This article contains sexually explicit material. There’s a lot of talk about whether or not porn is ethical, but there’s not much discussion about the fact that most people are watching porn illegally. Forget "ethical porn"—let’s talk ethical porn consumption. Though a small handful of Robin Hoods will feel they’re liberating porn to the masses or take pride in being savvy enough to scam what they feel entitled to watch for free, the folks who go the extra mile to break the law are not actually the biggest culprits. It’s everybody else. Let’s face it, free porn is easy. It’s the first (FIVE?) page results on Google. There’s no need to pull out a credit card (if you’re lucky enough to own one). You don’t even need to register or log in to press play. (A big step in preventing underage users from gaining access.) But figuring out where to go and what to click is not the first priority for someone horny. I believe most viewers don’t think what they’re doing is that bad. Some may not even be aware they’re in the wrong to begin with. Who could blame them? A lack of media literacy around how porn is made leads fans to make a lot of assumptions. I know this first-hand, as I continue to learn more and more about the industry as I move from performing in front of the camera to helping behind the scenes.
Paying for porn is the most direct way to ensure key ethical production values.One of the most common questions I’m asked is, "How can I be sure what I’m watching was ethically produced?" Without getting too sidetracked by topics of fantasy and film, marketing transparency and performer interviews, or going right to the source via social media—all of which help discerning viewers better research their options—the simplest answer is that paying for porn is the most direct way to ensure key ethical production values. Without a credit card processor overlooking distribution, there’s no way to know for sure if basic labor rights took place. There is no 2257 Affidavit to prove performers were of legal age, no STI test results, no W9 or 1099-Misc IRS Forms, and there’s certainly no Model Release Form to ensure the people on film consented to have their image shared online. Unless it features a major star, most pirated content doesn’t even include performers’ names, let alone Custodian of Records addresses. There’s a mountain of paperwork missing—paperwork that, for better or worse, is designed to protect performers' rights and safety. To be honest, the only time I’ve ever felt exploited, as a performer in porn, is when my work is pirated. When I sign a contract, it’s between the producer and myself. For someone else to assume that right feels non-consensual. Technically, it’s also illegal and a breach of site usage and copyright. But it also hurts the profit margins that allow us to keep making work. I once came across a video I was in that had been viewed over 50,000 times. If even a fraction of those views had been paid for, the small porn company would have been able to produce another feature, pay performers more, and increase the quality and frequency of their work.I should take a moment to add that, of course, porn is not perfect. Like any other industry, there are people who will use their position to take advantage of others. Working in the business has helped refine my ability to assert my boundaries, something that’s vital in the work we do. I don’t regret anything I’ve done, but if I could go back in time, I would have stood up for myself more and been more explicit about my needs and opinions. There are lessons I carry with me moving forward. Shit may happen, but we learn from it and continue to try our best and avoid the bad apples.
The only time I’ve ever felt exploited, as a performer in porn, is when my work is pirated.Imagine an independent adult filmmaker being able to pay top prices, cover all tests and travel expenses, produce high-quality content, and put forth the kinds of amazing images that push the representations of human sexuality. Instead of soaring to new heights and taking the world by storm to show the magnificent possibilities of human desire, small companies are slowly-but-surely making by on shoestring budgets. (Some days, working in porn feels a lot like my days in arts administration, minus the state funding.) So, what can we do?