Woodhull Freedom Foundation Hosting “Checking the Facts About Pornography” Featuring Industry Stars & Researchers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — August 31, 2026 — Washington, DC

Today, the Woodhull Freedom Foundation announced the next installment of its virtual series, “Fact Checked by Woodhull,” centered on its groundbreaking work debunking myths about sexual freedom. This month’s program will focus on common myths about pornography. These myths were developed in conjunction with experts and are based on the most common lies about pornography. Falsehoods and lies that are used to pass bad policies and violate human and constitutional rights.

Fact Checked by Woodhull investigates common myths and lies about pornography, age verification, sex work, free speech, transgender and gender-nonconformity, and sexual orientation by consulting peer-reviewed academic research. Fact Checked articles are short, accessible, and free to all! Fact Checked has been cited in testimony in several states, on social media, and in periodicals.

The next episode of this virtual series will air live online on Thursday, September 24 at 6 pm ET. 

Registration is free, and ASL interpretation will be provided.

Expert panelists include:

• Lotus Lain a globally recognized influential public figure in the realms of consent, sex workers’ rights, self advocacy & intimacy. Throughout her 12+ year career, she’s been a Dominatrix; Hall of Fame Adult Performer; a Published Writer, Guest Speaker, Producer and now Intimacy Coordinator for Mainstream TV and Film. Lotus has appeared at SXSW and on Showtime and Netflix for her work. Most recently, Lotus has spoken at the UN in Geneva and New York to inform the Human Rights Committee of the US Government’s failures to prevent trafficking and discrimination against people of LGBTQ identity.

• Dr. Zahra Stardust is a scholar and artist working on the stolen lands of the Turrbal and Yuggera people in Magandjin (Brisbane, Australia). Her work specializes in sexual media and sexual health, focusing on the politics of online sexual content moderation and the design and governance of sextech. Her book Indie Porn: Revolution, Regulation and Resistance (Duke University Press, 2024) investigated how governments and digital platforms both foreclose and produce conditions for more radical pornographies. With an international research portfolio spanning sex worker activism, LGBTQ+ health and criminalization, she has published about sexual racism, trans prison policies, policing practices, surveillance capitalism and algorithmic whorephobia. She is a Co-Chair of the World Association for Sexual Health’s Sexual Rights Committee and sits on the World Health Organization’s Sexual Health and Wellbeing Advisory Group.

• King Noire is an award-winning writer, artist, educator, performer, and global activist whose work spans entertainment, music, media, and community impact. Through his creative projects and advocacy, he has supported initiatives including the development of a school, fresh water well, and medical clinic in Guinea-Bissau, West Africa. As co-founder of Royal Fetish Films alongside Jet Setting Jasmine, he has earned multiple industry honors while helping expand representation and education around kink, consent, and sexual wellness within communities of color. His work has been featured by major outlets including GQ, Esquire, Ebony, Playboy, and Netflix. Originally known as the acclaimed hip-hop artist Hasan Salaam, King has also built an international music career, performing alongside renowned artists and continuing to create innovative multimedia experiences through The Royal Fetish Experience.

Ricci Levy, President & CEO of the Woodhull Freedom Foundation, states, “Pornography has long been used to stir up fear and anger. And when people are frightened or angry enough, politicians can convince them to give up rights they would otherwise fight to protect. The result is policy driven by panic instead of evidence—policy that threatens our fundamental human and constitutional right to free expression. Fact Checked by Woodhull counters fear with facts. I’m thrilled to welcome three experts who will challenge some of the most persistent myths about pornography and share the truth about the industry and its impact.”

Register for the discussion here.

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