March 31st is Transgender Day of Visibility, a day dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the resilience and accomplishments of the trans community. Pornhub strives to be a place where trans Models can thrive, show their true colors, and be celebrated for the people they are.
Chanel Santini’s career started early, at the age of 18. Since then, Chanel has had multiple industry award wins, and two nominations at the 5th Annual Pornhub Awards. Today, Chanel is here to set the record straight, tell us about her journey to become the person she is today and the importance of looking after her mental health.
Tell us about your journey to becoming a performer in the adult industry?
I was barely 18 and left my hometown of Albuquerque. I moved with my best friend at the time, she was also trans. We were struggling, living out of a guy’s house that we met online. During the AVN expo she had a producer hit her up to shoot a solo scene. She told me about it but said she wouldn’t do it because she was shy. I’ve always felt comfortable in front of the camera, so I told her I would do it because we really needed the money at the time. I ended up doing the scene and the rest was history.
Is Chanel Santini a character you play or are you one in the same? How are you different/similar?
Chanel Santini is definitely a character; it was always important to keep my work life and personal life separate. I’ve always portrayed Chanel as that pretty, popular girl that you would see in early 2000’s films. I’m not mean by any means though, I’m very sweet and have a big heart. The Chanel you see on screen is very different from the Chanel at home. I come across as this super glamorous, delicate girl and as much as I love feeling glamourous, I’m really laid back.
Was there a moment in your career where you realized you “made it”?
When I got the keys to my first apartment. I was struggling for so long; I was technically homeless for the first few months of my career. I was constantly traveling and living out of hotel rooms. I remember the day when I was able to finally move in to my little one-bedroom apartment in Vegas. I had no furniture, only the clothes on my back, but I didn’t care. I was so grateful to finally have a place that I could call home. It's the little things in life that can bring us the most joy!
How do you prioritize your physical and mental health while working in this industry?
It wasn’t until recently that I started taking better care of my health.
Towards the end of 2018 I was so exhausted and overworked that I eventually cracked under pressure. I was doing a shoot and went off on everybody on set. Looking back on that moment it was embarrassing, but after that moment I knew I had to take a break. In 2019 I took the whole year off from shooting, I got to travel, and it was the first year I started living for me. It was also the year I met my boyfriend, Jacob.
How do you use your platform to advocate for transgender rights and visibility?
I think putting myself out there publicly is a political statement in itself. I’m showing the world that yes, I am part of the Trans community, yes, I am sex worker, and that’s nothing to be ashamed of. Trans people and non- binary folks have always been around, but we’re just now getting recognition and attention. However, the new laws in Tennessee banning the art of drag are not only an attack on drag itself, but an attack on all of us in the LGBTQ+ community, especially trans people.
Are there any misconceptions about yourself, trans performers, or the industry you’d like to debunk?
Personally, a lot of people think I am a bottom, but I am a top, I love to be in control!
One misconception is that all trans people and trans performers are on hormones or need surgery. The truth is, each transition is unique, and each person lives their life according to what they want or need.
Do you have any advice for new Models in the industry? Any advice for trans Models specifically who are just starting out?
Do not do anything you don’t feel 100% comfortable doing (even if the pay is good). Always be on time to shoots, be polite to everyone on set. Know your worth. I’ve walked off set multiple times because I know my value as a performer and as a person. It’s okay to take breaks and take time off for yourself. When you're the best at what you do, people are going to say things to upset you, especially the more successful you get in this business. Know who you are and don’t listen to the naysayers. Also, make sure to put money aside for your taxes and get an accountant that specializes in entertainment taxes. And lastly have a good community around you that has your back and that will look after you.
I truly would not be here if it wasn’t for the fans. They have supported me all these years and I can’t thank them enough! Seriously, thank you! And Happy Transgender Day of Visibility to all my trans and non-binary friends <3 I love you, we are here, we are strong, we are beautiful, we are POWERFUL, and we can do whatever you want to do in this world regardless of what anyone thinks. Remember to always express yourself!
Check out the extended Q&A to find out what Chanel's next big plans are!
We’d like to remind our Models and users of resources like Pineapple Support, a free to use therapy center for all members of the sex work community. You can also find resources on wellness for all genders and body types at our Sexual Wellness Center. While we use this opportunity to shed light on and reflect on the experiences of gender non-conforming performers, it is equally important to celebrate the power and resilience of the trans community, today and every day.
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