My name is Emma Bryant, and I am a former adult entertainer turned mainstream actress, comedian, and charity worker. I have experienced an extremely turbulent career and personal life over the previous seven years, however, I can honestly say that whilst I do have many regrets, I feel I have grown into an overall better person and I feel grateful to have had the opportunity to develop myself personally.
I actually enjoyed an awful lot of success throughout my time in the adult entertainment business, although I would not say “enjoyed” is really the most suitable word, as I was never happy with myself as a person, mainly due to how others encouraged me to feel. I was also considered by many to be “weird” and “ugly”, very possibly because I did not fit in with the classical “glamorous” image, although I have been informed on more than one occasion that certain people did not like me, simply because I am non confrontational, and generally a “good person”. To me, this sounds absolutely bizarre.
Another reason, and I can totally see their point on this one, is that fact I am not photogenic in the slightest. My face and body positioning is just so awkward, and due to this, I genuinely have no idea as to how I achieved the level of success that I did! I remember one model, who took a very peculiar and unprovoked disliking to me, even having worked together the year before, and seemingly getting along perfectly fine.
I recall being at a networking event, and she started shouting my name, then ducking behind other people, proceeding to then repeat the action, all the while laughing hysterically. This repetitive weirdness continued for the best part of ten minutes, until I considered approaching security, out of genuine concern for her clearly fragile and seemingly declining mental state, plus the fact she was stumbling all over the place in very high heels and looked to potentially pose a serious threat of injury to herself!
As many strange and unhinged characters as I did meet in that industry, I also in fact met many of my amazing close friends with whom I still speak to and meet with frequently. They have proved to be nothing but loyal (with the exception of a couple, who I banished from my life pretty sharpish). I was also given some incredible once in a lifetime opportunities with my greatest being given a small, featured role in Season 4 of Game Of Thrones, which was an absolute honour! I also was handpicked to feature in the British feature film “FILTH” which stars James McAvoy. It has always felt somewhat surreal to think that he knows “who I am”, for lack of a better phrase!
I experienced personal tragedy, in the form of a severely abusive relationship from the years 2013-2015, which as horrific and traumatic as it was, was the catalyst required in order for me to attempt to leave the adult entertainment industry, and chase my dreams of working in mainstream film and comedy. I have wanted to be a comedian since I was around nine years old! Thankfully, I found myself being cast in several mainstream productions (in non sexual or nudity based roles) which resulted in me gaining contacts, and ultimately, further work.
A local newspaper interviewed me about my career transition with the article, for some reason, soon going viral! Several national media outlets wrote further positive stories about me, and it was through one of them, that the domestic abuse charity, Refuge, contacted me about potentially becoming a spokesperson for their organisation. I was surprised but very happy, as I absolutely loved the thought of sharing my experiences to help others!
After a long, harrowing interview with Refuge, where I shared every detail of my story, I was appointed an official spokesperson. Since then, I have taken part in several research projects, discussing and analysing topics such as economical (financial) abuse, and most recently, isolation used as a form of abuse. I also use my comedy, both acting and stand up, as an outlet to somewhat express the hardships I have endured.
In my stand up shows, I have turned previously distressing situations, into subjects of ridicule. Not everyone will agree with this method, but it seems to have worked out pretty well for me! On one occasion, after I had given a face to face presentation about the effects of financial abuse, one lady told me that it was the first time she had ever attended an event based around such a serious subject, and been made to laugh. I saw that as my job well done!
I recently connected with a charity based near me, that helps support current and former sex workers (the adult entertainment industry also falls into this category). I came to terms with the fact I still required some help in accepting certain things that have happened to me, and this wonderful charity, named Nia, has provided me with efficient emotional support.
I have also agreed to partake in research projects for them, and would also like to speak at seminars/webinars about overcoming abuse, and my own experiences. This next part is still very early days, but I am speaking with another refuge/abuse based charity, about potentially training to become a support worker for victims in my area, which is something I would consider an honour!
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