Queerty query

Should having an x-rated past make a person ineligible for a job?

Earlier this week, ex-amateur-gay-for-pay solo performer Michael Hoffman posted a video on Twitter about how his x-rated past has made finding a job or a girlfriend practically impossible.

“My decision four years ago to start making videos has really f*cked me up,” an older, wise Hoffman, now in his early 20s, said. “I lose girl after girl. I can’t land a relationship. Can’t get a job. Can’t go anywhere. Can’t do anything.”

Four years ago, Hoffman was at the top of his game. He was known as the young, hot, tatted-up bodybuilder who posted a series of solo videos to a number of pay-for-view gay sites and raked in tons of money doing so.

Related: Gay-for-pay solo performer says he regrets his past, can’t find a girlfriend or job

Today, he’s lucky if he can get $250 for videos that once earned him $10,000.

“Every single person I meet finds out or knows about it, gets creeped out, doesn’t want to be f*cking friends with me,” Hoffman lamented. “I regret everything I ever did. Everything.

His cautionary tale raises some important questions: Should having an x-rated past make a person ineligible for a job? Is it fair to disqualify someone simply because, once upon a time, they did sex work? Do a few naughty videos negate a person’s chances at having a meaningful professional life?

Share your thoughts in the comments below…

Don't forget to share:

Help make sure LGBTQ+ stories are being told...

We can't rely on mainstream media to tell our stories. That's why we don't lock Queerty articles behind a paywall. Will you support our mission with a contribution today?

Cancel anytime · Proudly LGBTQ+ owned and operated