APAC Offering New Benefit to Members: Credit Union Services

LOS ANGELES—It's a problem that has afflicted the adult industry: Major U.S. banks have closed or denied banking accounts to individuals working in the adult industry. To help members who have been affected by the actions of these financial institutions, the Adult Performer Advocacy Committee (APAC) is now offering a new benefit to members: the opportunity to take advantage of the financial services offered by First Entertainment Credit Union. Since stories first surfaced in 2014, hundreds of performers working in the adult film industry have reported the closure of their banking accounts on moral grounds. This move by APAC gives those performers somewhere else to turn. "This is a major step for adult film industry performers," said APAC President Chanel Preston. "Many of us performing in the adult film industry have reported discrimination from banks, and it is wonderful that we are now able to offer APAC members and their families access to the services from First Entertainment." APAC, which holds meetings and organizes information sessions for its members on an every-other-month basis, will devote its August 2 meeting to the topic of banking in the adult film industry. Representatives from First Entertainment will be available to answer questions and enroll members that evening. The Hollywood-based First Entertainment Credit Union was first established as the credit union for Warner Bros. Studios in 1967 but now extends membership to many entertainment industry organizations, including the Free Speech Coalition, which is the trade association for the adult entertainment and pleasure products industry. Services offered to APAC members will include checking and savings accounts, financial planning, home and auto loans, as well as business account services. Further information about First Entertainment can be accessed at FirstEnt.org. The Adult Performer Advocacy Committee works to maintain and improve safety and working conditions in the adult film industry by giving adult performers organized representation in matters that affect their health, safety and community. For more information on becoming a member, accessing member benefits and attending events, visit the APAC website or email apac.information@gmail.com.