Living in their truth has given New York-based Darling Nicky all of the confidence they need to stand tall (and sometimes naked) in their petite frame. The 23-year-old adult content creator, professional dominatrix, and sex-positive advocate has created safe spaces online—including social media pages, a sex-positive magazine POZZI Mag that will go into print next year, and a growing OnlyFans—where people can explore their sexuality.

Here, Darling Nicky shares how they got into the industry, how their mom’s support changed the game, and what they intend to do next.

OHNAAHNAAH: I like to tell people I had a thousand tiny awakenings before actually deciding to embrace sex positivity in my day-to-day life. What made you want to express your sexuality so freely? Was there an "aha!" moment?

DARLING NICKY: Growing up I was always so terrified that someone would find out how much of a slut I was or how sexual I actually wanted to express myself. One day a video I made with a partner found its way on to PornHub and almost everyone from my small little hometown found out about it. I was ashamed and became really reclusive. It wasn't until a year or two later I came across that same video and saw it had a million or more views. I remember reading the comments and just thinking to myself "Well the cat’s already out the bag, might as well make something of it."

My philosophy is, "I can’t be exposed if I've already exposed myself." I gained the support of my mom one night after she walked in on me fucking a dildo on her floor, and from there I felt guilt and shame free and decided to share my journey publicly in hopes to inspire other to be open about their selves, feelings and sexual desires.

O: What do your family and friends think about what you do?

DN: My mom is all the way on board. She has been a pillar of support throughout this entire journey. She’s always been an advocate for self-pleasure, even as I was a teen. As for the rest of my family, my brother has been made aware of my shenanigans by people who attempted to put me on blast but he loves me and also supports what I do. Some of my family has no idea what I do, some of them have their own personal issues with it but for the most part they accept it as what it is..

O: What do you hope people get out of following you on social media, reading POZZIi Mag, or subscribing to your OnlyFans?

DN: I hope by watching my journey or reading about others’ experiences in POZZI helps people realize that most of what we were taught about sex and sexuality was biased and opinion based. We live in a world today where people on the LGBTQ spectrum exist everywhere. Our education does not reflect inclusivity. We are not taught about self pleasure as an option and we are constantly bombarded by social and cultural stigmas.

In my adult content I encourage my viewers to have safe sex, get tested and be productive with their sexual energy. POZZI is a place where people can share themselves explicitly, anonymously and artistically so that we all have a reference for human sexuality actually looks like.

O: What can your followers look forward to in the future? What's the big dream?

DN: My followers can look forward to the POZZI Magazine’s first issue release coming in June of 2020. I think the big dream is to create a bigger movement of sexual education that isn't taught by our failing education systems, but by those who encourage exploration so that we all have a chance to experience pleasure the way we want to.

It’s also changing our culture, working to end sexual harassment, homophobia, rape and sex trafficking by teaching one another, providing resources and safe spaces, and holding every person accountable for their actions.

O: Anything else you want to add?

DN: Please follow @POZZIMAG on Instagram. We are still accepting submissions for our first in-print issue. Our website can be found in our bio, and there you can read about who we are and our mission to share and educate for a better, sexier future. If you’re interested in booking any domination services you can contact me via Twitter.

Interested in being featured in our GUSH series? Email hello@ohnaahnaah.com

GUSH x Darling Nicky