All posts tagged with: Condoms

Pretty much everyone has an opinion and their own thoughts about the use of condoms in porn. Some argue it should be required, citing that it sets a good example for others, decreases transmission of STI’s and HIV, and it’s the responsible thing to do. On the other hand, others argue that it’s reality, it’s way hotter to watch, and porn is about fantasies and that’s what people want to see.

“Yes, bareback is hotter to me,” said Shane Frost, stating his views on the subject of safe sex vs bareback sex in gay porn. “Very rare will you find a model that does both.”

Most models will make a decision early on in their career if they are gong to perform safe on set. It’s a tough decision for some, and easy for others. It comes down to values, ethics, and where they want to go with their career.

“I find the mainstream condom porn pays more and you get much more exposure, as well as it being ‘safer’,” explained Shane. “More exposure means more scenes. More scenes means more money!”

And what about Shane’s personal views on the subject?

“If things in my personal life ever change, then who knows,” said Shane. “But for now, it’s mainstream porn for me. Do I watch BB porn? Guilty as charged!”

What are your views of bareback vs the use of condoms in gay porn? Leave a comment on this blog post.

The State of California continues to push forward on the contentious issue of mandating all adult porn studios to have performers use condoms, not everyone is on board with the idea. While the initiative is intended to reduce the transmission of HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections (STI’s), there has been resistance between the studios and models.

“I feel porn stars are sex icons,” explained gay porn model, Spencer Reed. “People do what they watch on screen. That’s where people learn from. As an icon, I have a responsibility.”

Spencer, who has been working in gay porn for the last five years, is an advocate for safer-sex in the porn industry. He belief is when people see that their favourite porn stars protecting themselves, they set a good example for others to do the same.

“In today’s day and age, there’s a lot of things out there,” Spencer said, referring to HIV/AIDS and STI’s. “I’m always safe. I have safe sex as often as possible.”

Spencer further explained that he does enjoy unprotected sex, but he is careful to only do it when he is in a committed relationship.

It has been estimated that over 75% of homosexual males will participate in anal sex. It is considered a high-risk. Unprotected anal sex, also known as barebacking, is the riskiest of all forms of sexual intercourse.

The insertive partner is known as the “top” and the partner being penetrated is called the “bottom”. Those who perform either role are referred to as “versatile”.

Generally viewed as less pleasurable and inconvenient, the best way to protect both partners during anal intercourse is with the use of condoms. Condoms are most commonly made from latex, however, they are also available in non-latex. They come in a wide assortment of styles and sizes. Condoms can break or come off during anal intercourse, so both partners must pay attention.

The anus does not produce sufficient natural lubricant so anal intercourse requires a generous application of personal lubricant to prevent tearing. There are three common types of lubricant: water-based, silicon, and a hybrid of water-based and silicone.

Risks of physical damage to the rectum include anal fissures, rectal prolapse, rectal trauma and hemorrhoids. Pain during anal intercourse can be caused by inadequate lubrication, feeling tense, lack of stimulation and anxiousness.

Other dangers during anal intercourse include the transmission of sexually transmitted infections including HIV, chlamydia, herpes, gonorrhea, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HPV/genital warts, and syphilis. Risk of transmission can be reduced by practicing safer sex and using a condom. The risk is increased through casual sex, barebacking, and sex with someone you do not know.

Although you may believe your partner appears to be symptom free because they look fit and healthy, it is not always the case. It’s the responsibility of both partners to ask the status of their partner and to use safer sex practiced.

Today, thanks to advances in medical research, people infected with HIV and AIDS live longer lives. New drug and support treatments are available; however, unfortunately there is still no cure. There are more than 10 subtypes of HIV/AIDS, which results in an exponential number of strains.

For more information and education on sexual health, visit the Health Initiative for Men website.

When is come to safe sex, 23 year old gay porn star, Jayden Grey says, “I say use a condom every time no matter what to lower the risk of catching anything.”

Jayden Grey entered the gay porn industry a year ago and has earned the respect of many of the producers and other models in his industry. Since his debut in porn Jayden has appeared in self-titled movie, Jayden Gey’s House of Sex and in Wilde Bunch.

There is a consistent message coming loud and clear from the new generation of gay porn and adult entertainment community. Their message is consistent –  practice safe sex!

It’s important for continue to remind people the importance of practicing safe sex. Clearly education has played a valuable roll in today’s generation and people understand the importance of the use of condoms and the risks unprotected sex can have.

“Great sex is safe sex unless you are in that committed relationship and you trust each other,” explains Jayden.

“I think if people are going to bareback [have unprotected sex] it’s their own choice,” said Jayden. “They know they have a higher risk of catching an STI (Sexually transmitted Infection) or HIV.”

Quick facts from the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) 2009 STI/HIV Annual Report 2009:

• In 2009, 11,173 cases of genital chlamydia were reported in BC
• The rate of genital gonorrhea in BC decreased slightly in 2009 to 1,307 cases from 1,391 cases in 2008
• The rate of infectious syphilis (primary, secondary and early latent syphilis) in BC decreased substantially in 2009, to 216 cases from 328 cases in 2008
• The rate of new positive HIV tests in BC decreased slightly in 2009 to 338 cases from 346 cases in 2008

The risk of sexually transmitted diseases and HIV cases increase when there is higher risk, including sexual contact with multiple partners. Using safe sex practices, including condoms, can reduce the risk of getting a STI and / or HIV.

In committed long term relationships, the rules seem to change for some couples.

“If you are in a monogamous relationship and you know you both aren’t having sex with others and then I think It would be ok,” said Jayden who had been in a year-and-a-half long relationship when he lived in Iowa.

Before things start heating up in the bedroom, run to your neighbourhood pharmacy or health clinic and pick-up some extra condoms. It’s the safe choice!

When heart-throb Brent Everett debuted in Barebacking Across America for Tipo Sesso in 2003 with his then boyfriend, Chase Evans, practicing safer sex wasn’t really much of a concern. At just 18 years old, Everett was featured in a number of films having unprotected anal intercourse with a number of performers.

Fast forward to today and Brent’s personal policy and beliefs have changed. Brent is a firm believer in the use of condoms and safer-sex practices. He credits his change in behaviour in part to Chi Chi Larue, one of the studios he works with on a regular basis, and to his husband, Steve Pena.

“The reality is, if people are given the choice between bareback and condoms, 9 out of 10 times people will choose to watch bareback,” said Everett.

Brent strongly feels that the entire industry should be pushing for  the use of condoms, more education on safer sex, and raising awareness.

Gay porn producer, Chi Chi Larue is also adament about the use of safer-sex practices. Larue says:

When I moved to LA in 1987 and took a job in promotions at Catalina Video, the AIDS crises was in full swing.  I lobbied hard to William Higgins and John Travis of Catalina and Chuck Holmes at Falcon to get condoms on the models.  I would like to think that some of my persuasion helped make condom movies a reality.  Since then, gay porn has helped lead the way  in showing  gay men how to use condoms, how to have safer sex and removed some of the stigma that was associated with condoms at the time.

In straight porn there is less regulation and it’s more acceptable not to perform safer sex. “There is a double standard with straight porn,” said Everett. “[Barebacking] is just not acceptable in gay porn.”

So say goodbye to the days of Brent Everett performing bareback on screen. Everett has promised he will lead by example and always use condoms in all his future releases.

Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter at @br_webb, and please leave a comment on this post!