Simply put, FSC would like to thank the performers, producers, agents, and other industry members that attended yesterday’s CalOSHA Subcommittee meeting.
It was a lively discussion, to say the least – and gave a voice to the adult industry, to answer claims made by industry critics, including AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF). It was the first time that CalOSHA had an opportunity to hear from legitimate industry stakeholders, and they heard hours of comments on proposed health & safety regulations that could affect the lives and livelihoods of the adult industry community – from the adult industry community.
Industry attorney Paul Cambria (there on behalf of Vivid Entertainment) spoke first, and entered into record the FSC-commissioned report by respected Johns Hopkins professor, biostatistician and epidemiologist Dr. Lawrence Mayer. The report states that data presented by LA County Public Health officials Drs. Robert Kim-Farley and Peter Kerndt is “flawed” and “without basis in science.” Prior to Dr. Mayer’s report, the only data on rates of adult industry STIs was from LA County Public Health, and now, that data has been called into question.
Following Cambria, industry members spoke up to question and offer comments on a 17-page draft of proposed health and safety regulations (link below), which the subcommittee is considering for submission to the CalOSHA Standards Board.
Throughout the meeting, the questions and comments from industry members were impassioned, intelligent and mostly from performers that voiced their independent opinions – and outrage – at feelings of being left out of regulatory protocol that will affect them, while outside healthcare organizations and medical authorities have aggressively pushed their agendas for regulating the adult industry.
Special thanks to performer Danny Wylde and industry activist Michael Whiteacre for helping to rally performers to attend the meeting. Also, to Girlfriends Films owner Dan O’Connell and GF vice president Moose for the company’s continued support of FSC and for spreading the word to their models, many of whom attended yesterday. Wicked Pictures, a longtime supporter of FSC, was represented at the meeting by Jessica Drake, Brad Armstrong and Kaylani Lei.
Thanks to all the independent performers, like Nicki Hunter, who was interviewed by the LA Daily News, and said, “I think the intentions are good, but the proposals are unrealistic in the industry. If this does pass, the industry will move to Nevada.”
To performers Ela Darling, Lilly Cade, and Sarah Shevon, who questioned the scope of potential barrier control methods. And Darryl Hannah, who eloquently expressed her disgust and mistrust of the process. To agent Shy Love, whose fiery commentary called anti-adult Pink Cross Foundation out on the carpet.
Performers like John Magnum, who tried to build bridges of understanding with their questions – indicating to all those gathered – that the industry is not anti-regulation but, instead, pro-choice for performers. Who knows better than them, the risks they face and the precautions they take to protect themselves on a daily basis?
To everyone that spoke up to say – putting the issue of barrier protection aside – that testing and self-regulation imposed by the industry has worked and protected them, proving that they are not a “public health threat” and that conditions are not “epidemic,” as some anti-adult activists would have you believe. In fact, that in comparison to other sexually-active groups in the general population, the performer STI rates are lower and that infections are detected sooner because of frequent testing protocol.
To director Eli Cross and performer Tommy Gunn, who pointed out that stunt men, boxers and mixed martial arts fighters risk exposure to bodily fluids, just like adult performers – and that even a simple French kiss in a mainstream movie can put actors at risk of exposure.
To Nina Hartley, who expressed concern for her friends and family if the proposed regulations were passed – and her husband director Ira Levine, who patiently nailed down direct responses from officials.
Agents like Derek Hay and Mark Spiegler, who explained the business aspects involved in arriving at practical regulatory decisions. And to FSC board member and industry veteran Christian Mann, who brought up the producer’s point of view, alongside Cyd Black and several other content producers.
To performer Kara Price, who signed up for FSC membership prior to the meeting and also showed up to voice her opinions at the meeting. And to all those at the meeting that did not get a chance to speak, but showed their support simply by being there. To any of those we may have missed…
To attorneys Karen Tynan and Kevin Bland, who have worked tirelessly to help FSC and other adult industry companies in dealing with CalOSHA.
And, lastly, to all the industry members that couldn’t be there, but followed the live Tweets, asking questions and stating their opinions online. For industry members that would like to submit their questions and comments directly to CalOSHA, contact Subcommittee Director dgold@dir.ca.gov.
FSC would like to thank each and every one for fighting the good fight. It is great to feel the support and see industry stakeholders involved in the process. CalOSHA stated that they do not expect another meeting until the end of the year – but until then, FSC will keep you informed and updated. Anyone with questions, or who would like more information on FSC, please contact joanne@freespeechcoalition.com.
And again – thank you. -jc
Sexually Transmitted Infections Discussion Draft for 6-7-11 meeting — circ
