Inside HappyGio's life as an online erotic performer

HappyGio, a 33-year-old Luxembourger of Southern European origin, makes her living through online erotic content. Speaking openly about her work, she described what her daily reality looks like, who her clients are, and the risks that come with working on the internet.

Now living in the Canary Islands, HappyGio officially lists "erotic performer" as her occupation on her tax declaration. Through platforms such as OnlyFans, she communicates directly with clients who tell her exactly what they want to see. Appearing in lingerie, she poses for photos and videos, sometimes performing for the camera in ways that respond to individual requests, all entirely online via messages, pictures, videos, and voice notes.

From illness to independence

For Gio, this work became a path to independence and self-expression after years of struggling with health issues. She grew up helping in her family's restaurants and bars but often had to undergo surgery due to severe endometriosis. When her health worsened, she decided it was time for a change. She explained that, after her last major operation, she promised herself to finally do something she truly wanted.

Before taking the leap, she discussed her plans with family and friends. To her surprise, they reacted with understanding rather than judgment. Her mother, she recalled, told her that if she had thought it through and knew what she was doing, she would support her choice, and the topic hasn't been an issue since.

Before going public, Gio spent months setting personal boundaries: deciding how far she wanted to go, what kind of content she was comfortable producing, and what her limits would be. She now works entirely independently – no agency, no filming with strangers, no in-person meetings. Everything she does is online and carefully controlled.

Her work is fully declared and legal. As a self-employed performer, she owns a registered business, pays taxes, and contributes to health and pension systems. She emphasised that such work cannot simply be done "on the side" or informally, as most major platforms require tax identification numbers to process payments, making everything traceable and regulated.

Companionship behind the screen

Over the years, Gio has realised that many of her clients, mostly men between their early twenties and mid-forties, are not only seeking sexual gratification. Many, she said, are lonely and just want human contact, regular conversations, and emotional attention. They appreciate everyday messages like "Good morning" or "How was your day?" and for some, she becomes a steady, caring presence. As one friend once told her, she is not a seductress or an object of desire, she is an anchor.

In her view, many clients struggle to express themselves emotionally at home. Between professional pressure, family obligations, and social expectations, personal needs and desires are often neglected. Others use her platform to explore intimate fantasies or fetishes they cannot express in their relationships. Gio describes her online space as "fetish-friendly", a place where people can speak freely without judgment.

Body positivity over perfection

Working with one's body, Gio believes, requires confidence and authenticity. She considers herself comfortable in her own skin, including her scars and stretch marks. In an online world saturated with filtered images, she says her clients appreciate natural, real bodies. She also receives strong support from fellow performers, an online community of women who share experiences, exchange advice, and uplift one another rather than compete.

The dark side of the job

Despite the positive aspects, Gio doesn't romanticise her work. She is acutely aware of the dangers of sharing intimate content online. Once something is uploaded, she warns, it can never be fully erased. Photos and videos can be copied, shared, or reposted without consent. That's why she sets strict limits on what she shares, asking herself whether she would be comfortable if friends or family saw it, and if not, she simply doesn't post it.

She admits that the work can take a mental toll. Although the income can be good, it's not easy money, she said. She noted that working with your own body is not always that simple. Gio explained that she's fortunate to be in a stable position that allows her to take breaks, but many who turn to this industry out of financial necessity do not have that privilege. Maintaining mental health and having a trusted circle to talk to, she said, are essential.

Fast money is a reason why many young women and men go into the industry without understanding the potential consequences. Exploitation and coercion are unfortunately common in parts of the adult industry, especially where agencies control performers' choices. Many are pressured into activities they do not consent to, with little autonomy.

There are also darker encounters. Gio once came across a client whose behaviour quickly alarmed her: he asked her to record voice messages in a childlike tone and mentioned that he regularly looked after his niece. She immediately reported him to the police, who confirmed that an investigation was already underway. She blocks and reports anyone who crosses legal or ethical boundaries, she said.

© AFP

A job like any other, with boundaries

Ultimately, Gio considers what she does to be a regular job. She stated that she works full-time hours and maintains a clear separation between her professional persona and private life. At home, she has a dedicated workspace for filming, she said. Gio added that once she leaves that room, she switches off and returns to being herself. According to Gio, it took time to find that balance, but now it feels natural.

Her message is clear: she chose this path consciously and responsibly, and she advises anyone interested in such work, especially young people, to think carefully before starting. Once something is online, it's there forever, and the consequences can be lasting, both personally and socially.