WEST HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Book Soup hosted a panel discussion Friday night on ethics in porn as part of Lynsey G's “Watching Porn” book tour.
Mike Stabile, a well-known industry journalist, documentary filmmaker and Free Speech Coalition communications director, lead a panel discussion comprising adult performer April Flores; Kayden Kross, performer and operator of erotica studio TrenchcoatX.com; and author Lynsey G (performer Mickey Mod was scheduled to join by Skype, but there were technical issues).
The discussion at the West Hollywood, Calif., book store was wide-ranging and featured conversations about how to create an ethical set, how to be an ethical consumer, how to market ethically, how to cover adult ethically as a journalist and the ethics of creating content that may be serving as de facto sex ed.
“Overall, much of the discussion returned to how free and pirated content had changed the industry and made it harder for performers and producers,” Stabile told XBIZ.
“Much of the audience was interested in issues like safer sex on set, demonstrating consent in shoots, and whether or not performers are truly consenting,” Stabile said. "Kayden and April were tireless advocates for themselves and other performers, talking about how often the concerns of those outside the industry — [AIDS Healthcare Foundation Executive Director Michael] Weinstein and [“Hot Girls Wanted” producer] Rashida Jones were both called out by named here — don't always mesh with performers actual concerns."
Stabile said the panel’s overall argument from the three panelists was united — pay for your porn.
“The more financial stability performers have, the more they can push for safer sets, the more they can decline work that's unethical or unprofessional, and the more they can have control about how they are marketed and their overall image,” Stabile said.
Lynsey G discussed her own experience as a journalist — reviewer, interviewer, critic, documentary filmmaker and blogger — covering the adult industry for about 10 years. Lynsey spoke of the changes she's seen and the “incredible” women she's met.
Lynsey G’s book, “Watching Porn: And Other Confessions of an Adult Entertainment Journalist,” is on store shelves through Overlook Press. To purchase a hardcopy of “Watching Porn” online, go to BookSoup.com.
Pictured: Michael Stabile, left, with panelists Lynsey G, Kayden Kross and April Flores
