If this is your first time reading the Forward Ventures Newsletter, read our 1-minute primer on we think the sex industry is set for growth.
Please note for the time being I’ll be publishing on a bi-weekly (fortnighly) basis.
Top Stories
Pornhub is raising awareness of measures to flatten the curve and raise money to fight coronavirus with the launch of ScrubHub.The parody site is a knock-off of the real one, featuring many videos of hands being washed with porn sounding titles under the thumbnails. Users can upload their own hand washing videos to be posted alongside videos featuring PornHub ambassadors Asa Akira, Angela White, Austin Wolf. ScrubHub will also be hosting live web conferences with comedians and musicians.
Sex toy companies are donating their personal protective equipment to real frontline healthcare workers who need it. Long before the coronavirus gave way to themed porn, the medical kink existed with porn productions and sex toy companies catering to this community. Now that PPE is in short supply, a number of businesses including MedFet and SexToyDistributing.com are donating their supplies to real doctors, not just people who play them in the bedroom.
As governments around the world consider easing Corona Virus lockdowns, systems are being considered that were pioneered by the porn industry a decade ago.The White House has indicated they’re considering following the lead of Germany and China to have people get tested in conjunction with a digital tracking system to confirm these tests. A similar system has been in use for years throughout the pornography industry to ensure performers have been tested for HIV and other STIs.
Canadian sex workers say they are being left out of the government Covid-19 response. Many sex workers were forced to stop working as a result of the coronavirus lockdowns, as continuing to work would put them at high risk of contracting the virus. Now they say they’re being left out of the government’s aggressive response, either not qualifying or being afraid to apply for the CERB. A government spokesperson has said they are supporting sex workers with funding to “to support shelters, sexual assault centres and organizations serving women who are the hardest hit by COVID-19.” Advocates say the money is not getting to the people who need it most.
What Else We’re Watching
Here’s How Much It Really Costs To Be An Online Sex Worker
A New Frontier for Self-Love—And Sex Toys—in the Time of COVID-19
It’s time sex toys become more inclusive and accessible
How a Toronto sex worker is pivoting her business online
Porn Site Wants To Team Up With NFL To Host Draft
Maitland Ward sued for $270K by porn peers
Cam sites are seeing a spike during quarantine, but not just because people are horny
How a Legal Brothel Worker Is Selling the ‘Girlfriend Experience’ During COVID-19 Pandemic