Domino Presley Marks 1-Year Anniversary of Jazmin Shibata Scholarship

“It is so important, in my opinion, to give back to your community,” Presley said. “I didn’t come from money and transitioning during a time before Caitlyn Jenner existed, there were very limited resources that actually helped trans women in their transition, specifically trans sex workers.”

Through the Jazmin Shibata Scholarship, trans sex workers in California receive free therapy and letters of support for transition-related care from Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT), Kristel Penn (Yoneda). Presley and Penn started the scholarship program together a year ago while Penn was a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) trainee at the LGBTQ Center in Orange County.

“Trans sex workers are the backbone of the trans community,” Presley added. “Mental health is not only important to me, but something I have struggled with my entire life. I have benefitted so much and learned how to truly love myself and accept myself and all of my transness by going to therapy regularly. A lot of places require a letter of approval from a therapist in order to fulfill one’s transition journey or even just a name change. Right now, during a time where society is really testing trans people daily, if not, hourly, I hope this scholarship can be even the tiniest glimmer of light in a trans sex workers day and make their journey a little less stressful.”

Penn noted that it has been “about a year since the Jazmin Shibata Scholarship was created and it’s been wonderful to see firsthand how it’s being used in our community.”

“When Domino approached me with the idea, I knew it was the start of something big and something much needed in our industry,” Penn added.

The Jazmin Shibata Scholarship offers qualified individuals a free assessment and letter of support from Penn (AMFT) to be given to their doctor and/or insurance company that follows the criteria required by the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH).

Those interested in learning more about the Jazmin Shibata Scholarship, can contact Penn directly at kristel@sadbutradtherapy.com. For more information about the services offered by Penn’s therapy practice, visit SadButRadTherapy.com.

Presley is an adult film performer, director, and talent agent who debuted in the industry in 2010. Using her far-reaching platform, she has championed greater inclusivity and visibility of marginalized performers in adult entertainment. Through her management company, Domino has advocated for higher pay and ethical treatment of performers on-set and continues to use her voice to uplift the trans community.

Presley also was the first trans performer to win an award in a non-trans exclusive category and continues receiving numerous industry accolades. She was also the first director to feature trans masculine and BBW performers in a mainstream adult movie.

Currently, Presley serves as the Mistress of Ceremonies for the Trans Erotica Awards, which celebrates the accomplishments of the trans adult industry. She is a passionate philanthropist and activist in the trans adult industry and beyond. To learn more about Domino, visit TheDominoPresley.com.