At BaDoink we like to take any opportunity available to show people what porn stars’ lives are actually like. Far from the bad stereotypes that those with no knowledge of the industry like to repeat, this is one of those examples where a driven, bright young woman took the reins of her career and unapologetically pursued what she was passionate about.

The Melbourne-based media network PLGRM does short documentaries that tell the not-so-known story of many current personalities; their work, inspiration and goals. One of these is the properly titled The Porn Identity, which is focused on the Australian adult star Angela White, whose 12 years of experience in several facets of the industry have made her a very established name in the business.

White entered the adult industry in 2003 while she was still in high school. Because of her uninhibited sexual behavior and open bisexuality, she was constantly criticized around people her age. Porn became a safe and accepting place for her and a platform that helped her connect with like-minded people.

“For me, pornography functions as a space where I’m able to be very creative with my own sexual desires,” White said. “I’m able to express myself. I’m able to explore the limits, the boundaries of my sexuality. I’m definitely a porn star because I love what I do. I love being creative with my sexuality and expressing it on camera. I’m really amazed at how many things I’ve been able to try in pornography.”

Her own experience in the industry inspired her to get a degree in Gender Studies from the University of Melbourne, where she graduated with honors. Her thesis focused on the positive and transformative aspects that porn can have for many female performers. In 2010, she ran as a political candidate for the Australian Sex Party.

White definitely has her brand taken care of. Her website won the 2015 XBIZ Award for Adult Site of the Year. She doesn’t only perform in her scenes, but also directs, produces and edits all of the content.

Post-production work has also pushed her to be more accepting and appreciative of the things she can’t control.

“Editing your own content can sometimes be fun, and sometimes be frustrating. If I don’t like something, I have to accept that this is what happened in that moment. While I was connecting with that person, I pulled that face, and I just have to accept it. I want to present what is real and authentic, and what’s real and authentic is sometimes not beautiful.

“It’s not the hedonistic lifestyle that one would imagine,” she admits while bringing a needed reality check. “It’s a lot of late nights up with coders and web developers.”

Having said that, the finished products are definitely worth your while.

You can watch The Porn Identity on the PLGRM website or on their YouTube channel.