In honor of Transgender Day of Visibility, we’re shining a spotlight on two incredible creators who are breaking boundaries and attracting fans worldwide— Eva Maxim and Joey Michaels. Both Models have made a significant impact in the adult industry by embracing authenticity, celebrating trans identity, and advocating for greater representation and inclusion. Join us as we share their stories, achievements, and insights on what visibility means to them and the broader community.
Eva Maxim
Hi Eva, before we begin, please tell us which pronouns you go by.
I use she/her pronouns. It’s a small thing on the surface, but it represents something bigger—respecting people for who they actually are. For trans people, that simple acknowledgment can mean everything.
What significance does Transgender Day of Visibility hold for you, both personally and professionally?
Transgender Day of Visibility is powerful because it’s about showing the world that we exist, we’re thriving, and we’re not going anywhere. Personally, it reminds me how far I’ve come in embracing myself without apology. Professionally, it’s also a reminder that visibility matters—especially in spaces like adult entertainment where trans performers have historically been misunderstood, fetishized, or overlooked. Being visible means taking up space and refusing to be erased.
You were recently nominated for Most Popular Trans Femme Performer in the 7th Annual Pornhub Awards. What does this kind of mainstream acknowledgment mean to you, especially in terms of representation and visibility for trans creators in adult spaces?
Being nominated at the Pornhub Awards was surreal in the best way. For me it’s not just about a nomination—it’s about visibility and legitimacy for trans performers in a mainstream space. For a long time, trans performers were treated like a niche or a curiosity. Recognition like that shows that audiences are actually paying attention to the talent and the work. It also sends a message to newer trans creators that there is space for them to succeed.
What challenges have you faced as a trans femme performer, and how have you overcome them? Has owning your narrative played a role in that journey?
One of the biggest challenges has been navigating people’s assumptions. Sometimes people want to reduce trans performers to a stereotype or a category instead of seeing us as full individuals. Early on, I realized the best way to push back against that was by owning my story completely. When you control your narrative—how you present yourself, what projects you take on, what boundaries you set—you take the power back.
How has authenticity shaped your journey in the adult industry and in your personal life?
Authenticity changed everything for me. When you stop trying to fit into what people expect and just exist as yourself, your entire energy shifts. One of the most meaningful things for me has been hearing from fans who say seeing a confident trans woman living openly helped them feel less alone. Moments like that remind me that being real with people has a ripple effect far beyond what you might expect.
What has been the most positive, eye-opening moment of your career so far, particularly in terms of empowerment and community support?
Honestly, one of the most eye-opening things has been realizing how much community exists in this space. There are so many talented performers who support each other, uplift each other, and push for better representation. Seeing that solidarity—especially among trans creators—has been incredibly empowering.
What transgender Models should folks have on their radar?
There are so many incredible trans performers out there right now. People should definitely be paying attention to Zariah Aura, Avery Lust and Lola Morena.
Thanks for the recommendations! What are some of the biggest misconceptions about sex work and trans performers that you wish more people understood?
One big misconception is that sex workers don’t have control or intention behind what we do. In reality, many of us are entrepreneurs, creatives, and businesspeople who take our work seriously. Another misconception is that trans performers only exist for fantasy. We’re not characters—we’re real people with identities, ambitions, and lives outside of the content people see.
What message would you like to share with your fans, the wider LGBTQ+ community, and allies about the importance of trans representation?
I’d say this: support matters more than people realize. Every time someone uplifts a trans creator, respects our identities, or defends our right to exist openly, it pushes things forward. For trans people especially, I want them to know that their story is theirs to own. The world will always have opinions about who you should be—but the real power comes from deciding that for yourself.
Joey Michaels
Hi Joey, before we begin, please tell us which pronouns you go by.
I go by he/him pronouns.
What significance does Transgender Day of Visibility hold for you, both personally and professionally?
Transgender Day of Visibility is a great way for our community to celebrate being our unapologetic selves in a time where things are so dangerous for us. A reminder that we can celebrate what makes us special and a crucial part of the community.
Congratulations on winning Best Transmasc Performer at the 2025 TEAs! What did that recognition mean to you?
Thank you so much! It was such an enthralling experience and definitely not one that I expected. The recognition was more important to me than people know, I have worked extremely hard in my career to be my authentic self. Leading with my best foot forward and heart on my sleeve, making sure that every interaction I had with another performer is genuine and kind. Working hard to put out content I enjoy and believe others will too! I really do enjoy what I do, and it was amazing to know that others see the tireless work that I put in every year. I owe it all to the people I’ve met over the years that have shaped me into the performer I am today.
You recently made history as the first ever trans masc trophy boy at the GayVNs. Can you share what that experience was like and what it means for trans visibility?
It was genuinely unreal. It was definitely something I had never done before, but the team at AVN were so kind and made sure I had all the tools to succeed. I was excited and nervous and scared all at the same time, but most importantly proud. Proud to know that my efforts in the community are reaching things that are bigger than me. Having this opportunity just means that the community is finally seeing our efforts, that we belong and are here to stay. I can only hope what I did will open doors for other trans mascs to have the same opportunities I was so lucky to get.
What are some of the biggest misconceptions about sex work that you wish people understood?
My least favorite misconception is that we don’t respect ourselves. Doing sex work has taught me how to be confident in my body and gender identity, it has helped me unlock things I never would have had the courage to do before. I’ve strengthened my boundaries, my self-assurance, and my ability to create community. It made me respect my body more if anything, listening and getting to know it to be the best version of myself I could be.
Another misconception is that content creation and sex work is not work. We put in countless hours behind the scenes that no one acknowledges. Collabs, traveling, editing, responding to fans, keeping up with all our sites. Honestly, the list can seem endless sometimes, but we do it with pride. Knowing we are working just as hard if not harder than someone who works a corporate job or regular 9 to 5. Paying taxes like everybody else. Sex work is work and it can be hard sometimes, but so worth it.
What transgender Models should folks have on their radar?
Right now, I feel like my favorite new trans masc performers in the scene that are absolutely killing it are Kyle XX and Grey West. Absolute gems of people putting in so much work and really blowing up! Chanel Chance is also absolutely killing it; her work is amazing!
Joey Michaels and Eva Maxim remind us that visibility is more than just being seen—it’s about being celebrated for who you are. We’re proud to honor their voices and contributions, and we encourage everyone to continue supporting and uplifting trans creators every day.
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