Gay porn insiders say performers frequently refuse to work with certain ethnicities—something studios allow on grounds of ‘sexual preference’
Tracy Clark-Flory tackles a touchy issue at vocativ.com
Men of color in gay porn are losing out on work, thanks to the so-called “sexual preferences” of white actors. During eight years directing in the industry, Steve Cruz has frequently encountered performers who will only work with certain ethnicities. “I have come to expect models refusing a scene partner because of race,” says Cruz.
Usually the refuseniks are white actors with a “policy” against working with African-American or Asian men. “Each time, no matter the races involved, the models assure me they aren’t racist, it’s just a personal preference,” he says. Whatever the rationale, this widespread phenomenon has forced performers of color into a battle for survival in an industry that prizes whiteness.
Actors and producers say that it is not at all uncommon for performers to make these requests—and for them to be fully accommodated. Typically, actors defend this restriction by saying things like, “I’m just not into black guys” or “I’m not sexually attracted to Asians.”
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