PERFORMERS IN LOCKDOWN:

MISTRESS AMRITA
Pro Domme/Performer

A seasoned international dominatrix and performer, Amrita also does video and photo shoots, and occasionally works as a freelance aromatherapist/massage therapist and interpreter/co-ordinator/ consultant

 (pic above: Peter Felix Kurtz)

 Effect of Covid on my work: I cannot offer any pro domme private sessions anymore since it involves close contact with people. I cannot make performances since the parties are being cancelled. I cannot offer aroma/massage therapy since it is close contact with people.

…and on life beyond fetish: I am staying home in London most of the time since returning from Japan in mid-March. I like going out to restaurants but I can cook well too so I am eating well at home.

It is sad that I cannot see my friends like everyone else but we can keep in contact by phone/email. Financial pressure is big since I cannot work.

Income replacement: I started to offer webcam sessions, e-mail sessions, custom videos and custom pictures to replace private sessions. I enjoy doing that and I believe it helps my sub fans psychologically too by acting out their fantasies online.

Financial support: If I am entitled to receive any financial support from the government, I would like to apply. If not possible, I will have to try to get ‘non-in-person’ session work like webcam work as much as possible.

Coping strategies: I just had to move home last weekend in this difficult time, so I was super busy with packing and moving (and now, unpacking). It was also very stressful so I actually had no time to be depressed. When I get time, I play piano and sing songs, since I am also a musician. To play music is a great stress relief.

The outlook for me: Maybe travelling will be more restricted than before, in which case I must reduce my tours. Instead I will increase work online and work locally.

One big thing: I think we should stay patient and consider the time we’ve got to stay home as an opportunity to do the things we were postponing. Now is the time we can do it. I have a lot of things on my list because of travelling so much and never having time for them.

Hopes/fears for our community:
 I fear that fetish parties will decrease, then the scene will lose energy and power. I hope fetish people will keep the fetish spirit well and meet up, even if only for small private parties/meetings.

…and for society/humanity:
 I fear travelling may be more restricted than before, we may lose many of our favourite places (restaurants, shops, entertainment) and people may be more distant due to fear of contamination, so the world won’t be the same as before. But I hope we will get over this, and will find a new way of quality life and caring for each other.

mistressamrita.com
twitter.com/amrita
clips4sale.com/studio/38440/mistress-amrita

PERFORMERS IN LOCKDOWN:

ADELE DEMANDE
Model

A popular latex fashion and fetish model, our banner star Adele says her other job is, she says, “full time cat servant to Boris the Black — the only time I’m ever a sub!” (pictured above by Dollhouse Photography; banner photo, top: Monika Schaible)

Effect of Covid on my work: I’ve had paid shoots cancel, events I was working at cancel, and my online work has pretty much come to a standstill. I think it’ll be a few weeks before things start to return to normal, so I’ve got to wait it out best I can.


…and on life beyond fetish: The worst part initially was worrying about food. I’m gluten-free and everything was sold out. I live alone and don’t have a boyfriend, so I’m really only missing socialising with friends. I’ve been video-chatting with everybody to keep me sane. Truthfully, I’ve never drunk so much gin at home!

Income replacement: I started an OnlyFans last week. I’ve been meaning to do it for a long time and finally had the time! It’s been a great way for people to keep in touch with me. I also have a photoshoot tomorrow through Facetime — not sure how that will work, but I’m being productive!

Financial support: My landlord is helping me, and as a result, I will able to cope with my bills until the 80 percent Gov money arrives. I’m impressed with the system in place so far and hope it helps everybody in need.

Coping strategies: I’ve cleaned my flat. I’ve got bags of clothing ready for charity when this is over, so they’ll be pleased! I’ve sold quite a bit on eBay too, despite not being able to post it as my post office is shut.

The outlook for me: I’m worried that venues close and event companies I work with may not be able to resume trading as before. Sadly, clubs in London had been in trouble for a while before Covid-19. It’s a knock-on effect so designers may struggle, but hopefully online sales have been good, since everybody is at home!

One big thing: If this was looking to be sorted before the latter half of May it’d lift my mood. I’ve got a weekend break booked and would be gutted if it was cancelled! I really do live by having things to look forward to in my diary, and right now everything is being cancelled, which is a miserable, bleak feeling.

PERFORMERS IN LOCKDOWN:

RICHARD BAILEY aka BUSHA
Fetish/Fashion Photographer

This recent subject of a Fetishistas cover story uses Busha as his artist name but says: “to people who know me, I am Richard”. 
Having recently sold his ‘straight’ business, he is now doing fetish and fashion photography fulltime, including occasional content shoots for scene models’ pages
. (Pictured above by Tony Mitchell shooting Nandi Pama at Le Boutique Bazaar)

Effect of Covid on my work: Basically, everything booked was postponed including a shoot in the Almeria desert with five models and a MUAH!

I cannot move forward at the moment with any work or projects until we know when the lockdown will be lifted. I do not even have editing to do.

I am literally just putting concepts together so I will be ready to go when restrictions are relaxed. In effect, everything has come to a stop.

…and on life beyond fetish: My life has been reduced to what feels like house arrest. Every day seems the same. I make little chores and projects expand to fill the day. I am drinking more!

I have a lively mind and a short span of attention so the lack of stimulation can sometimes weigh on me but to some extent I have mentally adjusted.

Income replacement: I have launched my own micro site on a social platform offering content in return for a monthly fee.

Financial support: Luckily I was able to sell my business before going full time as a photographer earlier this year and therefore have a financial buffer to survive this pandemic.

Coping strategies: I set up a local group to help the vulnerable and needy. I collect and deliver medicine and supplies on a weekly basis.

Within my own social circle I make the effort to speak or contact them every few days which I think helps both my own morale and theirs. Or they just find me annoying. There has been a lot of humour being shared (some of it dark), which does help to lift the spirits.

The outlook for me: I think I can adjust to the current conditions by treating it as a prison sentence and just getting through it.

One big thing: A timescale for normality to return. Things are much easier when you know what has to be endured.

Hopes/fears for our community:
 On an individual level the financial effects of this crisis will be long