The Woodhull Freedom Foundation will host an upcoming edition of its virtual series, "Fact Checked by Woodhull," on September 24, focusing on myths surrounding pornography. This installment will feature panelists Lotus Lain, Dr. Zahra Stardust, and King Noire, who will address common falsehoods about the adult industry.
Addressing Pornography Myths
The Woodhull Freedom Foundation is presenting the latest edition of its virtual series, "Fact Checked by Woodhull," which will address myths about pornography. The event is scheduled to livestream on Thursday, September 24, at 6 p.m. EDT. Registration for the free event is available online.
According to a representative, this edition will consult peer-reviewed academic research to focus on myths and lies concerning pornography, age verification, sex work, free speech, transgender and gender nonconformity, and sexual orientation. Panelists for the event include Lotus Lain, Dr. Zahra Stardust, and King Noire.
The representative stated that these myths, developed in conjunction with experts, are based on common lies about pornography. They described these as falsehoods used to pass policies that violate human and constitutional rights.
Ricci Levy, President and CEO of the Woodhull Freedom Foundation, commented on the edition, stating that pornography has been used to generate fear and anger. Levy added that when people are sufficiently frightened or angry, politicians can persuade them to relinquish rights they would otherwise protect. This, according to Levy, results in policy driven by panic rather than evidence, threatening fundamental human and constitutional rights to free expression. Levy noted that "Fact Checked by Woodhull" counters fear with facts and expressed enthusiasm for welcoming three experts who will challenge persistent myths about pornography and share information about the industry and its impact.
The Woodhull Freedom Foundation has previously stated that pornography is often blamed for various issues, from relationship problems to broader social concerns. The organization aims to determine if evidence supports these claims or if pornography has become a scapegoat for behaviors and problems. This month's program intends to separate facts from fiction with experts. King Noire and Lotus Lain, described as veteran performers and advocates, will be joined by Dr. Zahra Stardust, a socio-legal scholar whose work explores the intersections of sexuality, criminal law, public health, and technology. Together, they will discuss persistent myths about pornography, examine research findings, and explore how misinformation can cause harm.
The "Fact Checked by Woodhull" Series
The "Fact Checked by Woodhull" series was initially announced on February 23, 2026, as a new virtual series focused on debunking myths about sexual freedom. The series was sponsored by Chaturbate and planned to include six programs, each concentrating on a category of "Fact Checkeds" and featuring experts from various fields, including law, the adult industry, journalism, advocacy, and sex work.
The series investigates common myths and lies about pornography, age verification, sex work, free speech, and transgender and gender nonconformity by consulting peer-reviewed academic research. The "Fact Checked" articles are described as short, accessible, and free. These articles have been cited in testimony in several states, on social media, and in periodicals.
The first episode of the virtual series, which focused on free speech, aired live online on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. PT / 2:30 p.m. ET. Registration for this event was also free, and ASL interpretation was provided. Expert panelists for the first episode included Taylor Lorenz, a technology and culture journalist and author; Cherie DeVille, a sex worker and performer; and Larry Walters, head of the Walters Law Group, which focuses on Internet law and First Amendment issues.
Ricci Levy stated in February 2026 that the "Fact Checked" series aims to correct misinformation and reclaim the truth that sexual expression is protected speech and a fundamental human right.
Previous Editions and Focus Areas
On June 23, 2026, the Woodhull Freedom Foundation released another installment of its "Fact Checked by Woodhull" series, which focused on debunking myths about sexual freedom. This program addressed common misconceptions about the transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) community. This episode aired live online on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. ET. Registration was free, and ASL interpretation was provided.
Panelists for the June 30 episode included Harrison Browne, described as the first transgender athlete in professional hockey, who played in the NWHL and helped form the first transgender policy in professional sports in North America. Browne is also an appointed inclusion leader for the NWHL advisory board and a special ambassador for the National Hockey League’s Hockey Is for Everyone initiative. Browne is a co-author of "Let Us Play: Winning the Battle for Gender Diverse Athletes," a filmmaker, and an actor. Another panelist was Tre’Vell Anderson, an award-winning journalist, podcast host, and author focused on culture and social impact. Anderson is the founder and chief imagination officer of Slayzhon and the author of "We See Each Other," and a co-author of "The NAACP Ima."
Key Facts
- The Woodhull Freedom Foundation will host an edition of "Fact Checked by Woodhull" on September 24, 2026.
- The event will address myths about pornography, age verification, sex work, free speech, transgender and gender nonconformity, and sexual orientation.
- Panelists for the September 24 event include Lotus Lain, Dr. Zahra Stardust, and King Noire.
- Ricci Levy, President and CEO of the Woodhull Freedom Foundation, stated the series counters fear with facts.
- The series launched on February 23, 2026, with an episode on free speech, and another episode on June 23, 2026, focused on the transgender and gender nonconforming community.
- All "Fact Checked by Woodhull" events are free to register and include ASL interpretation.
