In the 2002 erotic comedy Stud Hunters, feminist porn pioneers Candida Royalle (who also wrote and directed the film) and Veronica Vera actually played some adorable roles as a pair of porn protestors! Only, they were quick to specify, they in no way objected to porn in general (a good thing, as they were smack dab in the middle of a porno flick), but only bad porn in particular.
So just what constitutes bad porn? Well, the answer to that question may vary greatly, depending on individual tastes and preferences. Yet in the eyes of an ethical porn feminist, the definition is simple.
“Bad porn is any porn that is produced without the full, total and enthusiastic consent of all parties involved–all of whom must be consenting adults in complete control of their faculties at the time of production.”
To outline the specifics of this edict, a performer must be told exactly what is expected of them and must be completely comfortable performing these acts. And, if they withdraw consent at any time, the shoot must be stopped and any and all concerns must be addressed. And if the performer lodges a complaint regarding their treatment onset, they must have the freedom to lodge a complaint that will be heeded and investigated.
Speaking as a lifelong feminist and feminist historian (I often joked that I came out of the womb with the singular goal of overturning the patriarchy by preschool), I attest and verify that women cannot succeed in any workplace without ethical codes and protections in place. This is particularly true of adult entertainment, in which they put their bodies on display and provide highly personalized services. This is why ALL porn must by definition meet the qualifications of ethical porn.
As a proud writer for Scandalous Women, Stephanie Vega’s amazing online magazine that showcases ethically produced adult entertainment and lifestyle options for the modern woman, as the Feminist Sexpert at Sexpert.Com (Dr. Ava Cadell’s premiere sex education site for adults) and as a feminist erotica author, I am a proud proponent for and creator of ethical porn. And while I do see so much improvement in and groundbreaking change in the quest to make all porn ethical in content and context, I also see much room for improvement.
When I look closely at the industry, I see so many content creators who work tirelessly to ensure the comfort and safety of their performers. Yet at times, I also see instances of directors and performers who face multiple and very serious accusations of abuse–and who still continue to work in the industry. I see social media videos posted by performers who allege mistreatment on set. Virtually nothing is done to address their concerns.
This must stop.
In our much-desired world of ethical porn, no more shall a performer go unheard and unheeded. No more will performers feel alone, angry or traumatized. No more will performers feel compelled to stay silent regarding injustices committed on set, for fear of being ostracized or overlooked for future work.
We must heed the words of each individual who speaks up about their alleged abuse. We must take action wherever and whenever needed. And we must drive from the industry anyone proven to abuse and mistreat performers or crew members.
In any discussion of ethical porn, the issue of content is always a controversial one. Some feminists automatically equate rough porn with bad or irresponsible porn. As a journalist who specializes in feminist issues, I understand their feelings. I’ve had discussions with rape and domestic violence counselors whose clients complain that their abusers and assailants modelled their behavior on porn films, with some rapists even telling their victims, “I know you like this sort of thing–I’ve seen so many movies where she says no, but really means yes. And she loved being roughed up.”
I personally dislike and refuse to produce any variety of rough content. And yes, I freely admit that–in my mind–truly ethical porn is free of violent content. On the other hand; as a patroness of both male companions and male exotic dancers, along with online chat models, I have been told that I am being degraded by those who serve me–that they’re robbing me of my money, exploiting my desires, and otherwise victimizing me. But as someone who solicits their services on my own free will, I feel empowered in doing so–this is what I want. And if a woman desires rough sex, and receives it safely and ethically, this is what she wants. And in regards to the general public, I believe we need much more in the way of education regarding issues of consent, and responsible fantasy fulfillment.
As far as my own contribution to the world of ethical porn: It is my sincere desire to be a creator who, through her written works, provides a safe space for the female erotica fan. I want her to look to my work for pleasure, comfort, sensual healing, fun, and–yes–ethical content. Sounds pretty smexy to me!
You can read some of Megan’s work on Amazon and/or follow her on Twitter
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