Q: Let’s start with your stage name, Canyon Cole. How did you come up with it?
Canyon: I had a few names in mind, but it was a bit impulsive at the time because I was starting an OnlyFans as a hobby, and I needed a stage name. The name itself is kind of memorable: Canyon as a first name is unique, and the alliteration with “Cole” gives it that cheesy, porny vibe. I do love it, but there’s a downside: Introducing myself in loud places. People often mishear it, and I have to repeat myself multiple times. But it’s catchy, and I like that. Now, I wouldn’t mind using my real name, but the stage name has stuck, and it works well.
Q: You’ve mentioned your family is conservative. How did they react when they found out about your work?
Canyon: My family has never been comfortable with me being gay, so porn was like another nail in the coffin. I told them during a heated moment. It wasn’t a planned or an emotional coming-out moment; it was just blunt. Over time, people started asking my parents questions, and they got triggered. I’m not disappointed in myself, and that’s what matters.
Q: Was discovering your sexuality a straightforward journey for you?
Canyon: It was pretty clear to me early on that I was gay. The hard part was dealing with external factors: Growing up in a conservative, religious area made me feel like I had to hide or live a lie. I turned 18 in 2018, and just as I was gaining independence, COVID hit. I had to move back home, which felt like stepping backward. It was a challenging time, but like many in my generation, I found my chosen family and healed post-childhood.
Q: Being in the public eye now, how has fame impacted your life?
Canyon: Fame is a double-edged sword. On one hand, you get judgmental people who want to bring you down, but I’m used to that. What’s harder to deal with are the people who don’t see you as a human anymore; they see you as an object or an idea. For example, they might fetishize me or expect me to fulfill some fantasy. In public, I’ve faced a lot of inappropriate touching because people think being a porn star means I’m “available” or “owned.” It’s exhausting, but I’ve learned to set boundaries and raise awareness about the dehumanization sex workers face.
Q: How do you handle the challenges of objectification and social pressures?
Canyon: I’m lucky to have close friends who keep me grounded. Some things can be frustrating sometimes, but I don’t let them run my life. Social media is another challenge; it’s important for my work, but it can affect my mental health too. Since I didn’t grow up with it, there’s a bit of a learning curve, but I’m getting the hang of it.
Q: You recently signed as a studio exclusive with Carnal. What led to that decision?
Canyon: After freelancing with multiple studios for over a year, I had offers for exclusive contracts from a few companies. I chose Carnal because of their professionalism, consistency, and family-like environment. They care about their models, not just as performers but as people. They’re very open-minded when it comes to OnlyFans. They also offer support like seminars on marketing, business, and platform algorithms. It’s a partnership where both sides benefit and grow together!
Q: Outside of work, you’re passionate about Japan. What draws you to Japanese culture?
Canyon: So many things! I grew up watching anime, and Japanese food, especially sushi, is my favorite. Their culture and history are so different from what we have in the U.S., and I’ve always found that fascinating. I just got my passport and hope to plan a trip soon: Japan is at the top of my list for personal travel.
Q: You mentioned being a big music fan. Any favorite artists or events?
Canyon: Lana Del Rey is my favorite artist of all time. I’ve seen her perform multiple times, and being upfront at her concert was one of the best experiences of my life. But I also love EDM festivals. They’re like my healing space, where I can disconnect and lose myself in the music.
Q: Finally, any TV or movie recommendations?
Canyon: I’m a big anime nerd, so I always recommend anything on Crunchyroll. If that’s your vibe, you really can’t go wrong. For other genres, I’d say just go for whatever clicks with you; there’s so much amazing stuff out there to check out.
