Karen Stagliano Pens Open Letter on 20-Year Mark of HIV Diagnosis

CHATSWORTH, Calif.—Karen Stagliano, the wife of Evil Angel founder John Stagliano who once performed in adult movies under the stage name Tricia Devereaux, submitted the following letter to AVN for publication reflecting on the 20-year anniversary of being informed she had contracted the HIV virus, which occured immediately following the 1998 AVN Adult Entertainment Expo: Open letter to the adult industry: In January 1998, I drove from Las Vegas after my last AVN Expo as an adult performer. I had just won Best All-Girl Sex Scene, and was excited about some of the big projects and deals I had coming up. I stopped to get my HIV test when I made it to the Valley, and that week found out that my life would forever change. A fellow performer who I had trusted with my body and my life infected me (and later, 4 other performers) with HIV. For 20 years, I have remembered the disrespect for my very life every morning when I take the medicine that has kept me heathy. I am grateful for my good health, and I am so incredibly grateful for the life I’ve had. I was fortunate to transition to the business side of the adult industry, and I found love with John Stagliano, who also trusted me to work my way up from a gopher-type employee to a management position at Evil Angel, which I enjoyed for many years.However, I couldn’t forget the betrayal I had experienced, and over the years, it was difficult to emotionally balance the disrespect I saw from society, and even worse, from some people in the business towards each other. Eight years ago, at another AVN Expo in Las Vegas, John and I conceived our son (damn those drinks at the Circle Bar). During my pregnancy, it became too difficult for me to balance the feelings of being a mom and working within the business, even though I knew deep down I would defend the adult industry to anyone. I was 5 ½ months pregnant when John was at his federal trial for obscenity in Washington DC, for distributing a movie that starred porn performers doing consensual acts that they enjoyed. John was so strong, but the trial impacted me in ways I still haven’t fully overcome. My older daughter had been bullied at times due to what her parents did for a living, so I made the difficult choice to step away to try to give my children a more normal life. Our mainstream counterpart of Hollywood is having a major watershed moment, and I believe that we need to follow suit in our own way to be a voice in our business for those who need someone to stand beside them. We need to speak up if we see or know of someone who is abusing someone else mentally or physically. We need to be supportive of each other. We are all in a business where we share our bodies and intimate selves with the world, and at times, that can take a toll on someone’s emotional health. If you’re a performer, I ask that you have honest conversations with people if you see anyone bullying anyone else, or trying to make them feel bad about their choices. If you’re an industry leader, it is absolutely your responsibility to lead with integrity and love. Casting couches do not need to exist. We do not need to pressure anyone to do scenes that they don’t 100% want to do. There are enough wonderful performers in this business that love doing porn, that there is no excuse to pressure someone to do a scene that they’re not comfortable with. If you’re a leader, refuse to hire or employ people who do not show this business and the performers who trust us respect.Enough of conservative America wants to break us down. Let’s support each other. To everyone who has been in this business for 1 day or many years, be proud of yourself and stand up. There are good people who will support you. Love and respect,Karen Stagliano (aka Tricia Devereaux)