The first of our Trans Awareness Week Model Spotlights shines brightly on Leilani Li! A rising star in the industry, she has won several awards and shows a lot of appreciation for her success and the community that surrounds her. Leilani tells us how we can address the challenges facing the Trans community, gives excellent advice for new Models, shares an organization for folks looking to support the Trans community, and more. Keep reading to get to know her!
Hi Leilani, before we begin, please tell us what pronouns you go by.
I go by she/her.
Tell us a little about yourself. What led you to becoming an adult performer?
Throughout my journey I’ve always had a relationship with sex work and explored it from different levels and aspects. Originally, I did some solo work with Grooby Girls, and would just sell video clips. But recently I wanted to take things to a more serious level. I feel like I’ve always been an adult Performer by default.
What does Trans Awareness Week mean to you and why is it important on a larger cultural scale?
Trans Awareness Week means awareness, visibility, acceptance, inclusion, education, protection, respect, and acknowledgement in a positive light. It is a call for action and a call for community in today’s society. When it comes to the Trans community, we must protect and educate in order to create healthy relationships and change the narratives that can make being a Trans woman challenging and even dangerous.
Speaking of education, what do you want folks to know about the Trans community? Are there any challenges or misconceptions you would like to address?
I honestly just want to express that as a Trans woman, we just want to exist and love and grow and build our lives. We aren’t out here to trick people, step on anyone’s toes, invade spaces or cause harm to families.
I can’t even begin to list the many misconceptions when it comes to the Trans community, but the biggest misconception I feel is that this is a new wave or an agenda of some kind. The lack of education on Trans history contributes to the narrative that Trans experiences in the mainstream are designed as tools for political propaganda that creates a belief that out of nowhere the Trans community popped up, because of the constant headlines from certain organizations. Throughout history, and since the beginning of society, there have always been Trans women.
Excellent point, and they have unique challenges. With the growing violence targeting Black Trans women, what can we do to protect those who are most vulnerable in the community?
We need to create safe spaces, provide resources and education so we can protect ourselves, in addition to building a network and community for those who are legally unable to protect themselves. I feel the biggest issue as a Black Trans woman myself is vulnerability due to lack of family support and resources. It can lead to compromising situations that are sometimes dangerous. So, with more resources and education available along with outreach and advocacy, I feel we can create a safer existence.
Let's talk about you a bit, you are quite the rising star! You won Best Trans Newcomer at AVN, Black TGirl of the Year and Best Girl/Girl Scene at the Trans Erotica Awards (TEAs), and Sexiest Trans Star at Urban X. Have you noticed more opportunities arise after receiving these accolades?
Honestly, I feel like since I’ve stepped on the scene and attended the TEAs in 2023, the opportunities have been rolling in and with each opportunity I always commit and put my best foot forward, so me receiving these awards is reassuring that my hard work and intention are all paying off and I am very thankful for each opportunity, award, nomination, and win that I have the privilege of receiving. I also acknowledge that my trajectory in my career is rare, and I appreciate it so much every day. It’s honestly really surreal and very humbling. I just love that my fans and the industry support me and love what I do.
We discovered people had an interest in Black Trans Models during our Trans Day of Visibility Insights earlier this year. For example, “black transgender” and “ebony transgender” were the 13th and 14th most searched Trans terms. What do you think of this interest?
Well, it doesn’t surprise me at all because Black Trans women are very, very beautiful and come in so many different shapes and sizes. It’s hard to just admire one. I mean the girls are bad as hell. And I’m happy that the numbers are reflecting that. We can’t keep denying the girls beauty, creativity, and presence.
What advice would you give to new Trans Femme Models you wish you had when you started?
Go your hardest and then go harder. Don’t get comfortable and stay thirsty. This is a business not a party. Show up every time at 100 then add another 50 to it and invest in everything you do. Lastly, be selective but stay open. And know your worth & add some tax to it! You’re the product, you’re the brand.
That is the recipe for success! Do you have any recommendations for organizations that folks can learn about or show their support for members in the Trans community?
Yes definitely, The Ts Madison Starter House. Ts Madison is one of the best examples of what is possible within and after survival sex work. Since I have been on my transitioning journey and throughout, she has always been an example for me. Her organization is the perfect place to learn about and support Black Trans women today.
She is incredible, going from sex work to working with RuPaul and Beyonce! What Transgender Models should everyone have on their radar and why?
AllHailKendall and her Sorority MuThetaPhi, which consists of her, Carlisha Brown, Cola Honey, TS Heaven Lee & TS Irvianna. Their production, presentation, and over all delivery in their recent project, “Trick or Freak” is so good! Each one of these girls also put a lot of effort and intention into their craft.
I also want to shout out Theesexykayla and Ra’Kiah Akasha as well. These Black Trans women really deserve it all, and their content and overall contributions are everything! They have literally always inspired me even before I was a Performer.
As someone who gives their all at work, we hope you are taking time to enjoy life when the day is over. Describe your perfect weekend to us. Where are you, who are you with, and what are you doing?
My perfect weekend would start Friday evening. Dinner out at a nice Michelin acclaimed restaurant, somewhere in an upscale town on the coast with nice, beautiful weather. Saturday I’d spend all day relaxing outside in nature with my dogs and cat, ending the day with a nice home-cooked meal. Sunday would lead with family and friends joining me and just creating memories in nature with peace and good vibes, surrounded by the people and the pets that love me.
What goals do you have for the next 1-3 years?
First, I’d love to master what I’m doing now and create some consistent, impactful projects my fans can enjoy so I can reach my definition of success. Then I’d love to have a moment to comfortably travel internationally. I’ve been getting into travel blogs, as well as keeping up with my fellow performers’ travels, and I’m ready to go!
If you have been inspired by Leilani’s hard work, dedication and accolades, you can join the Model Program here. Visit us later this week for more Trans Awareness Week Model Spotlights!
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