Adult Industry Icon Nina Hartley defies the critics of pornography who declare women to be exploited by it, having no choice but to be willing victims. She was well on her way to a career in nursing when she chose a different path, starring in her first adult film in 1984. Her debut performance was in the film Educating Nina, which was produced and directed by the veteran porn star Juliet Anderson (better known as "Aunt Peg"). The film turned out to be the first step in a journey to adult film superstardom.
Nearly 30 years later, she has gone on to feature in over 400 first-run adult films, and has become one of the most enduring and recognizable performers in the industry.
Nina has been a driving force in the adult industry for nearly three decades as an adult film actress, director, sex educator, feminist and author. She has been a tireless, outspoken advocate for sexual freedom and considers herself a sex-positive feminist who seeks to "educate others from a place of practice and not just theory."
Nina has been a visible industry spokesperson who seeks to change negative perceptions of adult entertainment and sex itself. In 1993, she and ten other adult film stars were arrested in Las Vegas for "having a lesbian performance in the front of an audience." She actively supports the Woodhull Foundations whose goal is to promotes sexual freedom as a fundamental human right. She challenges the radical feminist view that the porn industry, by definition, victimizes women—instead, she points out that in her lengthy career, she's seen few examples of coercion of performers on set, and none of a physical nature. "Women have the right of refusal, always, and exercise it."
How has the industry changed, since Nina has been began her career? Would she recommend her path to women today? What is the most important lesson she's learned along the way? Join us in welcoming Nina Hartley to the Community Interview in celebration of the 1 year anniversary of Tuesdays With Nina!
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I am all for period sex. The exception is the second day of my period, when it's in full swing. At that point I'm so bloody and in so much pain that even taking toilet paper to the girly parts makes me cringe! But other than that, I have no problems about having sex on my period, and my husband is fine with it too. I usually hop in the shower beforehand to clean things out, and then we both wash up afterwards. A towel during sex & missionary position ensures minimal mess and easy clean-up.
I wouldn't recommend a diva cup for sex. I'm a passionate supporter of the Diva Cup, but would never endorse that. The Diva Cup sits down low in the vaginal canal, not up against the cervix. You wouldn't be able to have penetrative sex. The Instead cups, which are a disposable menstrual cup that sits against the cervix, are advertised for this purpose and work great that way. Personally, I prefer to put a towel on the bed and clean up afterwards.
Nina gives some great advice again!!
Picardslovechild is also right, the Instead Soft Cups work great for this purpose. I am a huge fan and recommend them to everyone I know. I originally used them to solve this issue myself about ten years ago and never looked back. I recommend reading up on them on their website if you are interested, they have a very detailed FAQ that includes its uses, directions and a good outline for new users and ofter samples although I recommend just going out and getting a box of them so you can practice. It sounds weird but once you learn how to use them and get comfortable with the frequency of emptying/changing (that is explained in the FAQ) them depending on your cycle, you will wonder how you ever lived without them. A good ol' towel on the bed never hurt either.
Thank you for this, Nina!! ^_^