May is Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage month. This time last year, we spoke with Asa Akira about the intersections of porn and Asian culture, where she namedropped Connie Perignon as the next big star to watch in 2022. One year later, Connie has been featured in studio productions like Jules Jordan, Brazzers, and was nominated in three categories at the 5th Annual Pornhub Awards, taking home the trophy for Favorite Inked Model. We sat down with Connie to chat about her blooming success and Asian representation in pop culture.
How did you get your start in the adult industry?
I started out in sex work as a sugar baby when I turned 18 but took an indefinite hiatus to pursue a corporate career in marketing. Years later, I started dabbling again. I only really got into porn after Jules Jordan slid into my DMs one day and asked if I wanted to shoot a video… The rest is history!
Only a year under your belt and you’re already a star! Tell us more about your last year as position on top.
You know, I operate with so much imposter syndrome that whenever someone tells me I’m a big deal or I’m killing it, I’m usually in disbelief! But the last year has been absolutely wild. I get recognized now more than ever, people are constantly asking my friends how they know me, I have dedicated fans… It all feels like a dream. I’m so grateful for all the support from everyone to be where I am now.
Taiwanese, tattooed and a total #PHWorthy babe; how do you tackle dealing with fetishizing or micro-aggressions in your everyday life?
Honestly, I tackle them head on. I think there’s this notion that Asian women are submissive by nature and thus will just standby and withstand abuse and I am very vehemently against that. I call it out, every single time. I can’t tell you the number of times people will mistake me for another Asian woman, and I just smile and say, “different Asian girl” or “not all Asians look alike.” Or when I get told I “speak English so good,” I’m like, “yeah I’m from Los Angeles.” Usually, they start apologizing profusely because they’re embarrassed. And they should be!
The search results are in and Pornhub’s 2022 Year in Review showed “Hentai” was the #1 most searched term. "Japanese," "Pinay" and "Asian" all ranked in the top 10 too. What do you make of this significant interest in Asian search results?
It’s so interesting because growing up, being Asian and having an interest in Asian things was so uncool and worthy of bullying. With the advent of K-pop and anime in the mainstream, it’s no wonder there’s been increased interest in all things Asian. And obviously that would flood into porn preferences too. Funny enough, I don’t really watch Asian porn anymore (mostly because a lot of the performers are my friends now!) but will peruse some hentai from time to time!
What advice do you have for new models who want to be a baddie just like you?
Be yourself! My entire brand is predicated on staying true to myself. Everything you see is 100% me, all the time. Be unapologetically yourself. The fans will see that and appreciate the authenticity. Also, know when to work hard and when to work smart. Things will not be easy but if you keep chipping away at it, it will get easier. Get to a point where you can delegate the unimportant stuff and focus on what really matters to you.
Where would you like to see the adult industry go in terms of Asian representation? What’s the blind spot that production companies and studios are missing?
More thick Asian ladies and more Asian guys!!! There are countless petite Asian women in this industry, but we could really benefit from more size inclusivity. Or alt Asians! There’s no reason why I’m seemingly the only heavily tattooed Asian woman in porn. We need more Asian men in this industry. Asian men deserve to see themselves as sex symbols too.
You've been on fire this year and we have no doubt your future is bright. What's next for you and your career?
I have a few more companies I’d like to shoot for, but I’d like to land an exclusive contract either later this year or next year. I want to do my first blowbang and gangbang scenes. I’m moving back to LA in August after a 13-year stint in NYC and launching a full glossy art book/magazine inspired by the move, a personal project I’ve been working on for over a year. I also have new merch coming out that I’m very proud of. I’m super excited for this year and can’t wait to see what’s to come!
Any parting words?
Just want to say thank you to all the fans, directors, colleagues, Jules Jordan, this industry, and of course, Pornhub, for all the continued love and support! This past year has been the craziest year I’ve had in my 30 years of living and I’m so grateful for everyone taking a chance on me and supporting me! Such a wild first year. I can’t wait to see what life will look like one year from now!
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