opinion

We're All in This Together

A panel at a recent tradeshow included two of the biggest names in the industry (on the straight side). I have a lot of respect for these men, both for their success and for the very public leadership roles they play in the industry. That's why I was so disappointed to hear them make such huge efforts to distance themselves from Extreme Associates and Rob Black. You likely are familiar with the Extreme Associates obscenity case, and if not, you should be.

The attitude these speakers took was more than just, "Wow, Rob Black's stuff is really out there and has nothing to do with me." It really had a sense of "He shouldn't be doing that, it's wrong, and he deserves to be prosecuted."

To the best of my knowledge, the Extreme Associates material is all staged. Everyone seems to be reacting as if the S&M scenes and violence are real. The performers were consenting and compensated. Rob Black was not charged with rape or assault. He was charged with "portraying" rape and assault.

We're all in the fantasy business, folks. Just because you don't like my fantasy doesn't mean I shouldn't be allowed to have it.

Maybe I'm more sensitive to this because I'm gay and produce gay content. It wasn't that long ago that portraying even the blandest gay sex was categorized as obscene. Only three years ago gay sex — in the privacy of one's own home — was still a crime in 15 states! That's right, you could sell videos of men having oral sex, but if you went to Texas or Atlanta or Puerto Rico, you could go to jail for having oral sex.

The current administration is out to get all of us. Don't kid yourself that they're only going after extreme stuff. That's the focus now because it's an easy target. But all porn is an easy target. And people simply won't stand up and demand their right to view porn. So we're all in this together.

There are elements of self-loathing, guilt, shame and a "maybe they are right and I am sick and wrong" kind of attitude imprinted on all of us when it comes to sex, whether virtual or real, gay or straight. In this way porn is similar to gay marriage and adoption — easy targets that people are deeply conflicted over. This is what gives the conservatives their power when they attack us, when they attack porn, when they attack gay marriage. People start questioning: "Maybe I shouldn't look at porn. Maybe gays shouldn't be parents."

An audience member at a panel I spoke on recently chastised me for calling my work porn. He suggested I use euphemisms like "erotica." That way, he reasoned, the mainstream will find all of it more acceptable. He was ashamed of what he sells, and wanted me to be ashamed, too.

Do you think the administration will stop after bringing down Rob Black? Whew, what a relief if they do. Glad that extreme stuff is gone? Now my kids can watch bukkake gang bangs without getting the idea it's OK to express violence toward women.

Once the government succeeds in going after the easy, extreme targets, they'll tighten the screws further. Today it's S&M, tomorrow it'll be ATM, the next day, anything anal, then threesomes, then oral, then doggy-style, anything homo, then nudity... where do you think it'll stop?

The real agenda is not to protect children or to rein in extreme imagery or even collect taxes. The goal is to control what you watch in your home.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More Articles

profile

WIA Profile: Lexi Morin

Lexi Morin’s journey into the adult industry began with a Craigslist ad and a leap of faith. In 2011, fresh-faced and ambitious, she was scrolling through job ads on Craigslist when she stumbled upon a listing for an assistant makeup artist.

Women In Adult ·
profile

Still Rocking: The Hun Celebrates 30 Years in the Game

In the ever-changing landscape of adult entertainment, The Hun’s Yellow Pages stands out for its endurance. As one of the internet’s original fixtures, literally nearly as old as the web itself, The Hun has functioned as a living archive for online adult content, quietly maintaining its relevance with an interface that feels more nostalgic than flashy.

Jackie Backman ·
opinion

Digital Desires: AI's Emerging Role in Adult Entertainment

The adult industry has always been ahead of the curve when it comes to embracing new technology. From the early days of dial-up internet and grainy video clips to today’s polished social media platforms and streaming services, our industry has never been afraid to innovate. But now, artificial intelligence (AI) is shaking things up in ways that are exciting but also daunting.

Steve Lightspeed ·
opinion

More Than Money: Why Donating Time Matters for Nonprofits

The adult industry faces constant legal battles, societal stigma and workplace challenges. Fortunately, a number of nonprofit organizations work tirelessly to protect the rights and well-being of adult performers, producers and industry workers. When folks in the industry think about supporting these groups, donating money is naturally the first solution that comes to mind.

Corey D. Silverstein ·
opinion

Consent Guardrails: How to Protect Your Content Platform

The adult industry takes a strong and definite stance against the creation or publication of nonconsensual materials. Adult industry creators, producers, processors, banks and hosts all share a vested interest in ensuring that the recording and publication of sexually explicit content is supported by informed consent.

Lawrence G. Walters ·
opinion

Payment Systems: Facilitator vs. Gateway Explained

Understanding and selecting the right payment platform can be confusing for anyone. Recently, Segpay launched its payment gateway. Since then, we’ve received numerous questions about the difference between a payment facilitator and a payment gateway. Most merchants want to know which type of platform best meets their business needs.

Cathy Beardsley ·
opinion

Reinventing Intimacy: A Look at AI's Implications for Adult Platforms

The adult industry has long revolved around delivering pleasure and entertainment, but now it’s moving into new territory: intimacy, connection and emotional fulfillment. And AI companions are at the forefront of that shift.

Daniel Keating ·
profile

Nicole Vaunt on Turning Desire Into a Work of Art

It’s not every day you come across someone who can speak just as passionately about smutty novels and tabletop board games as they can about lighting, lens choices and shooting adult content in sub-zero temperatures. But Nicole Vaunt doesn’t fit easily into one box — and that’s just the way she likes it.

Jackie Backman ·
profile

WIA: Sara Edwards on Evolving Clip Culture and Creator Empowerment

Though she works behind the scenes, Sara Edwards has had a front-row seat to the evolution of adult content creation. Having been immersed in the sector since 1995, she has a unique perspective on the industry.

Jackie Backman ·
profile

Segpay Marks 20 Years of High-Risk Triumphs

Payment processors are behind-the-scenes players in the world of ecommerce, yet their role is critical. Ensuring secure, seamless transactions while navigating a rapidly changing regulatory landscape requires both technological expertise and business acumen.

Jackie Backman ·
Show More