Kat Sunlove is definitely one of the most interesting people in the industry. To some she is best known for her political work in the ’70s to most recently being the lead lobbyist for the Free Speech Coalition, an organization that goes to Washington D.C. on behalf of the adult industry. Others may know her as Mistress Kat from the ’80s, holding the first SM workshops on female dominance with her partner, and writing advice columns on erotic dominance for Chic Magazine and Spectator, where she was also the publisher. She’s held multiple lectures at universities and made radio and TV appearances as well as appeared a couple BDSM videos.
If that paints the picture of a stuffy Domme, think again. This woman is the life of the party and one of those people you feel like you’ve known your entire life the instant you meet them. She is beyond brilliant, a ton of fun, and I’m so glad I’ve had the pleasure to get to know her through her current job representing AbbyWinters.com.
Ok, I’ll stop gushing and get straight to the interview!
-Venus
1. How (and when) did you get started in the industry?
I was seduced!! My life partner Layne was a closeted S/M’er, but when he put his hand on my throat in love-making and my insides melted… well, I was hooked! Of course, later I turned the tables on him as my dominant persona, Mistress Kat, evolved and we began self-consciously exploring this misunderstood aspect of human sexuality. We went on to teach the first-ever serious workshops on erotic dominance and submission in San Francisco.
2. If you weren’t in the adult industry, what would you be doing?
Probably in the Peace Corps!
3. What’s the best thing you’ve learned or best advice you’ve received from industry?
If you want adventure in life, explore your own sexuality!
4. What’s the funniest thing that’s happened while filming?
Well, I’ve only been in front of the camera a few times, but one of those was in “That’s My Daughter,” starring my pal Sharon Mitchell. I was type-cast as a “dominant film director.” The male star was a true submissive and between shots, I would tease and play with him for my amusement and he’d get hard. When on camera with the “dominant” actresses, he didn’t get much of a hard-on. Thus, I was called the “fluff girl” on that film.
5. What do you think is the biggest misconception about women in industry?
In how many interviews have I said this: Women in this industry are far more self-determined and powerful than the women in my previous employment. As a union organizer for the Hotel, Restaurant Employees and Bartenders Union many years ago, I talked with many hotel maids about their working conditions. Believe me, it’s a lot better for women in the sex industry to be giving blowjobs than cleaning toilets for ungrateful hotel guests and taking flack from bitchy housekeeping supervisors.
Another big misconception is that all of us women in the adult industry are brain-washed or that we came from childhood sex abuse or domestic violence or some other horrific family experience that turned us to a life of sin. Oh, please!
6. What did you do today?
Today, I’m working on putting together a small dinner party at Internext later this month, hosted by my client abbywinters.com. These little parties have become something of a tradition as we try to build brand awareness and generate goodwill for abbywinters.com.
I also had a bacon and egg breakfast, played with the dogs, hugged my sweetie, checked on the veggies in the garden and ran the vacuum. Tonight I’ll be going to a rehearsal for the local musical theater production for which Layne and I are serving as choreographers. Great fun!
7. What would you rather have done today?
Hummm… perhaps hanging out down by the American River with the dogs and a good book might have been nice.
8. If you could do a movie with anyone (living or brought back from the dead) who would it be?
Mae West, my idol.
9. Who is your favorite adult performer?
Nina Hartley, my dear friend and former lover. I met her at the premier party for her first movie in 1983 where she attacked me, pulled down my pants and went down on me. Great introduction!
10. You’ve got 20 bucks left to your name; what would you do with it?
Hell, give it away! What can you do with $20 these days? Besides, “they” say it comes back to you four-fold so then I’d have $80!
11. If you were president, what’s the first thing you’d change?
Abolish the Electoral College.
12. What’s the most embarrassing thing you’ve ever done?
As drum major of the Kilgore High School band, I missed giving the signal for a “To the rear march” during halftime at the Cotton Bowl, sending my majorettes into the sidelines. Yikes!
13. Which is your favorite project you’ve worked on?
I love producing shows! So producing, directing and starring in my Fabulous At Fifty Birthday Party at San Francisco’s Great American Music Hall was the all-time best!
14. If you could have 1 superpower what would it be?
Like Peter Pan, I can Fly!!
15. Meat or veggie?
Do I have to choose?
16. What is your favorite book?
Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander (the whole series really)
17. What is your biggest pet peeve?
Bad drivers, especially following too close.
18. What is your best piece of sex advice for women?
Just because you never tried it or fantasized about it doesn’t mean it might not be fun. Try everything once!
19. What is your favorite adult movie?
The Punishment of Anne. Never heard of it? Check it out.
20. Tell me one thing you’ve never told anyone else.
I think that Venus at HotMovies is a real hottie!!
Check out more from Kat Sunlove’s friends at abbywinter.com!
