Watching Porn

by Lynsey G

  jessica drake’s Guide to Wicked Sex series is sex education that’s beautifully produced and stars some of the biggest names in the industry. Ms. drake is an outspoken feminist who has performed, written, and directed for Wicked Pictures, one of the oldest and most respected names in the mainstream industry, for years. She’s always seeking to educate herself and then her viewers about sexuality.

  Tristan Taormino’s Expert Guides series, released by Adam and Eve, is educational, ethical, blatantly feminist, and extremely sexy. Many of my favorite performers have starred in these films, and Tristan’s sexpert advice in between hot sex scenes is invaluable.

  Belladonna is a legendary performer who moved behind the camera to direct numerous films for Evil Angel. I strongly recommend her work, if you are of a hardcore and kinky mindset. In fact, I recommend most Evil Angel fare. Although most of the content they put out leans to the weird and the hardcore, they are known in the industry for having high standards for establishing consent on set and providing performers with great working conditions.

  Another note: Possibly the greatest way to find porn that works for you is to follow your favorite performer on social media. If someone has a look or a kink or a certain je ne sais quois on camera that mesmerizes you, track them down! Generally, the performers that get you going end up working with other performers and producers—or produce their own content—that will turn you on. You can also find out if they have a website or a clip store, or if they do cam shows or any other type of work that you can purchase from them directly. The more you can pay them for what they do, the more they’ll get to do it!

  Further Reading for the Curious

  THIS BOOK IS BASICALLY a compendium of some of the experiences I’ve had, personally, and a smattering of the things I, myself, have learned. It barely begins to scratch the surface of this “multifaceted beast,” as Kink.com’s Mike Stabile once called the adult industry in our conversation. And, if you’re like me, you may want to know more than these few pages can teach. For those whose curiosity has been piqued, I recommend any and all of the below resources, although of course this list is nothing like exhaustive. Some of these books are more focused on pornography, others on larger issues of sex, but all exist within a broader tradition of fascinating examinations of the things that get us going as humans. Spend some time at your local bookstore or library perusing the shelves around any of these titles, and keep an eye on the publishers who are listed here. I’m certain you’ll come across more delectable reading matter to satisfy your needs.

  Aimee, Rachel, Eliyanna Kaiser, and Audacia Ray, eds. $pread: The Best of the Magazine that Illuminated the Sex Industry and Started a Media Revolution. New York, NY: The Feminist Press, 2015.

  Akira, Asa. Insatiable: Porn—A Love Story. New York, NY: Grove Press, 2014.

  Bering, Jesse. Perv: The Sexual Deviant in All of Us. New York, NY: Scientific American/Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2013.

  Comella, Lynn. Vibrator Nation: How Feminist Sex-Toy Stores Changed the Business of Pleasure. Durham: Duke University Press, 2017.

  Foucault, Michel, and Robert Hurley, trans. The History of Sexuality. Vol. 1-3. Camberwell, Vic.: Penguin, 2008.

  Horn, Tina. Love Not Given Lightly: Profiles from the Edge of Sex. Berkeley, CA: ThreeL Media, 2015.

  Knight, Tyler. Burn My Shadow. New York, NY: Rare Bird Books, 2016.

  Lee, Jiz, ed. Coming Out Like a Porn Star: Essays on Pornography, Protection, and Privacy. Berkeley, CA: ThreeL Media, 2015.

  Ley, David J. Ethical Porn for Dicks: A Man’s Guide to Responsible Viewing Pleasure. Berkeley, CA: ThreeL Media, 2016.

  Ogas, Ogi and Gaddam, Sai. A Billion Wicked Thoughts: What the World’s Largest Experiment Reveals about Human Desire. New York, NY: Dutton, 2011.

  Porn Studies. Vol. 1-4. New York, NY: Routledge, 2014-2017.

  Pressick, Jon, ed. Best Sex Writing of the Year 2015: On Consent, BDSM, Porn, Race, Sex Work and More. New York, NY: Cleis Press, 2015.

  Q., Siouxsie. Truth, Justice, and the American Whore. Berkeley, CA: ThreeL Media, 2016.

  Roach, Mary. Bonk: The Curious Coupling of Sex and Science. New York, NY: W.W. Norton & Company, 2008.

  Small, Oriana (a.k.a. Ashley Blue). Girlvert: A Porno Memoir. New York, NY: Rare Bird Books, 2011.

  Taormino, Tristan, Celine Parreñas Shimizu, Constance Penley, and Merreille Miller-Young, eds. The Feminist Porn Book: The Politics of Producing Pleasure. New York, NY: The Feminist Press, 2013.

  Tarrant, Shira. The Pornography Industry: What Everyone Needs to Know. New York, NY: Oxford University Press, 2016.

  Young, Madison. Daddy: A Memoir. New York, NY: Rare Bird Books, 2013.

  Zeischegg, Christopher (a.k.a. Danny Wylde). Wolves that Live in Skin and Space. New York, NY: Rare Bird Books, 2015.

  Acknowledgments

  I HAVE WANTED TO WRITE a book since I was about six years old, but I never thought that this would be my first. And yet here it is, in all its glory—the culmination of years of unexpected twists, turns, and misadventures. It’s also the result of a surprising jumble of friendships, alliances, and support from wholly unanticipated quarters. I’d never have made it to this point without the people who pitched in along the way. And so I’m going to thank them, one by one, in exhaustive detail.

  First, I must take a moment, or possibly several, to thank the many, many people in the adult entertainment industry who have good-naturedly allowed me to stick a recording device in their faces, given me the opportunity to get the curiosity and awkwardness that defines me out of my system, and invited me into their careers and lives and homes so that I could poke around. You have all taught me volumes about your industry, yourselves, and the depths of human patience. I’d like to say an especially fond thank you to Kelly Shibari, whose friendship and kindness have continuously astonished me. To Wolf Hudson, who’s just absolutely the freaking coolest and who always makes me smile. To Joanna Angel for never being too cool for me, even when she’s clearly too cool for me. To Jacky St. James for letting me pester her with questions at nearly any time. To Jiz Lee for being a porno deity who’s always willing to help me out. To Madison Young for being a constant inspiration in every one of the many things at which you excel. To Annie Sprinkle and Nina Hartley for just existing—you two are both warrior princesses and I look up to you every day. To Mike Stabile and the others at the FSC who came roaring in at the eleventh hour to check my facts on testing and condoms for me. And to every other person I’ve ever interviewed or asked for help in this particular field of ours.

  Lainie Speiser, Brian Gross, Erika Icon, Chris Fam, Nelson Ayala, Kelly Shibari (again), and all the other PR wizards who have helped me get my bearings at conventions, parties, and other places where an introvert like me is way the hell out of her comfort zone: Thank you. You’ve helped me stay sane in even the weirdest of circumstances. (And Brian, I’m still not convinced you’re actually the only person in the adult industry, masquerading as multitudes.)

  To all my friends and family who have supported my work, even when it was difficult for them to do so, I want you to know that I appreciate every ounce of effort you’ve put into trying to understand why I do and what I do. For those who don’t care to find out, I thank you for reminding me that there are those out there who aren’t as fascinated by all of this as I am. That’s important, even if I don’t get it. And thanks for being nice to me, although I freak you out.

  Especially to the “Boner Beach” crew, thank you for introducing me to the wide world of porno, and then listening to me rant and rave and obsess about it for decades. You are the best humans. The best. I luf foo all!

  To the “secret” PronInsider crew from the days of the Black Apartment—our project may not have gotten very far, but it gave birth to something even greater. And there was so much good wine along the way!

  To Miss Lola Bastinado—You are a Queen. Thank You for all your help. We’ll never be able to repay You, but at least we had some fun times.


  To every single editor who took a chance on me over the years, especially John Warner at McSweeney’s: You have made my dreams come true. “Thank you” doesn’t begin to cover it.

  And, with all my heart, to the several editors with whom I’ve been privileged to work at The Overlook Press: Allyson Rudolph, who “got” me from the moment we set eyes on each other and without whom this book would probably have a really terrible title; Vanessa Kehren, who saw me through some tough times; and Chelsea Cutchens, whose last-inning assistance has been invaluable. Also to Kelsey Osgood, whose friendship has kept me stable many times over the course of this bumpy ride. And, naturally, to the venerable Peter Mayer, to whose insatiable curiosity and generous succor this tome owes its very existence.

  A really special thank-you must go out to Julia Knight, formerly of apexart and now of a forthcoming poster museum in New York City. Almost none of the last third of this book would have happened without you, and the book itself likely would not exist. Another thank-you goes to Steven Rand, still of apexart, for going out on a limb with an art show about porno, and even farther out on that limb with me as its curator.

  To the cultured degenerates of the WHACK! crew: j. vegas, Maxxx Peters, Lolly Gagger, Christian Madsen, Swabbin DeBoner, Lexi Love (again), Leroy Bigguns, Norman Nailher, Rick Amortis, Lady Leik, Sophie Delancey, Janet Renho. You perverts all know that you were a part of something weirdly special, and your dedication to our raunchy cause makes me smile, even now. Those were some good old days, indeed.

  To Ginn. My god. Dear Ginn. I don’t even know how to express the gratitude I have for you just being you, and helping me be me. All I can say is thank you. Over and over, until the end of the earth.

  To Jayel Draco, who met me at a very strange time in my life and refused to let any of what this book describes freak him out. You’ve only seen the weirdness deepen, and yet you stay. I can’t ever thank you enough for putting up with me through this process, for moving to Montana with me to make it happen, and for loving me the whole time. I have not always been the easiest to get along with, and your patience means the world. Let’s build more worlds!

  And again, and again, and again, to j. vegas. Thanks, man. It’s been realer than real, my friend. Without you, I literally don’t know who or where or what I would be right now.

  Bibliography

  Abram, Susan. “Adult film company Vivid Entertainment wants quick resolution to condom law amid porn shutdown over HIV.” LosAngelesDailyNews.com. August 22, 2013. http://www.dailynews.com/health/20130822/adult-film-company-vivid-entertainment-wants-quick-resolution-to-condom-law-amid-porn-shutdown-over-hiv.

  Adam Grayson, qtd. by Barbara Herman. “Transgender Porn Is A Best-Seller, But Is It Good For Trans People?” International Business Times. July 29, 2015. http://www.ibtimes.com/transgender-porn-best-seller-it-good-trans-people-2028219.

  Adult Performer Advocacy Committee. “APAC Takes Position on Racial Discrimination in the Adult Entertainment Industry.” September 19, 2016. http://www.apac-usa.com/single-post/2016/09/19/APAC-Takes-Position-on-Racial-Discrimination-in-the-Adult-Entertainment-Industry.

  Adult Video News. “FSC: AHF Uses Cal/OSHA Complaints to Harass Political Opponents.” AVN.com. March 11, 2016. https://avn.com/business/articles/legal/Utah-Pols-Declare-Porn-a-Public-Health-Crisis-Um-Hooray-639670.html.

  Adult Video News. “Transsexual Reps, AVN Meet to Discuss Award Show Issues.” AVN.com. February 7, 2012. https://avn.com/business/articles/video/Transsexual-Reps-AVN-Meet-to-Discuss-Award-Show-Issues-463961.html.

  Akira, Asa. Insatiable: Porn – A Love Story. New York: Grove Press, 2014.

  Alptraum, Lux. “How a Cam Girl Conspiracy Theory Sparked Masturbation Innovation.” Motherboard. April 15, 2016. http://motherboard.vice.com/read/how-a-cam-girl-conspiracy-theory-sparked-masturbation-innovation.

  Alptraum, Lux. “How Sex Workers Get Paid.” Motherboard. January 29, 2016. http://motherboard.vice.com/read/how-sex-workers-get-paid.

  Alptraum, Lux. “Silicon Valley’s Very Confusing Relationship with Sex.” Motherboard. February 18, 2016. http://motherboard.vice.com/read/silicon-valleys-very-confusing-relationship-with-sex.

  Alptraum, Lux. “Why sex toys controlled by smartphones are a bad idea.” Fusion. April 18, 2016. http://fusion.net/story/290923/enough-with-the-sex-toy-apps/.

  Andy. “Why Are Porn Performers Scared to Talk About Internet Piracy?” TF. April 13, 2014. https://torrentfreak.com/why-are-porn-perfomers-scared-to-talk-about-internet-piracy-140413/.

  Andy San Dimas, interview by Lynsey G. “Andy San Dimas Interview—Part 1.” YouTube video, published by WHACK! Magazine, 6:50. Posted January 25, 2010. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9bw2RxUYbQ.

  Anonymous, interview by Lynsey G. January 12, 2011.

  April Flores, interview by Lynsey G. January 18, 2012.

  The Associated Press. “Some in porn business consider leaving Los Angeles after vote to require condoms for adult-film actors.” NYDailyNews.com. January 18, 2012. http://www.nydailynews.com/news/porn-business-leaving-los-angeles-vote-require-condoms-adult-film-actors-article-1.1008399.

  Auerbach, David. “Vampire Porn.” Slate. October 23, 2014. http://www.slate.com/articles/technology/technology/2014/10/mindgeek_porn_monopoly_its_dominance_is_a_cautionary_tale_for_other_industries.html.

  Augusta. “Cambria List.” Everything2. August 30, 2002. http://everything2.com/title/Cambria+List.

  AVN Staff. “Legal Panel ‘When The Whip Comes Down’ Discusses Impending Trump Era.” AVN.com. January 20, 2017. https://avn.com/business/articles/legal/legal-panel-when-the-whip-comes-down-discusses-impending-trump-era-711469.html.

  Ballotpedia. “Los Angeles Porn Actors Required to Wear Condoms Act, Measure B (November 2012).” Ballotpedia.org. https://ballotpedia.org/Los_Angeles_Porn_Actors_Required_to_Wear_Condoms_Act,_Measure_B_(November_2012).

  Berlatsky, Noah. “The way to fix the world’s porn ‘problem’? Make more of it.” QZ.com. March 11, 2016. http://qz.com/636771/the-way-to-fix-the-worlds-porn-problem-make-more-of-it/

  Bilton, Nick. “Strippers Go Undercover on Snapchat.” The New York Times. February 25, 2015. http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/26/style/strippers-go-undercover-on-snapchat.html.

  Black, Rosemary. “Prehistoric sex toy wasn’t just a feel-god aid.” NYDailyNews.com. May 17, 2010. http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/prehistoric-siltstone-phallus-world-oldest-sex-toy-tool-ignite-fires-article-1.447999.

  Blue, Violet. “Are more women OK with watching porn?” Oprah.com via CNN.com. July 24, 2009. http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/personal/07/24/o.women.watching.porn/.

  Blue, Violet. “PayPal, Square and big banking’s war on the sex industry.” Engadget.com. December 2, 2015. https://www.engadget.com/2015/12/02/paypal-square-and-big-bankings-war-on-the-sex-industry/.

  Blum, Steven. “Rise and Grind: A Look at the Side Hustles of Porn Stars.” Broadly. September 22, 2016. https://broadly.vice.com/en_us/article/rise-and-grind-a-look-at-the-side-hustles-of-porn-stars.

  Brad Armstrong, interview by Lynsey G. “BRAD ARMSTRONG Pt. 2—‘Thankfully, everybody’s horny. That’s the thing that keeps us going!’” WHACK! Magazine via LynseyG.com. May 25, 2010. http://lynseyg.com/ivan-i-truly-dont-care-what-others-think-of-me/.

  Brittany Andrews, interview by Lynsey G. January 22, 2012.

  Buck Angel, interview by Lynsey G. “Interview with Adult Film Producer & Performer, and LGBT Icon—Buck Angel.” WHACK! Magazine. February 24, 2013. http://whackmagazine.com/post/43893223375/interview-with-adult-film-producer-performer.

  BusinessWire. “AHF: Breach of Porn Actors’ Data Reveals Failure of AIM Clinic Testing Model.” BusinessWire.com. March 31, 2011. http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20110331006926/en/AHF-Breach-Porn-Actors%E2%80%99-Data-Reveals-Failure.

  BusinessWire. “Free Speech Coalition: ‘Measure B Decision Will Hurt Adult Performers.’” BusinessWire.com. December 15, 2014. http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20141215006587/en/Free-Speech-Coalition-%E2%80
%9CMeasure-Decision-Hurt-Adult.

  Cadence St. John, interview by Lynsey G. “CADENCE ST JOHN—‘I never had a problem with exposing myself!’” WHACK! Magazine via LynseyG.com. August 9, 2011. http://lynseyg.com/cadence-st-john-i-never-had-a-problem-with-exposing-myself/.

  California v. Freeman. No A-602, U.S. 1989.

  Capri Anderson, interview by Lynsey G. “Capri Anderson at AEE 2012!” YouTube video, published by WHACK! Magazine, 3:52. Posted on January 23, 2012. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_a04aQjVns.

  Carmon, Irin. “The Insider Take On Porn And Condoms.” Jezebel.com. February 10, 2011. http://jezebel.com/5757027/the-insiders-take-on-porn-and-condoms.

  Canham, Matt. “Next anti-smut bill? Measure would let Utahns sue makers of porn movies.” The Salt Lake Tribune. December 31, 2016. http://www.sltrib.com/news/4768176-155/next-anti-porn-bill-measure-would-let.

  Casey Calvert, interview by Lynsey G. February 6, 2016.

  Centers for Disease Control. “Condom Fact Sheet In Brief.” CDC.gov. http://www.cdc.gov/condomeffectiveness/docs/condomfactsheetinbrief.pdf.

  Chen, Adrian. “Porn Star HIV Test Database Leaked.” March 30, 2011. Gawker.com. http://gawker.com/5787392/porn-star-hiv-test-database-leaked.

  Chivers, ML, G Rieger, E Latty, and JM Bailey. “A sex difference in the specificity of sexual arousal.” Psychological Science 115, no 11 (November 2004): 736–744 doi: 10.1111/j.0956-7976.2004.00750.x.

  Christina Cicchelli, interview by Lynsey G. “CHRISTINA CICCHELLI—‘Being a pervert myself I was curious about the many ways people got their rocks off.’” WHACK! Magazine via LynseyG.com. April 27, 2010. http://lynseyg.com/christina-cicchelli-being-a-pervert-myself-i-was-curious-about-the-many-ways-people-got-their-rocks-off/.

  Christopher Ruth, in private conversation with the author, January 21, 2016.

  Cindy Gallop, interview by Lynsey G. February 11, 2014.