Adult+Impact: Rachel Payne
The Adult+Impact series celebrates those visionaries from the Adult Industry who are tackling some of the world’s greatest challenges to build a better future for us all.
Rachel Payne — General Manager, Eros Association
Rachel Payne is a passionate advocate for progressive social change and common-sense in politics. With a long history working in and for the adult industry, Rachel is the General Manager of Eros Association, an Australian industry association advocating for small business and campaigning on issues of personal freedoms, censorship, discrimination and equality.
Rachel is also a political candidate for Reason Australia, running for the federal seat of Menzies. The Australian federal election is set for 18th May.
The Reason Party is a new and forward-looking movement for inclusive change in Australia. Founded in 2009 and formerly known as the Australian Sex Party, Reason is an Australian political party that stands for reasonable people who want real change for the better. For equality, for sustainability, for freedom. From young people who can’t afford a place to live, to older people who want to be able to die with dignity, and everyone in between who want to bring sanity back into our politics.
With a background in project management, policy and client liaison roles in both the Family Law Courts and Department of Social Services, and a keen interest in community advocacy, Rachel volunteers her time to work with women’s organisations and LGBTIQ+ communities.
Rachel holds undergraduate degrees in sociology and politics as well as a Masters in Policy and Human Services. Her interests include fighting for evidence-based reform and action on climate change and renewable energy, women’s equality, LGBTIQ+ rights, transparent and accountable government, and positive social and political engagement, particularly with young people.
She is also a performance artist which afforded her the opportunity to perform in Paris, London and throughout Australia.
You can follow her on Twitter and Facebook.
Why do you believe it is important to mix profit with purpose?
I think we have all had the experience of working in a job that doesn’t provide us with meaning, ultimately the pay cheque isn’t worth the boredom! We’ve all got to make a living, but when there’s a chance to do so whilst also advocating for sexual freedoms it truly makes coming to work a delight!
There are plenty of causes worth fighting for. But for many people, it is difficult to find one that truly resonates. How did you identify yours?
As a queer women with experience in the adult industry and an educational background in social policy, fighting for sexual freedoms is a pretty natural fit with my life experience. I’m excited by how the industry has changed to centre women and diverse sexualities, as well as how working in the industry can help us better understand the sexual needs of marginalised groups such as older Australians and people living with a disability.
How do you motivate your team to get on-board with your vision and values?
I’m a softy! I think I motivate them by being empathetic and getting my team genuinely excited for the goals we are trying to reach. We can have some busy and difficult days, but if everyone trusts and understands one another you can work through it as a team. I also really value the idea of harnessing the ‘team environment’ rather than being a boss with staff! We all contribute in different ways, and it is my job to harness that.
What is the biggest myth you’d like to dispel about the adult industry?
That it demeans women! Some of the most badass, independent and unique women work in the adult industry!
Expressing your sexuality, even for a profit, does not take away your agency or independence — indeed, it can help you reclaim it!
Certainly we should continue to challenge the vestiges of sexism that still exist in this industry (and all industries!) but the idea that the adult industry is full of misogynists and anti-feminists is such tripe!
For ambitious impact entrepreneurs, caring for our health and wellbeing is critical. How do you like to disconnect and recharge?
Exercise and cooking are my go too! I’m also a spiritual (but not religious) person who likes to ensure my body and mind are calm, tranquil and in sync. I definitely have my days, but I know not to be too hard on myself and just take things one day at a time.
Who is someone that inspires you and why?
I am deeply inspired by my mentor and friend, Fiona Patten, who is a current MP in Victorian Parliament, Leader of the Reason Party and former Eros CEO. She has been a formidable politician and a true advocate — who has managed to get several bills through parliament by working with all sides of government, not against. It’s truly refreshing to see a politician get on with the job rather than fighting and pointing fingers at the opposition.
I’m also a huge fan of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, who is highly intelligent and strategic in fighting the good fight, particularly when it comes to women’s rights and equality.
Do you have a story of social impact? Want to be featured in the Adult+Impact series? DM @intimatetoken on Twitter or email Carmela@intimate.io.
