The New Intimacy

Safe Sex or No Safe Sex in your Porn?

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Contributor: LicentiouslyYours LicentiouslyYours
After reading this article today on safe sex practices in gay porn, I've kind of changed my mind from the "to each his own" attitude I had before about condom use in adult movies.

When you consider a recent study showed nearly 20% of gay porn actors reporting they were HIV positive, it makes you think perhaps something more should be done.
Answers (private voting - your screen name will NOT appear in the results):
I prefer only condom-less porn.
31
Condoms or no condoms, it doesn't matter to me.
43
I will only buy and watch porn that subscribes to safe-sex practices.
8
I think there should be mandatory testing and condom use in all porn films, enforced by law.
66
I think there should be more safe-sex practices used, but don't think it should be government regulated.
46
I don't believe testing should be mandatory or required by law, it should be a choice.
5
Other (explain below)
11
Total votes: 210 (155 voters)
Poll is closed
03/31/2010
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Contributor: Gary Gary
That is a tough one, there are a number of ways to look at this.

I do think that unless it is legally mandatory to wear condoms, there will always be pressure to not wear them. I am not really sure all of the testing works, and what the time frames are. If regular testing is done properly, would that really prevent the spreading of diseases, or simply lower the risk?

Also, with all the technology available these days, why is there no 'invisible' condom, one that can barely be seen aside form close up shots?
03/31/2010
Contributor: Victoria Victoria
Quote:
Originally posted by Gary
That is a tough one, there are a number of ways to look at this.

I do think that unless it is legally mandatory to wear condoms, there will always be pressure to not wear them. I am not really sure all of the testing works, and what the time ... more
I agree - testing should be mandatory. And Yes! Where are the better condoms, that are nearly invisible?! Come on, technology!
03/31/2010
Contributor: Carrie Ann Carrie Ann
I might not love the look but just like there are mandatory safety regulations and testing in health care, there should be the same in porn. We'd get used to it.
03/31/2010
Contributor: LicentiouslyYours LicentiouslyYours
I think it should be mandatory to use condoms in all videos. I am not crazy about the look either, but it's never been a reason I didn't watch a video.

With today's technology, you can always edit the condom out of the image if it's something that doesn't appeal to your audience. I don't think porn needs to teach everybody to use condoms, but I do think the safety of performers should be protected.
03/31/2010
Contributor: Sir Sir
Since I do not really watch porn to begin with, it does not matter to me.

However! I will say that for me, when I see condoms being used in pornography, it makes me feel better, and it honestly makes it more realistic. Yes, sometimes porn is supposed to be about the "fantasy," but you know what, the people in the porn are real people with real lives - they need to be kept safe so that they can keep you pleased!
03/31/2010
Contributor: Passionate Pastor Passionate Pastor
Personally, I am not into porn. I prefer to only look at my wife in a sexual way.
03/31/2010
Contributor: Airen Wolf Airen Wolf
(EF Review Program Mentor)
I agree with Laurel it's not the porn industry's job to teach everyone to use condoms but they should be protecting their actors. Mandatory testing might not eliminate the risk but it has to be a step in the right direction. It doesn't really matter to me if a condom is used in porn I'm not a money shot viewer, and it does make me feel better to see protection being used. It makes me feel like the actors care about each other on some level at least.
03/31/2010
Contributor: sarahbear sarahbear
I agree. It's not about setting an example for people, it's about the safety of the employees. Every other business has to abide by strict safety standards to make sure their employees are protected from hazards of the job they do. In porn, one hazard of the job is STD's. Testing and barriers should be mandatory.
04/01/2010
Contributor: SydVicious SydVicious
I agree, I agree...with everyone. Condoms may not be pretty to look at in porn, but the safety of the actors should be more important to the film makers. The actors also have the responsibility to protect themselves.
04/01/2010
Contributor: Jenn (aka kissmykitty) Jenn (aka kissmykitty)
(EdenFantasys)
I'm not into the *look* of condoms, but I definitely find myself more into and approving of porn that shows actors wearing them. I don't know if I would go so far as to say that condoms should be mandatory, but testing and quarantining of infected actors and actresses should be.
04/09/2010
Contributor: NymphetamineKiss NymphetamineKiss
It might sound bad, but it's not something I ever pay attention to.

In a theological way, I think it's better that they do as it sets a better precedent for usage by those who watch porn - perhaps it will rub off on the teen boy googling for naughty clips that when he gets down to it he doesn't think and just produces a rubber? That'd be undeniably good.

But in all honesty, condoms don't put me off watching porn. But neither does a lack of protection - I guess my head isn't tuned in to practicalities at that point!
04/11/2010
Contributor: Tobi Tobi
"why is there no 'invisible' condom, one that can barely be seen aside form close up shots?"

Some condoms might fit that description. I screened a preview clip of my porn film and was taken to task by someone who thought it was condomless. There were condoms, though, she just couldn't see them.

Personally, I always feel better when I can see latex in the scene. However, I know that there are a variety of reasons others might choose to do otherwise. A lot of indy or alternative porn is shooting folks in actual relationships where they negotiate safe sex on their own terms, and as wonderful as condoms are they aren't the only option nor are they always applicable. If a couple has a fluid bond and is either strictly monogamous or very serious about protection with all other sexual contacts, then they have already reduced their risk level significantly -- even moreso than the folks who use latex on the set but inconsistently in their own life.

Also, it's useful to make a distinction between going condomless for penetrative sex vs oral sex vs gloveless for manual sex, etc. What risk level is acceptable? Many things can be transmitted through kissing so you won't get to zero without dental dams for kisses, but I doubt anyone thinks that is necessary. And if oral sex without condoms is too risky, then say goodbye to anal sex -- even with a condom the risk level is relatively similar.
04/12/2010
Contributor: Darling Dove Darling Dove
I think that condom use should not be mandatory, but testing should be.
I don't see why condoms and ugly latex barriers have to be the only option. I have heard the arguments that porn sets are disgusting and such- so mandate that testing must happen and jail or fine to death anyone that doesn't comply. Someone gets something in their personal life? Thats THEIR responsibility- and they just ruined their career. People who can transmit disease should be barred from participating in anything but solo porn. Since as was pointed out, they can STILL transmit it other ways and no method is foolproof.

The porn industry needs to be accountable for its actions and no doubt it has done some shitty stuff. But so does EVERY industry, EVERY business plays with peoples lives until regulations are made, trying to cut costs and not caring who gets hurt in the process. But I find condoms and latex barriers ugly. Lots of others do as well- it's 'trendy' in sex blogger land to want to see condoms in everything, but fuck the trends, I have an opinion and I know that a lot of non sex bloggers share that opinion.
So regulate and mandate testing, that way everyone stepping onto a porn set is clean, and then if they catch something- its on them. It's up to them to be responsible in their personal life. But condom use should be a choice... not a requirement. If someone chooses to use condoms... more power to them, but it doesn't get me off. Sorry. To me they make the guys dick look... shiny, unnatural, like a stuffed sausage- and I'm not into that kind of food sex.
04/12/2010
Contributor: Midway through Midway through
To be honest this is a monkey see monkey do situation for me. If the general public (who, forgive me, is mostly stupid) sees porn without condoms, they think "hey, it won't happen to me." and don't bother with it. Now granted I'm not blaming porn for the corruption in STDs of the world..

But I am saying it should be a law that they practice safe sex. This is a business industry, and like other industries, should be regulated. Prostitution requires testing where it's legal, so why not require condoms and testing for porn actors/actresses? It would be in their benefit.
06/25/2010
Contributor: P'Gell P'Gell
I don't like the government controlling ANY of my sex life. IMO, with the exception of making sure no children or forced slavery are involved in the Adult Film Industry, it should be up to the individual.

Do we REALLY want the government dictating what goes on in our porn? IMO, never!

I think most people old enough to have sex should realize that unless you are in a fluid bonded relationship, some sort of barrier method is necessary. And, if they don't realize it, education, not porn-for-entertainment -only should be the way to do it.

I don't think the government needs to get involved, especially since I ADORE the "Money Shot" and some of the stuff I like is on the kinky side and it would probably be outlawed by "Boner" (Boehner) and Co. Really, Y'all want the Right Side of the Aisle (the same people who are against Gay Rights, against Gay Marriage and still think most fun sex activities (oral, anal, toy sex etc) are "an abomination" making LAWS about who does what in YOUR porn? No thanks. I have suffered enough under Right Wing bullshit. I would be very happy if they stay as far away from my chosen form of Smut entirely.

Your mileage may vary.
07/01/2010
Contributor: P'Gell P'Gell
Plus, most respectable (if you can call it that ) Pornographers, from Caballero to Kink.com and many others, require testing already (they don't want their people getting sick) I think that sick and dead from HIV porn stars are bad for business. Testing should be done, but NOT from government control.

I really would like to know, for those who think it should be "mandated" WHO is going to do the mandating? The same people who want to prevent pre-marital sex in any form, who lined their pockets and allowed de-regulation and caused the Gulf of Mexico to be all gunked up with Oil, who destroyed our economy with their Greed? Really, does anyone really TRUST the Government enough to let their erotica be dictated by these people?

If not the Government, which is filled with judgmental "moralistic" (when it's convenient for them) Right Wing and slimy politicians? (And of course, even the Left wouldn't want to seem "soft on porn" so they would simply go along with the majority, just to keep their constituents and the press quiet, not to mention get re-elected.) If not the government, then WHO will do all this "mandating?" and law making, and adding things that MOST of us who do enjoy this form of entertainment certainly don't want taken OUT of our videos. And WHO is going to do all the controlling and heaven forbid "PUNISHING"? Please.

Really, think about it. And, with SO much "amateur" porn on the internet, how in heaven's name could it ever be all followed? It would end up so expensive AND Restrictive for the good porn studios, than rather paying an average of $20.00 for a CD, you'd be paying upwards of what? Maybe a couple of hundred dollars, because now the studios would have to line Congress's pockets, as well?

Really, think about the practical ramifications of such legislation.

You think the Adult Film Industry is "disgusting?" (They are actually no worse than any other business.) You've never spent any time in Washington DC.
07/01/2010
Contributor: Alicia Alicia
After reading the comments I'm kind of torn on if it should actually be regulated. I think though that while it's not there will be more pressure for stars to go without safety precautions in some studios. So while it's a choice for the studio it's not exactly a "choice" for the actors if they really need the money and would be out of a job if they refuse to be in a film without condom use. Of course their health should be more important than a job, but that's not always how it pans out in reality.
07/19/2010
Contributor: joja joja
I'm not entirely decided on whether asking for regulation is realistic. However, I vastly prefer porn in which safe sex is practiced. With all the abuse that goes on in the porn industry, I can at least convince myself that they're trying to protect the performers in some way.

I've never had sex without a condom, and over time I've started to sexualize them as a part of my sexual routine. That little moment of pause to put it on is just another part of foreplay.
07/19/2010
Contributor: HevansS HevansS
Just like any other job, porn stars should have regulations too!
07/22/2010
Contributor: TheCleansing TheCleansing
Porn should have regulations. While it's not realistic at this point I think safe sex should be promoted even though it might "kill a fantasy". It would definitely encourage watchers to engage in safer sex.
08/25/2010
Contributor: clp clp
I personally don't mind either way while watching, which is why I think it is a good idea to make the standard. If people want to act out what they see in porn, this would be a great place to start.

My sweets, on the other hand, really hates it. I think he is willing to watch on my account, but I know he would turn it off if he were on his own.
09/27/2010
Contributor: Shellz31 Shellz31
Testing should be compulsary ... I prefer condom free but doesnt really bother me either way too much. I'll still watch!
10/20/2010
Contributor: Aly890 Aly890
When watching porn, I don't really pay attention to condoms or no condoms. I would still purchase the porn if I knew ahead of time they were wearing condoms..
10/21/2010
Contributor: butterflygirlxo butterflygirlxo
Quote:
Originally posted by Passionate Pastor
Personally, I am not into porn. I prefer to only look at my wife in a sexual way.
good for you (:
10/27/2010
Contributor: butterflygirlxo butterflygirlxo
Quote:
Originally posted by TheCleansing
Porn should have regulations. While it's not realistic at this point I think safe sex should be promoted even though it might "kill a fantasy". It would definitely encourage watchers to engage in safer sex.
I agree!
10/27/2010
Contributor: Tart Tart
Sometimes I see it and sometimes I don't. When I do I congratulate them silently for being safe. I especially like when I see actors wearing gloves during finger penetration or condoms on sex toys, because they can carry diseases too!
10/28/2010
Contributor: butterflygirlxo butterflygirlxo
Quote:
Originally posted by Victoria
I agree - testing should be mandatory. And Yes! Where are the better condoms, that are nearly invisible?! Come on, technology!
I wish they would come out with invisible condoms they have everything but them,lol.
10/28/2010
Contributor: butterflygirlxo butterflygirlxo
Quote:
Originally posted by Tart
Sometimes I see it and sometimes I don't. When I do I congratulate them silently for being safe. I especially like when I see actors wearing gloves during finger penetration or condoms on sex toys, because they can carry diseases too!
Yes I think condoms should be mandatory along with gloves..
10/28/2010
Contributor: MeliPixie MeliPixie
I prefer my porn to be condom-free. I hate condoms, hey often at least temporarily turn me off when we stop to put one on, and that carries over into my viewing non-pleasure. I like the look and feel of a naked cock inside me, and I prefer the cocks I'm watching not be covered or disrupted in any way. It's their bodies, so whether they are safe or not is not exactly my concern. (sounds cold or harsh, and I swear I'm not like that!)
12/07/2010