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porn

Cop Out

by Walter Reed

Kelvin Taylor

Long before Kelvin Taylor became the porn star, Felony, he was just a regular guy with dreams of becoming a police officer. He stared his high school days in the Bronx at Evander High, at the most dangerous school in the most dangerous borough, where a student was murdered and then buried in the schoolyard, only to be found a decade later. Then he moved on to Columbus High, bullying gays to hide his own homosexuality. From high school high to crash courses on becoming a police officer, he entered the brown bag, bottom-shelf life of the porn industry.

A dream deferred began a brief affair with porn at the tender age of 21, after just one homosexual tryst. He appeared opposite of 20 year veteran Slim Thug, 36. Due to size requirements that Kelvin couldn’t meet, commanding less than 10 inches—he found himself on the bottom. Sometimes you have to let someone go through the back door to get closer to your dreams. After that scene, he earned the name Felony after the underwear he wore coupled with the police scene involving a stop and frisk session. “I was nervous at first and it hurt, but the pain eventually turned to pleasure” he said, turning him into a pro overnight.

Apparently it was so good that night with Slim Thug, it turned into a three year courtship. They agreed, that both of them would be transparent whenever shooting scenes. They also had to use condoms. Unfortunately, Slim Thug was allegedly sleeping around all over the city that never sleeps with or without condoms, unbeknownst to Kelvin. Their lives in porn, inevitably put a strain on the relationship. “I wished I hadn’t done porn and just become a cop,” he said. At six feet tall, he would look amazing in the uniform.

Two years and nearly 25 movies later, he decided which movies to do. “I got tired of being a bottom and it wasn’t happy in that role.” He said. Kelvin was featured bottoms up everywhere from Breed it Raw to Dawgpound USA.

After his porn days waned, he started his nights escorting.  “People who escort give us a bad name,” he said. “It wasn’t just sex; It was more like nude massages with happy endings.” Apparently, it was more like nude jerk-off sessions masquerading as massages. Each happy-meal cost $200. He gained clients through an ad placed on Adam4adam, the popular sex site.

When it comes to sex off screen he’s a bonafide top. “I like to be the man in the relationship,” he said, “but I can be flexible and be a bottom for my man sometimes.” When approaching relationships, Kelvin looks for someone, who embodies both masculine and effeminate qualities. He also likes supportive and motivating men.

Life outside of porn has him exactly where he wants to be in a relationship, “I am a relationship oriented person,” he said. “I spent more time in a relationship than being single.” Kelvin is four months into his current monogamous relationship with his live-in boyfriend, a school teacher and friend of three years. They’re in love.

He spends his days dreaming—hoping to someday work for a company like Sony or Microsoft, developing new video games, and building new technologies like the projectile t.v. or the next Playstation. He will be enrolling back in college next year to pursue his goals.

You can catch Kelvin, dancing in clubs all over the city anywhere from Secrets to El Morocco. He enjoys the combination of hanging out in the clubs and drinking while working. “It’s not always about the money,” he said. “If it’s a slow night… I just put on my clothes on and have a drink and hang out.”

Filed Under: ENTERTAINMENT Tagged With: gay relationships, Kelvin Taylor, porn, porn star, Slim Thug

PORN STAR – Taking C*ck up my @ss! (Bottoms Up!)

by Charlie Harding

Charlie Harding
Charlie Harding
photo by Men.com

Yes folks, Twitter don’t lie, I HAVE FILMED MY FIRST SCENE AS A BOTTOM! Men.com asked me to be their TOP to BOTTOM for the fifth installment in the series entitled “TOP to BOTTOM 5: Daddy’s Turn!” (and rewarded me handsomely for it I might add!).  I have to say I had a great time shooting it, and hope you all enjoy seeing it when it debuts on Men.com November 22nd.  By the way, the preview is up on the site now… So here’s some fun trivia and behind the scenes moments from the day of filming!

 

We filmed the scene in Atlanta in my actual condo. My partner Scotty Rage (@scottyragexxx) and I bought a loft about a year ago, and celebrated that anniversary by opening the unit up the men.com production crew!  We shot the entire scene in our living room on the leather couch that has been in my family for almost 30 years! And Yes that is also our 6’ by 6’shower stall in the scene… it has two shower heads and a tub in the enclosure and can hold about 8 big muscle guys… (dirty smirk)

 

Scotty Rage plays my partner in the scene (LOL big acting stretch there, huh!). Scotty and I open the scene together and set the tone and premise that leads to my bottoming for Colby Jansen.  Colby and I have been friends for a long time, and really enjoy getting to work together.  He and Scotty also have hit it off well, so the day was a reunion of sorts and more like a bunch of friends hanging out (and fucking), which made for a super fun time.

Colby Jansen and Charlie Harding
photo by men.com

 

Scotty also took on the role of Craft Services for the shoot. Given that we are all friends (the production crew included), Scotty went out and bought fried chicken, potato salad, wrap sandwiches and sodas for everyone before they arrived.  Needless to say we appreciated the food and drink and it made the entire day like a big picnic!

 

During the shoot, our two dogs got out and ran away!  That’s right, our two dogs somehow made it out the back door, through the fence around our patio and took off down the road.  Scotty, after filming his portion of the scene, discovered the jail breakers had run, and spent the next two hours driving around the neighborhood looking for them.  Don’t worry folks, he found them safe and sound…2 miles away from our condo!

 

This was the first time Scotty had ever seen me perform on set.  While Scotty has gone on multiple trips with me when I was shooting, and been to many of the studios, he had never actually been there live while I was filming.  At one point while Colby is inside me, plowing away, I glanced over and there’s Scotty just off set in the bedroom doorway rubbing his… well, needless to say I think the scene turned him on!

Charlie Harding
photo by men.com

Filed Under: LGBT, LIFESTYLE Tagged With: bottom, charlie harding, colby jansen, gay, men.com, porn, scotty rage, top

PORN STAR – Bareback or condoms? (my thoughts and an announcement)

by Charlie Harding

Charlie Harding

Charlie Harding

In the past couple weeks, the controversy over bareback porn reared its head again.  The announcement by Lucas Entertainment that they were starting a bareback line of films (after many years of intense criticism of performers who bareback and studios who filmed it) seemed to be the spark that reignited that controversial fire.  The announcement that Porn Superstar Trenton Ducati had been signed as their first bareback exclusive star added to the chatter… both positive and negative.

My first point is about bareback versus condom porn in general.  I find it interesting that we only find condom-less porn as being taboo in the gay porn culture.  The majority of straight porn has been bareback for years, and with much less talk and scorn for its stars.  Bareback straight porn is the norm, and no one seems to question that.  In the gay world, after our ranks were decimated by HIV/AIDS in the past decades, we developed an extreme sensitivity to illness exposure and for some reason it was deemed that porn should be forced to carry the burden of being the role model for gay sex.   While I understand that porn has an opportunity to teach a lesson, we need to remember that’s not the main reason it exists.  PORN IS CREATED TO ENTERTAIN AND PROVIDE A FANTASY, not necessarily as a tool for social activism.

The next point on which I pondered after Trenton’s recent move to bareback porn, has to do with public disclosure of a porn star’s HIV status. Trenton talked about making responsible, informed decisions as to who he will or won’t film with, and caught a lot of negative comments with his first bareback flip-flop scene partner choice of Blue Bailey.  As I read through the public comments section of one of the porn blogs that talked about the scene, the commenters spouted mostly gossip, rumor and shock.  Many of the folks were making huge assumptions and leaps calling Trenton HIV positive simply because he shot bareback porn, or because of who he chose to shoot with.  My point?  Unless you are actually having sex with him, his status whether negative or positive, does not directly concern you. Each of us in the industry make informed decisions as to what risks we are willing to take, and act accordingly. A performer’s HIV status is no one’s business except their own and their sex partners both in front of and behind the camera.  Again, PORN IS A FANTASY created to entertain, so as long as you enjoy seeing the activities on-screen, then it is serving its purpose.

My third point is this.  If bareback porn offends you, DON’T WATCH IT.  Here’s another example… While country music isn’t something I enjoy, I don’t rally against it and try to force others not to listen to it.  I just choose to change the station to a different type of music.  As a consumer, that’s what we can do. Watch what you enjoy, and ignore the rest. But it is not your right to force me to only watch what YOU think is appropriate.  I’m not going to limit your choices, so don’t try to limit mine.

photo by Barry Noland
photo by Barry Noland

My final announcement and point is that I am now also filming both condom and bareback porn.  As this article is being published, I am actually on set filming a bareback scene with my special buddy Mike Dozer (@mikedozerxxx).  He and I have an amazing chemistry, enjoy each other immensely on and off the set and wanted to take our connection and put it on film.  Does me shooting bareback mean that my HIV status will be questioned? YES, unfortunately it will.  I can say that I just tested again 7 days ago for a shoot I have in a week with a condom using studio, and I am still HIV negative, not that its anyone’s business but mine and my sex partners.  Am I being irresponsible by choosing to film bareback? No, I am choosing based on my own research and the information I have, to do something that I WANT TO DO with scene partners that I WANT TO DO. I am continuing as I always have to take whatever level of risk (or lack thereof) I am comfortable with, and producing FANTASY material for the public to enjoy.  I am not attempting to convince everyone to have bareback sex, and I am not saying anyone else should stop using condoms. Will I have people angry and upset that I am choosing to film bareback as well as condom porn now?  OF COURSE I WILL. And I tell those folks this: Watch what you want to watch, just like I will film what I want to film.  There’s enough porn out there for everyone!

Filed Under: BREAKING NEWS, ENTERTAINMENT, LGBT, LIFESTYLE, OPINION Tagged With: bareback, bottom, charlie harding, condom, mike dozer, porn, scotty rage, sex, top, trenton ducati

PORN STAR: Public Lives, Private Thoughts

by Charlie Harding

photo by Barry Noland
photo by Barry Noland

 

PUBLIC LIVES, PRIVATE THOUGHTS: my recent mistake of sharing too much.

So earlier today, I posted something on Facebook, to test the waters and just see what public perception would be about the rather “outside the box” idea I had.  You see, my partner and I want a child. Without going into details of the why’s and how’s, we have talked about it being mine genetically and that we would want to go through a surrogacy, artificial insemination and egg donor scenario.  The catch??? THE PRICETAG! In the United States, the start to finish (birth) process can cost upwards of $100,000! Unfortunately that is cost prohibitive for us, so I started to think about other ways to fund it, and given my public life ways we could do something beneficial for others as we went through the process.

So I took my genius idea and posed it as question on Facebook to my 5,000 “friends” to see if I was cray-cray or on to something that could be miraculous.  Here’s basically what I posted:

“Would it be odd to do a fundraising campaign (IE crowd funding or what not) to raise money so that we could afford to produce a child through science with surrogacy, AI and egg donation and as an added benefit produce a documentary of what a gay couple goes through during the process?”

Never have I lost faith in people as quickly as I did when I started reading some of the responses.  Many of the folks took the chance to jump on their own bandwagon or agenda rather than answering the question posed.  A bunch said it was irresponsible to spend that much money for a baby.  Many said more insulting and hurtful comments.  You see, I had broken RULE #1 of living a public life!

RULE #1 NEVER SHARE THINGS IN WHICH YOU ARE EMOTIONALLY INVESTED.

I put something very personal out there.  Something that I have been wanting for a long time, and ASSUMED that folks would take it at face value, get the seriousness of the question and respond appropriately.  OOPS. I blew that one. As I read the comments and “opinions” expressed, some were very positive, some neutral, some thought it was weird and a significant HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE ORIGINAL QUESTION, but railed on me for not thinking the same way the responders did.  Here is a list of the “clarifications” I did in a follow up post, in response to most of the off topic, offensive or just bitter comments:

The question had nothing to do with the pros and cons of adoption. 

The question had nothing to do with my motivations for wanting my own genetic child.

The question had nothing to do with whether a child needs a male and female influence to grow up properly.

The question did not say we were going to put a baby on camera 24/7.

The question did not say anything about promoting a brand.

The question did not have anything to do with a reality show pitch.

It was at this moment, in tears, I realized that even with all the positive lessons and messages of hope and love I have tried to express (in addition to my usual jokes and sexual innuendo and nude pics), the majority of folks out there didn’t really give a shit past hearing their own thoughts. I had posed a basic question of “is it odd or not” and “would a documentary be beneficial?” and I got a ton of soap box vomit in return.

So I took a moment to relax…  Calmed down a bit… Talked to my partner about it… and responded to the comments I felt had the most impact or the most ignorance and hate attached:

To those of you who bastardized my question to make angry comments about self-promotion I say this… YOU OBVIOUSLY HAVE NO IDEA WHO I AM, and haven’t taken a bit of time to find out before responding.  The folks on here that followed me for any length of time know that inside, I aspire to be a role model, a positive influence on the universe and a catalyst for good.  To bitterly attempt to claim I’m asking about a child for selfish, self-promoting reasons, a reality show or fame is both asinine and ignorant.

To those of you promoting adoption I say this… YES! Adoption is a wonderful thing, and we need more folks who are willing to take children in to their homes. I challenge each of you to go out and follow through on your own suggestion when it’s appropriate in your life. I have investigated and am still exploring the options of adoption, but given my career history, I am NOT considered a good candidate (how many adoption agencies do you know that would consider adult film star as a viable career for a parent?).  I appreciate your passion for adoption, but due to societal perceptions, I’m not allowed.

To those who said wanting my own genetic child is all about my ego or selfish… My motivations are none of your business. Would you turn to every straight couple that has had a child and call them selfish for wanting to bring life into the world? I would hope not.  Don’t do it to me either.

To those who shared personal information about their child rearing experiences, life as an adopted child or surrogacy process… Thank you for sharing. While it wasn’t the original intent of the question to get into that vein of conversation, I appreciated reading them.  Please continue to share your stories with all who will listen, as it gives others something to compare to, look up to or at least not feel isolated about when they know others go through the same things.

To those who suggested I find a lesbian or woman willing to carry a baby for me… I searched off and on for someone for 10 years. If you know where this large group of women just aching to have children and give them to gay men to raise are, let me know.

Needless to say I lost a few Facebook “friends” and blocked a bunch too.   I realized that I was basing my expectations for the general population on my observations of my close circle of friends and family, adjusting it a bit to be more “realistic” but still had on a pair of very rose colored glasses when it came to how folks were going to react to a private revelation from a public character.  Live and learn.

Filed Under: uncategorized Tagged With: adult film, charlie harding, journey, life, porn, star

Boomer Banks- Get To Know Him

by Ryan Shea

I have run into a good amount of stars in the industry who have left me leaving with a bunch of different thoughts on who they are not only in it but outside the industry as well.  Boomer Banks is someone who caught my eye not only because of his good looks but because when I got to know him he just seemed like a really great guy.  When he agreed to do an interview with me and I got to know him more, my beliefs on him were confirmed and I got to know a really great side to him.  The new Raging Stallion Exclusive  is making a huge name for himself in the industry and on social networking sites like Twitter (9,000 fans and counting) and will be performing tonight at the annual Hustlaball NYC which is one of the biggest gay events in the world.  He sat down with me this past week to talk about his meteoric rise in the porn world and some pretty great insight on how he seems things from an insiders prospective.  Take a look.

So Boomer, what made you want to get your start in the industry?

I literally just woke up one day and was given an opportunity and I took it.  I am a very spiritual person and I felt that it was right.  I don’t tend to run on self will I am a very spiritual person.  I love for the universe to bring things into my sphere.

Was your side job as a Rentboy aid this decision or hurt it, because it can go both ways?

No, it aided it.  I guess it opened my mind to what is out there as I’ve heard every request possible.  I make it very clear that when i am “escorting” that I will not do anything that I don’t want to do.  And to this day I haven’t.  I’m very conventional to who I am.

So let’s keep it real here- you are well endowed.  Do you think that has helped in you getting cast in more well known productions?

So, listen I’m sure that I did get noticed because of that.  That can only carry you so far.  There are many men that have large cocks that come around but many of them don’t have the staying power.  Mind you, I am only saying that in regards to what I’ve seen.  I am a lot more than that.  I think that’s what Raging Stallion when they wanted to sign me saw that in me.  They saw one thing, but then they saw someone that can represent their company as respectful as one can be.

In terms of porn, is there anyone that you’ve looked up to as an idol?

I am friends with Johnny Hazard, I’ve known him for a year as an acquaintance.  He is definitely a confidant in this whole process, great guy.  He still to this day is using everything that he has achieved to his advantage without hurting anyone or himself along the way. Since then I have let some legendary people in the industry.  Chi Chi Larue has been a huge cheerleader for me, Sister Roma as well.  They are all amazing individuals.  It’s been very interesting and very welcoming to say the least.

 

image(1)

How many scenes have you shot so far?

I’ve done five scenes so far, two have been released.  One with Marcus Isaacs for “Timberwolves” and James Ryder for the “Hard Friction” series.

The one that was just released that is getting quite a lot of buzz is with Marcus for “Timberwolves”.  Tell me about what that experience was for you being that that was your first big scene that you shot.

It was awesome, it was the most amazing experience for someone not knowing what they were getting into.  I know Marcus personally which made it very easy for him to coach and talk to me.  Because I am so coachable and easy to talk to it made the whole experience that much better for me.  There were even a couple of times where he didn’t need to coach me because I seemed to comfortable.  I just felt at ease and even though it was a lot for me take  in it got me prepared for every scene going forward which subsequently has made it easier each time.

This is a question I have never asked anyone before- is there a huge difference between making love on camera and making love to someone in your real life who you actually like on a personal level?

Well number one- Raging Stallion is very much known for their elaborate production of everything.  The difference is every ten or fifteen minutes someone has to stop and say “Hey, do this” or “Now we are going to do that position”.  Porn is a job and people don’t realize that it’s not another hotel room where the cameras are rolling and they let you have sex.  It is a very thought out process- we talk about positions and how we are going to end everything, close ups, lighting- it really is a full blown production.  It’s not a job when you know someone personally.

Do you think the adult industry lately has more of a negative view or a positive view?

I’m constantly trying not to read things but I come across stuff on Twitter that people seem to think there are things going on behind the scenes.  For instance, one being that the porn companies only hire a certain kind of person.  Clearly they don’t, hence me.  I completely and utterly not Caucasian, I don’t have a hairless body, I take care of myself but I don’t have an airbrushed body.

Then there is the only point where I’ve also read that a lot of porn models don’t like to work with different races.  I can’t speak for those other models but I do notice that it’s very rare when that happens.  I have no problem with it.  I’m a performer and I get paid to do things so I see no problem in being asked to do something and doing it.  If you are working at a coffee shop and there is a variety of races working there, you can’t simply say “I can’t serve you coffee because of your race”.  It’s the same in both aspects.

People also have a lot of opinions on condoms in porn and what not.  There is nothing to fear if there is nothing to fear.  Period.  Period.  Just to elaborate on that, if you don’t know something on a particular topic of course there is reason to fear.  However, if you really know you really can understand that there is nothing to fear.  If you are working in condom porn, there is no chance unless you in your personal life decide to do things outside of that.

What are you hopeful for in this industry?

I want to have a good run in this industry. I want it to be filled with integrity and honestly about my sexual freedom which is what i was born with.  I want to make a name for myself so that my fashion design becomes more noticed.  I will be coming out with a Men’s line geared towards sportswear.  There has been a lot of companies that have paved the way, Nasty Pig is one of my favorites.  The adult industry porn is an amazing opportunity for me to take everything that i have to show on another level.  To all these incredible fans that long for something that they put on a pedestal.  I want to use that aspect in a good way because they are the ones who are visiting my pages and buying or streaming my DVD’s or whatever the case may be.

Great guy and a really profound interview.   For all things Boomer including upcoming appearances and releases, check out his Twitter page for more information.

 

Filed Under: LIFESTYLE Tagged With: adult industry, boomer banks, chi chi larue, marcus isaacs, porn, raging stallion studios, sister roma

PORN STAR – a journey [SPECIAL REPORT, HIV AND STI’S]

by Charlie Harding

MY THOUGHTS ON THE RECENT HIV OUTBREAK IN THE PORN INDUSTRY

I know many of you were looking for part 3 in my Porn Star series, but given the recent issues in the industry, I think this week it makes more sense for me to address it and weigh in on it all.

To recap, there have been four performers in the industry who recently tested positive for HIV.  Rod Daily, his girlfriend Cameron Bay and Patrick Stone have all come forward publicly with their diagnoses. A fourth has chosen to remain anonymous, but recently participated in a news conference last Wednesday, via phone.  According to Stone, his test may be a false positive, and he is waiting to confirm his status. The fourth performer stated during the conference that he had tested negative and was cleared to perform in scenes just two weeks prior to his now positive diagnosis.

So here’s the deal.  HIV is obviously a risk when working in the porn industry.  The question becomes what to do about it, and how to protect the performers.  I’m going to talk specifically about the gay porn world, as it has a different “set of rules” than the straight world, with the majority of the gay studios requiring condom use. I’m also eliminating bareback studios from my discussion, as they as well have established their own requirements as to what performers they use and the risks involved.

TRUTH #1 ONLY A HANDFUL OF STUDIOS ACTUALLY REQUIRE PERFORMERS TO TEST FOR STI’S OR HIV.

With all the focus on these four performers and their recent infections, most folks don’t realize that the MAJORITY of performers work for studios that use condoms, and because they film safer sex, don’t require testing.  The only reason we have heard about the recent performer infections is because they all worked with studios that required testing.  I have worked with 4 studios total during my year and a half career, and one of the four required me to test and submit results for approval before filming.  Now don’t get me wrong, the other three studios have very specific policies set forth stating that if a performer would like their scene partner to be tested prior to filming all you have to do is request it.  This allows the performer to set the level of risk he is willing to accept, and act accordingly.  During my 20+ scenes and estimated 30 scene partners, the majority have been with a testing studio, but I never have requested tests from my other scene partners. I did my research, decided what would work best for me, and did what I was comfortable with.  I own my level of responsibility and the risks I am willing to take.

TRUTH #2 THERE ARE MANY PERFORMERS IN THE GAY PORN INDUSTRY THAT ARE HIV POSITIVE.

If you read the recent interview on manhattandigest.com with me and my poz/undetectable partner, Scotty Rage, you know that I am a very HIV neutral person in my daily life.  That being said, I was never concerned about working with HIV positive performers.  I always walk into every scene ASSUMING everyone is HIV positive, and only do what I’m comfortable with.  Given that I have a high risk of infection with my career, I have also gotten on TRUVADA as a PrEP program.  Don’t know what that is?  You should!  Google it and learn about another level of protection you can offer yourself if you are HIV negative.  I’m not here to out performers are positive, as to me it’s a non-issue, but I will say that I know for a fact that at least 4 of the guys I’ve had sex with were all HIV positive. I know because they all disclosed it to me during conversation (not through second hand knowledge) and I wouldn’t be shocked if there are more as well.  Let’s be realistic and blunt here for a second… in “real life” there are HIV positive people in every social situation or friend group in which you participate, the adult industry is no different. Unfortunately, within the industry and today’s society, someone’s public disclosure of their HIV status can be a career killer, as the general public doesn’t want to know about the performers  “dirty little secret.”

TRUTH #3 IF YOU WORK IN PORN, YOU WILL PROBABLY BE EXPOSED TO STI’S AND HIV NO MATTER HOW OFTEN PERFORMERS TEST.

It is a well-known fact that HIV antibody tests have a “window” of about 2 months prior to the test date in which someone can seroconvert to positive, but still show up with a negative test. It all depends on how quickly your body produces the antibodies that react to the viral protein.  Therefore, someone can claim to be negative, and actually have the active virus in their system.  This is how you can have a performer test negative one time and then a couple weeks later test positive.  The infection could have occurred during the two week window, or it could have occurred earlier, but no antibodies had been produced in the body before the first test.  I have always said when I disclose me status that I “tested negative as of [insert date],” rather than claiming HIV negative status.  You really can’t guarantee that you are negative if you are sexually active within a few months prior or after your test.  Again, this is why all performers should decide what they are willing to do and what level of risk they are willing to assume, and stick to it! Another reality: porn performers have sex with other people outside of filming.  Thus we can all be exposed to things that we bring back to set.  Given that a multitude of performers also escort, their level of exposure grows with every additional time they have sex. Something else to think about:  Just because a performer uses condoms on set, doesn’t mean they do in their personal life… Just like the fact that “regular folks” who claim to only perform “safer sex” don’t always do it.

TRUTH #4 THE GENERAL PUBLIC AND CONSUMERS DON’T WANT TO HEAR ABOUT HIV AND THEIR FAVORITE PERFORMERS.

Porn is a fantasy.  Scenes are put together and edited to provide a seamless experience for the consumer and the hottest visuals possible.  Ever noticed the “magic pants” (when a performer pulls his pants down for oral or rimming and then magically they disappear… there’s just no sexy way to take off pants over boots or sneakers!)? Consumers don’t want to think about STI’s and HIV and dirty bottoms and the non-sexy things that can be associated with sex.  Buyers pay for a FANTASY, not a reality.  So performers being too open about their real lives lose a bit of their Idol or Star status and more often than not end up disappearing.  Just like no one wants to know about their famous mainstream movie stars using the bathroom or popping pimples, no one wants to hear the day-to-day drama that porn stars also face, sometimes as a result of their involvement in the industry.

SO WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE? WHO NEEDS TO BE RESPONSIBLE?

The answer? I have no exact idea.  All I can do is speak to how I handle it and how I set myself up to be comfortable with what I do.  I DO NOT TRUST ANYONE ELSE TO PROTECT ME. Performers that count on scene partner testing to protect them are living in the same fantasy world as every day folks that believe it when someone claims to be negative in a bar or online.

I test regularly no matter if I’m working with a studio that requires it or not.  I got on meds to limit my risk. I educated myself as to what HIV positive means, what undetectable means, how STI’s and HIV can be passed on and how they are treated.  I determined the specific risks I am comfortable with on set, and a specific level of risk I am comfortable with in my personal life, and I stick to that. BASICALLY, I TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR IT MYSELF.

Filed Under: BREAKING NEWS, HEALTH, LGBT, LIFESTYLE, MOVIES, OPINION, uncategorized Tagged With: adult, condoms, films, hiv, porn, risks, STI, testing

PORN STAR – a journey (part 2, the first scene!): by Charlie Harding

by Charlie Harding

photo credit Falcon Studios
photo credit Falcon Studios

 

So in the last article I started telling everyone about how I got my start as an adult film star.  This article I’m going to tell you about my first time on set, and a little about the behind the scenes process we go through to shoot a scene…  Here we go…

As I mentioned in the last article, my first two scenes were with Raging Stallion / Falcon.  I have to say I was nervous when I showed up, but was in awe of how professional and impressive their studio was.  Walking in, it was a beautiful industrial loft style office with cubicles and conference tables… not at all the expected “hyper-sexual” environment most folks would expect.  We did all our paperwork and contract signing, I met with Tony DiMarco the director and the crew for the shoot, and was taken upstairs to the studio.  It was a really neat space, broken out into a couple different rooms with multiple stage set ups for upcoming scene shoots.

I met my scene partner, Johnny Ryder and was a little intimidated by his amazing abs! We walked through the set together, talked a little about ourselves.  He’d filmed a couple scenes before but hadn’t done anything in the past couple years, so I felt a little less nervous knowing he was also relatively new to it all.  Now here’s the part many folks don’t realize about porn.  Every position, activity and interaction that shows up on film is blocked just like in a mainstream movie or stage production. So our next step was to do just that with Tony.  We talked about sexual positions that would work (as Johnny was a little taller than me) with the white bench we were using as a prop, costuming and wardrobe and the story line that went along with the scene.  All of this made it tremendously easier to relax as I now knew exactly what all was to be expected. So then we were ready to go.

We started out with kissing and groping, which was a lot of fun, as Johnny is a great kisser! We then moved on into the hot and heavy sex, filming oral, rimming and then the actual penetration.  The scene was really hot, and I can say my best memory from it was me rimming Johnny while he squatted down on my face off the edge of the bench (a photo of me with my tongue buried in his butt is on the back cover of the DVD).  Funny side note, that bench was NOT the sturdiest of structures and we had a hard time almost knocking it over a couple times with our overzealous humping! And so about four and a half hours of filming we finished up with orgasms, and BAM! I had shot my first adult film scene.  To be honest the process was a lot of fun, and pretty much what I expected. The entire team involved made the process really easy and I came away feeling excited about my new career choice.

I know some folks come away with horror stories of being taken advantage of, or being made to do things they didn’t want to, but I didn’t have any of that occur.  Firstly, because Falcon and Raging Stallion studios are extremely professional in their processes, and secondly because I asked a ton of questions up front when we were discussing contracts so EVERYTHING had been disclosed or negotiated and pre-arranged to make everyone more comfortable.

So I walked away with a nice check for that day, and a good first experience. That was the first of two scenes I was shooting that trip, so I had a day off in between to explore San Francisco and then was back at it again, this time with super hottie Dylan Roberts! (Stay tuned for Part 3!)

Filed Under: LGBT, LIFESTYLE Tagged With: adult film, charlie harding, journey, life, porn, star

PORN STAR – a journey (part 1): by Charlie Harding

by Charlie Harding

photo by Kent Taylor with Raging Stallion Studios
photo by Kent Taylor with Raging Stallion Studios

 

PORN STAR.

That’s a phrase that is claimed by many that don’t warrant it and is over used by many people. Adult film actor is more appropriate for most in the industry. So, what does it take to garner the PORN STAR moniker? What kind of journey does one take to produce the level of celebrity necessary to “earn” the title? Well, over the next few articles I’m going to share my story, my journey… on the way to becoming a PORN STAR.

It all started with a break up. Literally. I ended a long term relationship that had turned ugly. I needed to boost my self esteem and feel attractive, so I started working out like crazy, got my “single and ready to mingle” body back (I had grown a little comfortable and soft while in the relationship) and started doing some art and fitness modeling. The pictures were turning out great, and it was suggested that they be sent to an adult film director- Steve Cruz.

So that’s where it started. Photos sent to someone big in the industry, and his desire to shoot me. I’ve always been a very business minded and opportunity driven character, so of course I was curious to see what the offer would be, what I could make money wise and what I might be able to create entrepreneurallly from the situation. Needless to say, I liked what I heard, and Charlie Harding was born!
Steve booked me for a scene to be filmed in March 2012, and then fate struck. Tony Demarco needed a replacement model for two scenes for February, and Steve suggested me for the job. So here I was, about two weeks after deciding to take the plunge, on a plane to San Fransisco about to become an adult film actor. Tony was great to work with, professional, caring, enthusiastic and willing to answer any questions I had, being that this was my first time ever on set. I had a blast, learning all I could about what looked good on camera, angles to show of the body more and basically had a crash course in “porn 101.”

As I finished up the two scenes and still photography I was asked to meet with the Big Guy at Falcon/Raging Stallion, Chris Ward and I was offered an exclusive contract! I was in the big leagues three weeks into my new “career!” We negotiated money, contract length, expectations and such and I went home with a contract to review. Needless to say it looked good, I signed it and was super excited. Over the next six months, I filmed about ten scenes, did a bunch of promotional work and appearances and really started to be recognized as a good performer. I started a twitter and Facebook page so I could connect with fans, signed a bunch of autographs and had fun with it all.
But I’m getting ahead of myself. There’s much more to share about my journey during that time, so let me back up to the first time I was recognized in public. It was May, 2012 and I can remember being in the airport about the fly from Atlanta to California and needing to take a piss. So, as I went in to the restroom I sorta smiled at a guy that was looking at me while standing there with his wife. Next thing I knew, I’m pissing away, and the guy is beside me at the next urinal. He looks around, leans over and whispers, “I really like your movies.” He then zips up and heads back out to his wife and child. I was floored! It was the first real time I was recognized in public for my work and I was super proud.

So that’s the first couple months in the industry for me. I hope you find it an interesting background for where I came from and how I started. Stay tuned for the next article in which I’ll open up about some of my on-set experiences!

contact me on twitter @chardingxxx

Filed Under: ENTERTAINMENT, LIFESTYLE, MOVIES, uncategorized Tagged With: adult film, charlie harding, journey, life, porn, star

Why the “Gay Porn Star” is dead

by Ryan Shea

Zak Spears.  Need I say more?
Zak Spears. Need I say more?

 

The term “gay porn” star was relevant for about thirty years.  Sadly, for some reason in the past couple of years that term is as dead as Amanda Bynes’ career and sanity.  Is it still a profitable industry that makes a ton of money per year?  Maybe for the straight world, but for the gay world it doesn’t seem to be.  I consistently read stories and hear from friends of mine who have been in the adult industry that they are retiring and moving onto other projects for several different reasons.  Meanwhile, this whole retirement thing comes from only being in the actual industry for less than a year.  That’s crazy! The shelf life of a female porn star tends to be that way mainly because it has a massive turnover rate and you can be the hot girl one month and the trash doing b list flicks the next month.  In the gay industry, there is a huge appeal for several different ages, from the twinks to the daddies, that you can completely transform yourself and make this into a long term career if you really choose to do so.

Yet, social media has a larger presence than there ever was.  Take some girls in the straight porn industry.  Look at ones the superstars in those fields like Tori Black, Asa Akira and Alexis Texas for instance.  Each of those girls has more followers than many high profile celebrities from actors to sports.  Each of them have also been able to turn what they do into a fortified business and make a career out of it beyond the actual porn itself.  Smart girls.  Sure, the gay ones tend to have a decent amount but where we live in a world where everything is downloadable for free and no one tends to pay especially in the gay world for anything anymore, is there any chance of this industry thriving?  Here are reasons why it is dead.

The money isn’t there.  Let’s be honest here- the whole “studio” aspect is gone.  Rather than that, there are a bunch of sites out there that can cater to a specific persons wants or needs, but gone are the days when giants like Colt and Falcon Studios really ran things anymore.  I had a particular friend of mine who did two scenes for a particular production, put himself completely out there and only got paid a measly $500 for the whole thing.  That money goes beyond anything- you are risking your life, career, relationships just for one opportunity to do something like this for whatever reason possible.  Not saying that more money changes any of those last couple of things, but it can certainly help things if you choose to make this into a career.  I also had a former friend who said he entered the industry as a way to help him come out because he came from a very conservative area where being gay was unacceptable.  They all have their own reasons.  But if the money isn’t there, no one is going to keep on going.

The legend aspect is gone. I would give any of these current “stars” some serious balls if any of them called themselves legends anymore.  No one is.  I repeat, no one.  When we think legend in this industry- you would think of guys like Matthew Rush, Aiden Shaw and the king himself- Zak Spears.  Now, it is who is current for a hot minute.  I think a lot of them believe it is a good career choice but for some reason can’t make it last.  Maybe we live in a world of such high ADD when it comes to focusing on one thing for a while until the next one comes along that that is a reason why these guys don’t last and can’t elongate themselves in the industry.

The somewhat phenomena of “G4P” is a huge turn off.  Another reason why the term might be fledgling is because several men in the industry are gay for pay, something that is a big turn off for people.  Guys like Cody Cummings and Girth Brooks are forthright in saying that they are straight, they just work in the gay world.  It is also noted that men in the adult industry make lesser money if they work in a gay scene than a straight scene, but regardless this can leave a sour note for people who can sort of tell that they really aren’t enjoying it, they just want the paycheck.

Do you think with the industry being somewhat of a dying breed and many other factors that the gay adult industry will rebound?

Filed Under: OPINION Tagged With: adult industry, aiden stone, alexis texas, asa akira, gay, matthew rush, porn, tori black

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