner said she believes that applies to her as well.
After attending an industry event about not regulating the use of condoms in the industry when a representative said, “It’s great that this many [people] showed up but let’s hope you stay this engaged as this will come up again,” Joiner felt the call to take action.
“There are many issues the adult industry can fight: lower bank rates, less restrictive zoning regulations, digital piracy, etc. Although the Delegate has no authoritative powers, it still helps to learn the political process and how it can help my business community,” Joiner said.
It’s not Joiner’s first foray into politics, however. This past January, Joiner was again confirmed for the second time by Oakland City Council for her second Commissioner position.
In February, she decided to attend the Democratic Convention in San Jose and saw the process a bit cumbersome for those who genuinely wanted to just show up.
“I arrived to find out that I had to have someone, a delegate, endorse me in order to get onto the convention floor,” she said. “It was really frustrating as I just wanted to see the process. Having finally recognized someone that was able to get me through the backdoor, I realized it was time for the adult industry to walk through more front doors.”
On May 1, a caucus for the delegate will be held at 115 Broadway in Oakland at 2 p.m.; individuals must be registered to vote as Democrats and in line before 3 p.m. to receive a ballot as well as hear a 1-minute speech from the candidates.
“My ask, for the adult community, is to get this information out to their fans and help start a chain reaction in our industry for the better, “Joiner said. “There is a great deal of opportunity for the adult industry in politics. We should expect to see more adult industry candidates that take time to learn the issues and those that want to see change that affect their local or business communities.”
For more information, contact Nenna at [email protected] or (510) 891-0199.
