The sex industry is evolving at a rapid pace, all thanks to the dedicated creatives who are pushing boundaries and opening up more opportunities for diverse individuals. One such creative is Lumi Ray, an emerging star in the porn industry. We had a virtual chat with her to delve into how she takes care of her mental and physical well-being as a sex worker.

Q: Could you tell us a bit about your unique upbringing and how it shaped your views on sex?
I grew up in the redwood forests of Northern California, which is like a hippie paradise and a hub for California’s cannabis industry. Living there, it was common to see people naked or with exposed breasts by the river, and everyone had a generally open attitude. My aunt told me she’s bisexual and that it’s possible to love more than one person.

My mom wasn’t exactly like that, but Humboldt County has this free-love, hippie vibe. Growing up there influenced my thoughts on polyamory, helped me feel comfortable with my sexuality, and played a role in reducing the shame around it. People there just live their lives freely.

Q: Many people are curious about how to become a porn star. What was your journey like?
I’m really thankful that I got to build my cooking career by working for a strong, sexually liberated woman. Growing up with a very masculine mother and no father instilled a strong work ethic in me, and I took pride in excelling as a cook in that environment.

When I transitioned from cooking to porn, where not everyone has a strong work ethic, I realized that it’s still crucial to stay disciplined, know yourself, and avoid being taken advantage of. This is key to building a good reputation among directors.

I started with OnlyFans on my own, and the more I did it, the more I felt attracted to myself. I realized people wanted to watch me love and care for myself. It was amazing to find out I could make money from my sexuality and looks without feeding my ego.

Agencies reached out to me on Twitter. They were captivated by how natural I am, saying I have the “natural porn star look.” That’s what set me apart—just being myself.

Before signing with anyone, I did a few shoots to see how I’d feel. I had a lot of assumptions and anxiety beforehand. You really can’t know what it’s like until you’re in that world. There are so many things in life we hold back from doing because we’re afraid of others’ judgment. But after my first porno, all that fear vanished. I don’t care anymore because I don’t feel ashamed. I did those first few shoots and never looked back.

Q: For those wondering about getting into the porn industry, what should they know or understand?
In the entertainment industry, when you start “making it,” people will tell you how important you are and that you matter. But you have to take that with a grain of salt. Once you realize that part of your image belongs to the public, you almost lose a sense of who you are.

Working in the sex industry comes with a lot of power, and you have to be careful with it. Many men can see how you wield that power, and sometimes women struggle to stay professional. It’s a job, and you need to treat it as such.

I’ve never worked with a director who made me feel creeped out or dismissed. Everyone has been sweet and accommodating. You’re choosing to be there, and if at any point you say you don’t want to do something, they’ll still pay you.

People can have their opinions, but I don’t engage with them unless they’re willing to listen to my story. It was far more damaging for me to have sex with a stranger from a bar or work as a cook where I was underpaid and my boundaries were constantly crossed. I faced way more sexual harassment in cooking than I have in porn.

Q: How do you take care of your mental health as a sex worker?
I’m grateful that my mom put me in counseling or therapy from a young age. That made me realize how important it is, especially in this industry.

In the past, I went to therapy because I was making decisions about my sexuality that made me feel disconnected from my womanhood. I got pregnant, had an abortion, and grew a lot from that experience. I realized I’d been having sex while feeling disconnected from myself, and I started to reconnect.

A lot of people think being in the porn industry is damaging, but all of us have to stay sober. I’m not saying everyone is in a state of divine consciousness during sex—but I try to be.

People can tell from the look in your eyes if you’re checked out. If you’re just there for the paycheck, it can really take a toll. In that way, cooking and the sex industry have more in common than I thought.

Of course, there are ups and downs. I’m there to build something, form good work relationships, and show that I have a strong work ethic and a positive attitude toward everyone involved. Socializing and networking take a lot of energy. I have to be aware of how my body feels, especially when I have a lot of shoots. I go for walks or do other activities to check in with myself and reconnect.

Q: You’re a big advocate for promoting vaginal health in the industry. What do you do to take care of yourself in that area?
Personally, I’ve only had one infection that wasn’t an STI. Women sometimes use makeup sponges during their periods, which creates an unhealthy environment. The more sex you have, the worse it can get. I had an infection that required antibiotics.

Now I take probiotics and prebiotics and eat yogurt regularly. I drink plenty of water and quit drinking alcohol. I try to sweat, and working out helps.

Before a shoot, I use 1-2 douches. Then I take my dildo, coat it in coconut oil, insert it, and have a mini masturbation session to detox that area and keep it clean and healthy. This also helps so that things aren’t too tight or tense during sex. After a shoot, I make sure to drink lots of water and douche. This routine has kept my vagina healthy and happy.

Q: What’s your take on the rise of ethical porn?
Porn is still a very male-dominated industry, but it’s definitely changing. There are more female production assistants, as well as directors and screenwriters.

Whether it’s due to “cancel culture” or people realizing the importance of their reputations in the age of social media, everyone seems more focused on being respectful and creating a good environment for the performers. It hasn’t always been this way. They’re starting to understand that people need better pay, especially since they can make the same amount on OnlyFans. Things are shifting for the better.

If I can transition into directing and producing for one of those major female-focused porn companies, I’ll know I’ve succeeded. I’m so excited that these companies are getting the attention, funding, and recognition they deserve. That’s the kind of porn I really want to be part of.

Q: Everyone wants to know, “How much does a porn star make?” Can you shed some light on that?
Your pay in porn depends on what you’re shooting. Boy-girl sex scenes pay around $1,000 (USD) a day or per scene. Anal scenes can range from $3,000 to $5,000, and girl-girl scenes are usually $800 to $900, and so on. The more selective you are about what you shoot, the higher the pay you can command.

You can sign contracts with production companies, which means you only shoot for them. There are pros and cons to this. Some people earn millions. Once you move up in the industry, you can get six-figure contracts.

I made more on my first day with OnlyFans than I did in a week of cooking. Now I make $2,000 to $3,000 a week. I never realized how deep the wounds from growing up without money were. My mom grew cannabis, but we had a lot of siblings. My whole childhood was filled with financial stress and struggle—and that came with anxiety. I learned to be content with very little. I’m still not a materialistic person; I make money but don’t feel the need to spend it. This is the first time in my life I’ve experienced financial freedom, and it’s great for my mental health!