With SCOTUS hearing Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton soon, the adult industry is facing a digital crisis. State-mandated age verification laws are forcing platforms to implement invasive ID systems—and companies to consider geoblocking, offshoring, or closure to survive. These laws aren’t just policy—they’re a major business threat, particularly for LGBTQ+ creators and companies at the intersection of sexuality, health, and tech.
As some of the most influential voices across adult, tech, and legal spheres can attest to, these laws are devastating to the adult and wellness space:
- Raven Faber, Founder & CEO of EngErotics:
“These laws don’t just target porn—they’re pushing out wellness brands too. We’re preparing to geoblock states if we have to, just to protect our users’ privacy.” - Cherie DeVille, adult creator and performer:
“Age verification has added huge friction for both fans and creators. LGBTQ+ users get flagged, rejected, and censored more often than anyone. Illegal platforms will thrive while regulated creators suffer.” - Bruce Friedman, industry veteran and host of Adult Site Broker Talk:
“This is a calculated effort to destroy the adult industry. If you don’t believe me, listen to what Brandon Carr said in that secret interview. These laws hurt innovation, hurt tech, and hurt the U.S.” - Mandy Salley, COO of the Woodhull Freedom Foundation, in its amicus brief in states:
“HB 1181 in Texas isn’t just bad policy—it’s unconstitutional. We’re asking the Supreme Court to uphold decades of precedent that protect adults’ access to legal sexual content.”
This isn’t just an issue for queer-centric sites, as these laws will affect all queer people and all adult businesses operating in the United States.
Best,Hail Groo
[email protected]
ForwardApproachMarketing.com
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ABOUT HAIL GROO
Hail Groo (they/them) is the Director of Marketing at Forward Approach Marketing, a historian of gender and sexuality, and a writer for adult industry magazines. With a background in inclusive brand storytelling and over a decade of experience, Hail has led marketing and PR campaigns for top-tier adult brands while writing for XBIZ, Sexual Health Magazine, Pulse Magazine, Cosmopolitan, and others. Their work centers queer visibility, sextech innovation, and the evolving relationship between intimacy, commerce, and culture