“On the one hand, as we know, its incredibly challenging for actors of color to be recognized for our work in the industry, and a lot of it goes underrepresented or unrecognized when it comes to the awards. I would like to think the GayVN had the best intentions behind having a separate category, because otherwise I fear that some of the work of us would go entirely unrecognized.
On the other hand, the counterargument to that, is that it casts ethnic minorities as the ‘other’, that there’s something to be distinguished between our work and mainstream. I think both are legitimate perspectives, and I think there is a little affect of both happening here. I don’t know the answer here.””– Sean Zevran
Tobi
Yup, 100% agree, incredibly difficult.
The smaller studios specialising in black, latino, asian, etc. cannot compete with the major whiter-than-white ones such as Falcon and Bel Ami.
If you take away the ‘separate’ category, then men of colour are simply going to disappear from the awards programs like GayAVN.
Brody
Arrrrrgh, ENOUGH with the “white privilege” outlook on everything already.
There is no racism in porn; it’s only perceived by those looking to be perpetually victimized.
smartguyd
If your comment is serious, I have to ask, have you ever watched gay porn? Because if a scene has two non-white actors in it then it is automatically tagged under their race or under fetish categories. And there are multiple big name studios that produce like 90% white on white porn. And seeking out porn that has non-white actors often means wading into a sea of racist terminology in video titles and weird stereotypical characterization and fetisiztion unnecessarily surrounding what should just be a video of two dudes screwing.
Brody
But you’re wrong, smartguy, it’s not just two dudes screwing, it’s two black dudes screwing (or Asian, Hispanic, etc), which are niche markets whether that fits your agenda or not.
The producers of porn aren’t on some white-supremacist mission to degrade and demean people of color, they simply understand where the public’s tastes lie.
DarkZephyr
” it’s not just two dudes screwing, it’s two black dudes screwing (or Asian, Hispanic, etc), which are niche markets whether that fits your agenda or not.”
So Brody, you’re basically saying that its the porn consumers who are the racists and not the producers of porn?
Brody
DZ –
No more racist than were your parents when they conceived you.
See how easy that whole “white people are all racists” thing can work?
Donston
I’m still trying to figure out why the subject of race issues among homos is mainly filtered through sex work and hook-up apps.
Ummmm Yeah
So does he shoot any scenes with non-white “actors”. Cause if he does, they aren’t easy to find. Same with the guy that started this.
Creamsicle
Because that’s the extent of “gay culture,” now. Gay people are no longer relegated to gay ghettos to live openly, so a lot of historically gay neighborhoods have depopulated or gentrified over the past few decades. Gay culture now only exists as a series of gay vacation destinations, porn, hook up apps, and the few remaining gay bars out there. If we want to have a culture above and beyond hook up apps and porn award ceremonies then we need to have gay communities, whatever form that may take.
Kangol
@Ummmm Yeah, actually, Zevran has shot a number of videos with other actors of color. He’s in a recent one with an Asian American actor; he’s also done a 3-way with 2 other Black actors, lots of Latinxs, etc. As a friend in the industry told me a few years back, a lot of the casting has to do with many studios’ preferences that put a white (or white Latinx) actor in the scene, to draw white viewers. Also, Hugh Hunter has appeared in a scene with Cutler X, who needs no introduction (Google him if you’re unaware of who he is). And Cutler X isn’t the only non-white actor he’s worked with.
Kangol
Oops, cancel that about Hugh Hunter and Cutler X. I thought they’d starred together, but can’t find the link.
Kangol
I like Zevran’s thoughtful response. I also like that he’s willing to speak out. Not everyone is capable of or equipped to do so, but if they are, it’s nice to hear what they have to say.
jhon_siders
Im so tired of race being brought into every thing .
Dymension
I like his answer, especially as a Latino myself.
I prefer latino or black, or combinations. How else would I filter out my porn without those categories?
Notright
Good grief would leftists stop making everything about race?? https://www.therainbowright.com/the-new-gay-agenda-preference-shaming/
Tombear
Ok, ok. Some of you need a basic course in economics! White porn is most often produced because that is where the money is at! It is not a racial issue. It’s all about dollars and cents?
gary69mike
OMG!!! Now all this crap is making it’s way into porn!?!? Honestly I really didn’t even notice that he was black, just thought he was a gorgeous guy, with an nice tan and perfect dick that I’d like to spend the night with.
Chris
Why does a preference equate to racist? I’ve seen many profiles from black guys in Grindr, etc. specifically stating “no whites”, yet if my profile said “no blacks” then I’m racist. But it’s ok for him?? If I prefer to watch lighter skinned guys in porn then that should be MY choice. No one has the fucking right to tell me what to like or prefer sexually. Has everyone lost their damn minds.
I’m sorry if I don’t want to have sex with someone of your race (actually, no, no I’m not sorry). That doesn’t make me racist. If someone of another race doesn’t want to have sex with me I don’t get all butt-hurt. So if you’re not white and I’m not attracted to you or don’t want to watch you fuck in a video then get the fuck over it.
BTW, wtf is this LatinX? I’ve recenrly begun to see this.