Paulita Pappel: Feminism and the Porn Industry
- Filip
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
Porn and feminism—two words that many wouldn’t expect to go hand in hand. But for Paulita Pappel, a porn film producer, director, and performer, the adult industry is not only a space for erotic storytelling but also a vehicle for empowerment. In this conversation, she unpacks what it means to create and act in porn as a feminist, how she went from believing porn was harmful to becoming a pioneer in ethical adult filmmaking, and why she thinks porn can actually be good for you.
"From Shame to Liberation"
Like many, Paulita grew up with the belief that porn was degrading, exploitative, and inherently anti-feminist. But when she began exploring her own sexuality, her perspective shifted.
“I thought porn was this awful thing,” she says. “But then I actually watched ethical, diverse, and feminist porn, and I realized—it doesn’t have to be exploitative. It can be freeing.”
Her journey into the industry wasn’t just about pleasure; it was about breaking taboos. She quickly transitioned from viewer to performer, then to director and producer, determined to create a space where performers were in control of their narratives.
"Why Porn Can Be Good for You"
Society has a complicated relationship with porn. It’s consumed widely but discussed in whispers. Paulita challenges the shame surrounding it.
“Porn is one of the biggest cultural influences of our time,” she says. “Why should we pretend it doesn’t shape how we view sex? Instead of demonizing it, we should focus on making it better.”
For her, ethical porn is about representation, consent, and genuine pleasure. “When performers are respected and the stories aren’t just male fantasies, porn becomes something truly powerful,” she says.
"The Realities of the Porn Industry"
Despite her advocacy for ethical production, Paulita doesn’t shy away from discussing the darker sides of the industry. She acknowledges the history of exploitation but insists that change is happening.
“The issue isn’t porn itself, it’s how mainstream porn has been run,” she says. “But now we have independent filmmakers, queer creators, and feminist directors reclaiming it. There’s more transparency, better working conditions, and real conversations about consent.”
She also notes the double standards when it comes to sex work. “People love consuming it, but they shame those who create it,” she says. “That hypocrisy is what we need to break down.”
"Feminist Porn: What It Looks Like"
So what makes porn feminist? According to Paulita, it’s about agency.
“Feminist porn prioritizes the performers,” she says. “They have control over their scenes, their boundaries are respected, and their pleasure is real—not performative.”
Her productions highlight authentic chemistry, diverse bodies, and inclusive storytelling. “Sex should be seen as something beautiful, raw, and deeply human,” she says. “That’s what I try to capture.”
"Sex-Positivity Without Shame"
At the core of Paulita’s work is the belief that pleasure isn’t something to be ashamed of.
“Sex is natural, porn is an art form, and desire is nothing to hide,” she says. “If we talked about it more openly, we’d have healthier relationships with both ourselves and each other.”
With her work, she hopes to shift the conversation—from guilt and secrecy to empowerment and self-discovery.
