Camera roll is a new interview series where we glimpse into the current moment via the mundane and the ordinary; the life lived in this moment of a global pandemic.
This week we feature Natassia Dreams, a California born transgender pornstar based in NYC, winner of the TEA Lifetime Achievement Award and three time XBIZ Awards nominee.
Where are you?
Right now, I am home in New York City.
What’s your morning routine?
Waking up, meditating and saying my prayers for the day, coffee, and then a fast work out.
when did you move to New York City and how did you find yourself in porn?
I’ve been a fan of porn since the age of 18. I worked graveyard shifts at a porn shop that had a peep show and Jenna Jameson was my idol. I moved to New York from San Diego around then to transition. I always felt like a woman growing up but I didn’t know that it was possible to transition until I moved and started working at a drag queen restaurant and met my first transgender and found my calling. I started taking unregulated hormones as soon as I could, but I don’t recommend it… the roller coaster ride of emotions is very intense. Better to go to a doctor and get your levels check and get the right dosage. I got into porn shortly after being contacted to do my first movie with my then-boyfriend in Miami.
What’s it’s like navigating through the porn industry, let alone as a black trans woman?
It’s very difficult navigating this very ANTI-Black industry. I’ve been nominated for so many awards throughout the years, yet I’ve never received one of them. Pay rates are much lower than my counterparts who have just started, the list goes on. Post-Covid actually made it better because I have the power in my hands to do how I please… a blessing in a curse.
what are common misconceptions about being a pornstar?
I think the biggest misconception is that we all have sexually transmitted infections and will have sex with anyone at the drop of a dime. I wish people knew the behind the scenes, although if they did, they probably wouldn’t watch porn.
What excites you about the porn industry?
I’m really into gonzo, where we as pornstars, get the right to do what we want - no guidelines or position lists. I find it better because you do what comes natural.
do you have advice for anyone who is interested in getting into porn?
Look carefully at the companies you’re going to work with and remember that this will be forever so make sure you know this when you start! There are so many resources now, like Pineapple Support, APAC or BIPOC Collective, and the internet can help a lot.
Places or organizations you're supporting or wish you could support?
G.L.I.T.Z., Black Trans Travel Fund, BlackAids.org VoixNoire.com
Pornstars you recommend following?
Janice Griffith, Jessica Drake, Ana Foxxx, and TS Maya Lafayette.
What does play look like for you during COVID-19?
I’m only having sex with people that I know from before and taking the precautions like wearing a mask, getting tested etc.
Where is your face mask from?
I usually get them from Duane Reade.
What have you done during quarantine that you hadn't before?
A lot of meditating and praying; I use the Equinox App and they have some good guided meditation on there, my friend also put me onto another app called Waking Up with Sam Harris that is good. I got into on a whim because I’m an intellect and needed something to quiet my brain. I usually wake up, pray, write my dream down in my journal then meditate before I work out or have breakfast.
What’s your Skincare routine?
The Ordinary has amazing products and I pretty much have them all. I wash, tone then put a serum and night cream or day cream on, and of course, sunblock every day whenever I go outside.
Do you feel sexy and what inspires that feeling to you? What have you been doing to be intimate with yourself?
Working out makes me feels sexy, my routine involves Fasted Cardio, ToneHouse, the Variis app, Equinox or running outdoors. I’ve also been exploring toys again, as well as growing my relationship with vibrators to stimulate my G spot. I’m obsessed with the glass dildos from Toy Box NY which you can make hot or cold!
What are you listening to?
Old school jams… Lauryn Hill, Jill Scott, Anita Baker, Luther Vandross, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson.
What are you watching?
What are you reading?
Why Men Love Bitches by Sherry Argov.
What are you eating?
I order out a lot and eat healthy food. I like to make my partner steak because that’s what he loves, but usually I like to cook chicken, turkey or fish. I also make a delicious branzino in the oven.
What are you drinking?
Fiji water all day every day.
Favorite things you've bought during the quarantine?
Gucci flip flops.
Images provided by Natassia Dreams