LOS ANGELES — Adult industry mental health nonprofit Pineapple Support is marking its 2nd anniversary with another milestone: the organization has now connected over 1,000 adult performers with mental health and emotional support services.
Founder Leya Tanit said that when she started Pineapple Support in 2018, she “couldn’t have imagined that we’d be able to reach so many performers in such a short amount of time.”
“It has not been easy, and the need is still great,” Tanit added, “but it’s incredibly rewarding to reach this milestone in conjunction with our second birthday.”
Pineapple Support was conceived in early 2018 by Tanit, a British performer, in response to losses in the adult industry from depression, addiction and other mental illnesses. Tanit launched Pineapple Support at Exxxotica Denver on April 7, 2018.
Since then, Pineapple Support has secured financial sponsorship from over 40 adult companies, received 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status in the U.S. and charity status in the U.K., and assembled a Board of Directors made up of industry leaders.
In addition, Pineapple Support has amassed a team of over 100 therapists providing low or no-cost services to adult performers, along with over 300 trained “active listeners” who volunteer with the service.
The non-profit has provided adult professionals with one-on-one therapy, online support groups, monthly webinars and 24/7 online emotional support.
Last year, Tanit launched the Pineapple Summit, the only online mental health summit specifically for the adult industry.
“I am so thankful for the generosity and dedication of our industry in helping build this organization, and for the tireless work of the therapists who help our community daily,” Tanit said. “I look forward to celebrating even more milestones and anniversaries in the coming years. As we often say, it’s okay to feel lonely, but it doesn’t mean you’re alone.”
For more from Pineapple Support, follow them online and on Twitter.