APAG: Now Considered a ‘Real’ Union!

APAG is now, finally — after years of doing stuff — considered an actual real and legit union as defined by receipt of a federal filing number from the US Department of Labor.

Here’s some press release info about it:

The Adult Performance Artists Guild (APAG)  recently announced the organization received its federal filing number from the US Department of Labor and has, thus, been confirmed as a union.

Once known as the “Adult Performers Actors Guild,” APAG noted in its announcement that “the members of APAG severed their relationship with their former parent union and re-organized. With the milestone of 1,000 verified members on the horizon, APAG is proud to have received their filing approved by the Department of Labor.”

Based in Los Angeles, APAG said its filing status, “offers the opportunity to open multiple chapters across the world as an international union. APAG added that it is “currently focused on growing membership, continuing their battle against occupational discrimination, and creating collective bargaining agreements with adult businesses and platforms.”

Board members of APAG include President Alana Evans, Vice President Ruby, Secretary Kelly Pierce, Treasurer Ash of DitaInc, Sergeant At Arms Amber Lynn, APAG Legal Counsel James Felton, as well as India Morel as board member, Jorge Reano as the group’s parliamentarian, and Tino D as its Steward.

“It has been a long road for our group,” Evans said. “We are so pleased that after so many years of being held down, restricted by past issues with our former parent union, the freedom of having our own filing will empower our members and our community! We will be able to fund our programs and extend our access to care and support for our workers.”

“I am really proud of the officers and members of the Union who made this happen,” added Felton. “This step will open up lots of important opportunities for performers.”

APAG holds member meetings biweekly, offering educational panels, political and legislative webinars, committee meetings and worker support. APAG is currently offering a performer training program in which industry workers can complete a series of educational courses and receive a certificate of completion. For more information, visit APAGUnion.com and follow APAG on Twitter @APAGunion.

This is a big deal!

Regardless of how one feels about the organization and/or of its actions/activities, APAG’s leadership has definitely put in the long grind to create a consistent, standing space for advocacy in the industry.

My side-eye here is entirely related to the adult industry and its endeavors, needs, accomplishments and missions being considered “real” only when the mainstream — in this case, the US Department of Labor — deems it so. And yes, I realize this is not the same as most other instances of “‘approval from the mainstream.” I am willing to concede that I have a bit of exhaustion when it comes to the adult industry community overall and collectively being subject to mainstream approval in order to achieve “legitimacy” at any and every corner.

Good on y’all though APAG — keep pushing, you are doing important, much-needed work!

We are excited to announce…..

We received confirmation from the Department of Labor with our NEW UNION NUMBER! It's official! the Adult Performance Artists Guild is now fully confirmed! #UNIONSTRONG Thank you to the community for fighting with us!

— APAG – Adult Performance Artists Guild (@APAGunion) May 17, 2021

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Erika is a sex positive people watcher (and writer). Email her at erika@ynotcam.com.