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

opinion

The SCREEN Test: How to Prepare for Federal Age Verification

For those who are counting, there are now 20 enacted state laws in the United States requiring age verification for viewing online adult content, plus numerous proposed laws in the works. This ongoing barrage has been exhausting for many in the adult industry — and it may be about to escalate in the form of a potential new AV law, this time at the federal level.

Corey D. Silverstein ·
opinion

How to Master Team Dynamics for Business Success

Having the right team in place is everything. Whether getting a startup off the ground and thriving, or safeguarding an established company, the right — or wrong — people can mean the difference between a successful venture and a failed dream.

Juicy Jay ·
opinion

Eight Steps to Fast-Track AI Site Approval for Processing

Artificial intelligence is a hot topic these days. AI technology is speeding up the way we do business across all industries and offers numerous benefits, from automating processes to increasing efficiency and scalability.

Cathy Beardsley ·
opinion

How to Secure High-Risk Transactions With Network Tokenization

Ensuring the security of data as it moves through digital channels is the foundation of safe transactions, and crucial for your success. If your business can’t secure transactions, you’re exposed to myriad processing traumas.

Jonathan Corona ·
profile

Lea Lexis On Challenging the Porn Status Quo

Lea Lexis doesn’t just aim to make movies — she wants to craft experiences. Bending the rules of what’s possible in moviemaking with the precision of a true auteur, the performer-turned-Brazzers producer has helped shape some of the industry’s most striking and boundary-pushing productions.

Jackie Backman ·
profile

WIA Profile: Reba Rocket

As chief operating officer and chief marketing officer of Takedown Piracy, long at the forefront of intellectual property protection in adult entertainment, Rocket is dedicated to safeguarding the livelihoods of content creators and producers while fostering a more ethical and sustainable industry.

Women In Adult ·
opinion

Protecting Content Ownership Rights When Using AI

In today’s digital age, content producers have more tools at their disposal than ever before. Among these tools, artificial intelligence (AI) content generation has emerged as a game changer, enabling creators to produce high-quality content quickly and efficiently.

Corey D. Silverstein ·
opinion

How Payment Orchestration Can Help Your Business

An emerging payment solution is making waves in the merchant world: the payment orchestration platform (POP). It’s quickly gaining traction as a powerful tool for managing online payments — but questions abound.

Cathy Beardsley ·
opinion

Fine-Tuning Refund and Cancellation Policies

For adult websites, managing refunds and cancellations isn’t just about customer service. It’s a crucial factor in maintaining compliance with the regulations of payment processors and payment networks such as Visa and Mastercard.

Jonathan Corona ·
profile

WIA Profile: Laurel Bencomo

Born in Cambridge, England but raised in Spain, Laurel Bencomo initially chose to study business at the University of Barcelona simply because it felt familiar — both of her parents are entrepreneurs. She went on to earn a master’s degree in sales and marketing management at the EADA Business School, while working in events for a group of restaurants in Barcelona.

Women In Adult ·
Show More