Cherie DeVille on Free Speech & Sexual Expression Panel

Dr. Elena Janssen · 2026-02-23

Cherie DeVille is bringing her voice to a crucial conversation. She's joining a Woodhull Freedom Foundation panel this week, and it's a discussion that matters more than you might think. The livestreamed event, 'Checking the Facts: Free Speech Edition,' is happening Thursday, February 26. It's part of their Fact Checked by Woodhull series. Think of it as a deep dive into our rights, cutting through the noise with actual experts. ### What's This Panel Really About? It's simple, yet incredibly complex. The panel will examine how the First Amendment protects sexual expression. They're looking at the growing wave of legislation that targets pornography, sex education, and even what we say online. This isn't just theory. It's about the real-world impact on marginalized communities. When speech is censored, who gets hurt first? These are the questions they'll tackle. DeVille won't be alone up there. She's joining a powerful group: - Taylor Lorenz, a noted journalist - Lawrence Walters, Esq., a legal expert - Allison Grossman, PhD, Woodhull’s Senior Policy Analyst Together, they'll bridge the worlds of adult entertainment, media, and law. It's a rare mix of perspectives you don't see every day. ### Why Cherie DeVille's Voice Matters She's not just a performer. She brings 15 years of firsthand experience in sex work and advocacy to the table. That's a decade and a half of seeing how policies affect real people. Her ongoing work focuses on performer rights, digital privacy, and the political forces shaping the industry. She's been in the trenches, writing and speaking about these issues when few were listening. In her own words, she appreciates "spaces like this that are focused on facts, not fear." She sees a direct link between free speech and sexual expression. When one is challenged, the other is always at risk. "Conversations like this help people understand what's actually at stake," DeVille said. "I'm glad to be part of a panel that's bringing clarity instead of noise." That's the goal here. To separate fact from the rampant misinformation out there. To give people the actual tools to understand and defend their constitutional protections. ### How to Tune In & What to Expect The panel streams live on Thursday, February 26 at 11:30 AM Pacific Time. That's 2:30 PM for those on the East Coast. You can catch it on major social platforms. Registration is completely free, which is important. There's an option to donate to support the Woodhull Freedom Foundation's advocacy work, but it's not required. Expect a conversation that's both intellectual and grounded. They'll discuss sexual freedom, censorship, and why protecting speech for some means protecting it for all. It's about equipping you with knowledge, not just presenting arguments. In a climate where these topics are often reduced to soundbites, this panel aims for substance. It's a chance to listen, learn, and maybe even change your perspective on what free expression really means in 2026.