AINews Exclusive: An InnerView of Miss Sharon Mitchell

Miss Sharon Mitchell, lovingly called “Mitchie” by her close friends, slows down long enough to talk over lunch. A recovered heroin addict now working on her PhD, she regularly evaluates her life, makes amends and focuses in on her direction. Running AIM (Adult Industry Medical Health-Care Foundation) takes up all of her time.

One day during lunch in a noisy restaurant, and another day again later for the second half – Miss Sharon Mitchell is one person that’s hard to get to sit still. Finally, I catch up to her and she goes on the record:

AINews: Let’s start talking about the Sabrina Johnson Gangbang 2000. You were a presence there, weren’t you?

Miss Sharon Mitchell: Yes, all those things [gangbangs] are typically very hard to handle because we expect a large amount of people. For some odd reason we actually DO expect 2000 people, you know?

I always forget there are only a like a hundred of us, or 200 people max. I mean I remember the Houston 500, and we actually checked probably 250 tests or maybe 275, but you know they counted as many members as go around the circle. It’s still a lot of people, but there was about 40 or 50 people that showed there.

I didn’t have a lot of time to confer with Sabrina. I dealt with Sabrina earlier because she worked with Tony Montana and was still under quarantine and it was very upsetting when I had an industry standard sort of pulled away from me because of Sabrina Johnson’s PCR-DNA by mail. It was certified by a doctor; it was certified with identification and matched all her identification and the records because she was in AIM Health-Care before.

But I had done an interview and it was printed online in AVN that we were doing an excessive amount of PCR-DNA tests by mail with a lot of girls that were on the road sending things in. There are certain people that definitely don’t want AIM Health-Care to succeed, and they managed to make it extremely difficult for me to continue my PCR-DNA by mail.

AINews: If testing by mail meets a need, and is checked out, it seems to fulfill a good purpose.

Mitch: Yes, it fulfils a great purpose, and with help from VCA’s Russ Hampshire, Rob Spalone and a handful of other critics we were able to come up with a better PRC by mail policy. That will give producers the option to use an out of state test or not. Our policy has been re-instated with limitations. For the details, please contact AIM.

“I’m not in the porn businesses. I’m serving the Industry from a healthcare standpoint.”

But this all started from the Sabrina Johnson blood, you know? We had to give her peace of mind and we had to clear 11 guys who worked with her that were on quarantine. Granted, I’m out here like the Wild West. I’m out here with no laws behind me, no standard behind me, I’m creating policies that people are going by, so of course if I’m standing, I’m going to be a target. And the fact that I don’t okay it with everyone drives them crazy! But I’m not in the porn businesses. I’m serving the Industry from a healthcare standpoint. I’m not producing porn movies; I’m not directing porn movies. I’m doing things to keep the talent healthy.

So that was the whole story on the Sabrina Johnson thing. I had a doctor in Belgium draw her blood and send it to us in a sealed container. She was in Belgium at the time. I had to do that because there were guys here who needed to get cleared off of quarantine and depended on her blood to get cleared. You see what I’m saying? They were exposed by second generation, and she needed peace of mind. In so that’s the way that I handled it, which is not out of line, which is not illegal, that was not suspect of someone sending in someone else’s blood. It just does not work that way.

So when Sabrina came down I was already trying to work on this gangbang as much as I could, so we dropped the price for the month of December. I had everybody pay $75 because I expected this huge windfall of people, right? (Laughs!) And I almost lost my shirt! We had maybe 40 extra people and I had the laboratory stay open an extra two days in the month, which costs me, and was just sad! I guess it was just a bad time of year or whatever, it just didn’t flow. It had a weird energy about it. The project had a weird energy about it from the gate, you know?

AINews: Yeah, but a lot of it was a good energy, too.

Mitch: Well, Sabrina wasn’t present yet. I got support from the Board of Health. I got them to supply all 3000 condoms, and I got Tri-Mensa pharmaceuticals to provide all the lube and I prepared myself for this huge onslaught of people and it never quite happened!

AINews: One thing I found interesting, and I’ve heard about it from when people travel to Mexico or overseas, is that they take antibiotics before they go as a precautionary measure. I understand you did that.

Mitch: That’s what I did, yes. And that’s another little controversy within the industry. It’s called prophylactic medication and it’s very common when you’re walking into a high-risk situation of any kind, bacterial or viral. What we did was we test the girls for STDs, so we have them on record. Then, a Doctor writes a prescription for the girls to take Zythromax and Levequin, which are antibiotics, and they take it the day before and the day after. And that way it prevents any diseases from coming in or going out of the body. The fluffer’s bodies and Sabrina’s body being the vessels for potential disease, obviously. Now, in this case, again, some people thought that this was not a good idea simply because they didn’t believe in preventive precautionary medication.

AINews: Perhaps they thought that this was a practice that you prescribe ALL THE TIME rather than an isolated instance such as the gangbang.

“I’m not, like, ‘Pinky and the Brain’ back here! Okay?”

Mitch: Perhaps they did, but I would never do this all the time because it’s not good to inundate the body with antibiotics! For God’s sake! I know that! We’re not trying to build a strain of disease to kill all porn actors, you know I mean? I’m not, like, “Pinky and the Brain” back here! Okay? I’m doing this in a situation where you’re going to get inundated over and over again with multiple partners. In a high-risk category it’s not uncommon protocol. And I can guarantee that if a girl walked into any doctor’s office in San Fernando Valley and said, “I’ve just had sex with over 40 partners over 12 times each,” he would probably prescribe the same, or a very close protocol. Because she’s been inundated with so many [partners]. Let’s just say that’s the reasoning why I did this. And then let’s also realize that one of the girls that was brought in last minute was positive for one of the diseases. One of the girls was positive for Chlamydia and this is why we did it.

There are two types of fluffers. There’s ones that look at this as a business, and they come into this specifically to make money and they’re gonna go along with any guidelines there are, and there are people who will fuck anything anytime. And they’re great, they’re perfect for this! But those are the ones that we got to watch out for, and one of those types of girls was on the set that day and did come up positive, however she was medicated so she didn’t transmit it. So it does work and this is why we do it. We protect from within and without the Industry.

When you mix that many civilians with that many actresses and girls that have a questionable high-risk category in their private lives you gotta do something like this. It’s also in accordance with the Board of Health, and the AIDS epidemiology office asked for copies of this because they thought it was a good idea. So this is not like we’re flying by the seat of our pants and was passing out medications without prescriptions or without tests for the prescriptions. So we we’re by no means out of line as a testing site. So thank you for allowing me to clear that up.

AINews: And you had ANOTHER 40th birthday party?

Mitch: Yes, another 40th birthday party.

AINews: How many 40th birthday parties have you had so far?

Mitch: I had three… Publicly… But I might have had more privately.

AINews: OK, you don’t have to disclose that. I hope you have many more. It was fun.

Mitch: They ARE fun, they’re really great parties. I really love them!

AINews: I understand you raised some money for AIM.

Mitch: $5500 that night for the AIM Health-Care Foundation, which was really needed. We supply a tremendous amount of services. In hours alone we far exceed 40 hours a week with the counseling and prevention education services that we provide. We have 12 step group meetings, we work with the Department of Child Family Services for a lot of the girls that are going through custody stuff, we do a tremendous amount of counseling that everyone really doesn’t hear about. This takes away from our man-hours. It’s not just sitting in the office drawing blood all day. Our goal at AIM Health-Care now is really to become more like – and I’ll use this and I’m sure people will get upset, but for lack of a better model – more like the Gay and Lesbian Center. We want to open this up to more open-minded education and more prevention education services, more workshops, more counseling, more AA, more NA, more Sex Anonymous, you know what I’m saying?

“So I think I see AIM Health-Care becoming a place that we can find out more about what makes us tick and how we can affect and help the rest of the world, because we are high-profile in low places.”

More child and family services, you know, I see this becoming a foundation for counseling. We can add a lot to the [knowledge of] psychosocial behavior that very little is known about, the sex worker and how they react and interact with each other and affect the world. Most people think it’s in a bad way, and I tend to think that we’re more responsible and more educated than any group of people on earth because this is our business. So I think I see AIM Health-Care becoming a place that we can find out more about what makes us tick and how we can affect and help the rest of the world, because we are high-profile in low places.

AINews: That’s a good way to put it. “High profile in low places.”

Mitch: I.E.: being secret and on videotape. But look at the great opportunity that you get to educate people when all they want is [porn] videotapes!

AINews: I know that you have a video tape out, in fact I got it at Steve Drake’s seminar, of you and Nina [Hartley] talking to new people about getting into the Industry.

Mitch: Exactly and we just updated that. We had to shoot a new one. Thank you to “Adam and Eve” for picking up the cost, we are so grateful. And that will be sort of a supplement to the original one we have. Those types of programs as well as testing and GYN services, of course we’ll always do that. I was just saying I think we need to open our horizons a little bit. Also, drug and alcohol treatment for the HIV-positive. We want to start writing policies for HIV-positive people that ARE working in the industry. And they should be working. And there’s no reason why they can’t work if people know, or people are informed about their HIV status. Is their viral count not detected? And if they use condoms it’s probably okay for them to work if the person has an informed consent choice to work with them. I don’t see it becoming a problem.

“It’s not [about] stepping on toes, it’s not [about] arguing, and it’s not about whose clinic does more business and so on and so forth. That is not my fight.”

I don’t see HIV going away and I don’t see how else we’re going to get around it. But I think we have a great opportunity in the Adult Entertainment Industry to inform each other and be way ahead when it comes to testing, monitoring, education and prevention of spreading the HIV virus. And I see AIM Health-Care being a focal point. This is my life’s work and this is what I’m passionate about. It’s not [about] stepping on toes, it’s not [about] arguing, and it’s not about whose clinic does more business and so on and so forth. That is not my fight. It’s just too bad, I’m sorry! So I try to stick with principles before personalities. I welcome the people that are constantly my critics and so on and so forth to come in and really ask to see our policies. And yeah we can find a place to work together. The business is to damn small! We all need to work together! There’s no reason why two clinics can’t join and have some great programs. There’s not one reason in the world that it can’t happen. In time it will all change I’m sure.

“I get pissed off from time to time but the truth is if we were able to mend our rifts right away hell, I’d put the water under the bridge and move on in a hot second.”

Because things can’t stay the same and forever, you know what I mean? People can’t stay the same forever and I’m certainly not going to hold a grudge forever. Yeah, I get pissed off from time to time but the truth is if we were able to mend our rifts right away hell, I’d put the water under the bridge and move on in a hot second. The same with Greg Zaboray, if you want to come into the office once a week and sell insurance by all means. Sit in the office once a week. You can if you want. Please. As long as we get on the same page. Let’s work together now.

I’m an entity and so are you guys. Let’s be one together. I mean if you have a beef, throw it at me, don’t throw it at Gene Ross or Luke Ford or Adult Industry News, you know? I’m willing to make amends if I’ve offended anyone with any actions that I’ve taken in the past because I’m very enthusiastic, and sometimes I roll right over people without even looking. And I think that may be what’s happened there. I mean I think I caused bad blood by doing that. And I’m aware that I’m like that because I’m a dynamo when I move so fast. And if I did any kind of actions to offend these people personally, for that I want to make amends. But I don’t think that needs to stand in the way of us working together and getting along.

AINews: It’s sounds like you tend to see nothing being done somewhere, and rather than choose to do nothing yourself you choose to do something even though sometimes it’s the wrong thing.

Mitch: Yeah! We’re dealing with uncharted territory here. Like I said before it’s like the Wild West out here. We’re dealing with no standards, no laws, we got to work together on what helps. And we all need to come together, not criticize and pick at each other. Let’s sit in a room and hack it out. Let’s come up with a good policy that we all agree on.

AINews: You’re saying the idea is to close rifts, not to make new ones.

Mitch: Sure, I mean we’ve got the power of influence. Let’s work together to do this. That’s what I think.

Part 2:

AINews: [Referring to a movie she was in recently] In the movie “Knockout” there’s this gravel-voiced club manager… do remember that line she said? I busted up laughing! She said, “What, do you think I test these girls for diseases or something?” (Laughs)

Mitch: (Laughs and laughs!) Yeah!

AINews: Are you still working [in front of the camera]?

Mitch: I work every once in a while. I don’t work that much simply because it’s not where my passions lie anymore. I had a great 25 years as an actress in the Industry and producer and director. But I’m just not as happy in front of the camera as I am running AIM and really having a great time with the 12 step programs and talking to the people about STD and HIV prevention and education. I mean this is my thing.

AINews: Where can talent go to a 12-step meeting where their anonymity will be protected?

Mitch: We have a meeting on Thursday night between eight and nine. I’ve got to tell you that we did try to keep [the meetings] open. We left it open and put it in the book [of meetings listed by NA] and I had ex-cons just out of jail coming in looking to check out the Pornstars. I know it may be against certain traditions, but damn it, the meetings are staying closed for now! (Laughs!)

AINews: Well, there are meetings closed to men and only for women. There are also meetings closed to people who are not addicts or alcoholics. To serve different purposes it’s a common thing, so it’s not like you’re doing anything really weird by closing your meetings to non-Industry people.

AINews: Are you involved in any anti-censorship organizations?

Mitch: No, not now. I was very active in the Free Speech Coalition. We work closely with the Free Speech Coalition and we hope to work more closely with them in the future. AIM basically was born out of the Free Speech Coalition because I started the main practice of PCR-DNA monitoring through them with a grant from them. It wouldn’t be possible to be where I am now without them. They kind of wanted me to cease and desist what I was doing and I’m head strong and I got a taste of what my calling is so I said no! (Laughs!) And I left. They were concerned about liability on the Board of Directors, which is a valuable concern. I understand that because I’m CEO of the Board of Directors of AIM Health-Care now and I completely understand how careful you have to be.

At the time I didn’t understand, and I was reasonably new. I was like a year sober and I had all the piss and vinegar for lack of a better word, you know what I mean? And I guess it was a good thing, because I left and I formed AIM. But I would say if there were one anti-censorship organization [I would work with] it would be the Free Speech Coalition. And once again they helped me. Because they were interviewing people for their new executive director and I called up and I said to them whoever you don’t take send them over to me I’ll take them.

“And aside from myself he [Bill Margold] is really the only other person I fully trust to do an excellent job.”

And whenever I go out of town, like when I go to Las Vegas or if I have to go do a lecture at a university somewhere I always call Bill Margold to sit in, in case there’s an HIV positive to do the genealogies. Which means the partner notification, and who’s exposed first and who’s exposed second. And the reason I do that is because Bill and I discovered this process together. And aside from myself he’s really the only other person I fully trust to do an excellent job. And Bill and I have our differences, but when it comes to services to the Industry we know we can count on each other. And actually, I kind of like it that way! (Laughs!)

AINews: That’s really good. Do you see the trend in politics that’s coming down on the Adult Entertainment Industry succeeding? Do you think they’re going to be able to shut us down?

Mitch: No. The mainstreaming of pornography is vast and constant. Constantly we’re making our own headway in all areas. I think one thing that we’re lacking is a real good voice to be recognized either politically or from business standpoint. The main reason is the Adult Entertainment Industry is a cash business is because it can’t get loans. From every area from Jack Galliger and Russ Hampshire at VCA pictures, to Rob Black at Extreme and all of us, any actress, even us in the healthcare field, we all carry that “porno” stigma. But we represent a lot of money and lot of power.

The only damn thing is, it’s mostly a cash business because that stigma prevents us from getting loans and credit. And I see such headstrong people that are breaking the mold and the dinosaurs too just by still being around, and AIM breaking new territory the medical field. Doing outreach with the county and things. I mean we’re really accepted as a legitimate source at AIM Health-Care. And I see that it’s going to have to be excepted no matter what because it’s creeping into the media. We have our own channels, we have own network, you know? Pretty soon we will have our own banks and loans organizations, maybe our own credit union for the lack of a better word. No, I’m not organizing one at AIM. But I’d like to bring together as many entities as we could to protect our own folks, of course.

AINews: Services for talent.

Mitch: Yes that’s right. And I see that happening. If we were able to come together and agree we would be such a force to be reckoned with rather than a farce to be reckoned with!

AINews: Great tag line! What kind of advice can you give new talent about how to stay clear of trouble?

Mitch: Draw your boundaries very strong. First learn about the healthcare risks and learn to protect yourself. And you can do that at AIM Health-Care or from your own doctor, but AIM Health-Care stands for “Adult Industry Medical Healthcare Foundation”, so we can tell you a lot of different things that aren’t necessarily going to occur to a regular doctor. We have information on how to protect yourself against the STDs and HIV. And draw your boundaries around that. Around that and if you have a partner, what does your partner expect and how are you going to continue to have respect with your partner.

AINews: Like as in relationships?

Mitch: Right, like is your partner in or out of the Industry? If you’re both in, draw strong boundaries and maybe approve of each other’s partners, or have an agreement there. Another rule, in the first year especially, is take as much time off as on [working]. It’s still going to be there. The fucking business isn’t gonna go away overnight. Just take a Goddamn rest and lie down. I guarantee it will be there when you have a little rest. When you look tanned and toned you’ll feel much better.

AINews: So you advocate communication within the relationship, and time together as being most important.

“So choose a role model and attach yourself to someone. If you see someone that has what you want ask them how to get it.”

Mitch: Communication and taking care of yourself. I mean I’m sitting here and I’m stressed out to the max. I had to NOT come in yesterday because my body just wouldn’t let me because I’m overwhelmed, I’m tired, I need help, you know? And I know how to ask for help. If you need help and you feel like something isn’t right ask someone else. There should be at least a half-dozen role models of beautiful women here that have their shit together, that are saving money, that look good all the time, that choose their work, that are safe sexually, that you can have as a role model. If you can’t find one of them call me up and I’ll give you one of them to talk to, or you can talk to myself or anyone at the office. So choose a role model and attach yourself to someone. If you see someone that has what, you want ask them how to get it.

AINews: Like a role model, or a mentor, or a sponsor…

Mitch: Yes, exactly.

AINews: When people look back on your past and future accomplishments, they will say Miss Sharon Mitchell… Please finish that sentence.

Mitch: They will say, “She is one of the greatest recovery stories that I ever witnessed in my entire life!” (Laughs!) They will say there is someone that went from an insecure, heroin addict, pornstar, no way out, day-to-day kinda chick, who re-educated and reinvented herself in areas to pioneer and help others in the Industry. That’s what they’ll say. (Laughs!)

AINews: (Long pause) Is there anything else you want to talk about?

Mitch: No, it kinda makes me cry. (Laughs!) I must have some self-esteem brewing inside here believe it or not. (Laughs!)