Why Women Go Into Porn
Four Adult Film Stars Revealed Why They Really Chose XXX
Four Adult Film Stars Revealed Why They Really Chose XXX
Porn’s public perception has come a long way in recent years, but it still carries negative stereotypes in the minds of many. Why get involved in an industry that many see as shady or morally degrading?
But while some people look down on and frown at women working in the porn industry, we must realize that it is their choice for choosing porn as their career path. Different stars have different reasons for getting into the industry: reasons like sex, attention and fun — along with a multitude of others — cropped up in an article published in International Journal of Sexual Health, which asked 176 porn actresses to describe the reasons that drove them to their profession.
But the most commonly cited reason for women to do porn? Money.
Pornography is a billion-dollar industry with thousands of websites, magazines, movies and conventions. Women can make a lot of money in the porn industry, as the earning potential is quite incredible. Instead of working your way up in a 9-5 or an entry-level, low-paying job like in fast food, the dollars in porn are significant, and require much less work. For some it is a career, while for others it may just be a stepping stone to other things in life that they want to pursue.
AskMen spoke to four porn stars about their decision to get into the porn industry, the advantages/disadvantages of becoming a porn star, and misconceptions about the industry.
Vicky Vette
Why did you go into porn?
I just wanted to be wild and crazy. I was living in a small town with small minds. I felt confined, restrained, constrained, restricted and repressed! I felt like I needed to break out. I was already criticized and penalized for the way I looked even when I dressed and acted conservatively.I was already a swinger, so it wasn’t a stretch. I was done with the hypocrisy.
Why Vicky Vette as your porn name?
Because I like corvettes! They are fast, sexy and curvy! Vicky Mustang just doesn’t have a ring to it, lol…
How did you weigh the benefits/disadvantages?
The people who know me and the ones that are close to me are the ones that matter and love me. My happiness and the happiness of my immediate family is all that really matters. I am an adult, and I don’t need anyone else’s approval.
Now that you’re working in porn, which outweighs the other?
I do have one casualty. I have a brother who has not spoken to me since 2003. He found out I was shooting porn when he rented Chloe’s Pool Party by Vivid to watch with his girlfriend. How hypocritical is that? Every girl in that movie is someone’s sister or daughter or mother. We all want to watch porn; we just don’t want anyone we know to be making it. I have tried several times to reconnect with him — he refused to come to my wedding, and I have never met his wife and three children.
Does the ‘real world’ treat you differently?
Yes. I was living in a community where my neighbors loved me, but when someone found out what I did, I was ostracized. It got so bad to the point that I started receiving hate mail from the women, saying, “You make me sick,” or “No one wants to live next to a whore.” It was ironic because I lived a very quiet, respectful life, threw no parties and my house and property were spotless — you’d think that would be a recipe for the best neighbor ever. I have since moved to another state, but my renters are inevitably faced with “Oh, you’re in the porn house?”
Do you see any problems in the industry?
Yes, of course. There are a plethora of problems, but I have faith. Porn will survive. There are those of us that love what we do, and will find ways to keep on doing it. We just have to change, adapt, and roll with the punches…
Missy Martinez
Why did you go into porn?
I went to a porn convention as a fan with my at-the-time boyfriend. People kept coming up to me asking who I was and if they could take a picture with me. I had large boobs — I’m a 37E — and a dress on which made them think I was an adult star. I had honestly never thought about performing, even though I watched and enjoyed XXX films. That nudge of encouragement got the perverted wheels in my head turning, and voila! Here I am, seven years later!
Why Missy Martinez as your porn name?
I wanted to choose something catchy. Missy was a nickname growing up, and for the last name I wanted to embrace my heritage, so Martinez paired with Missy made sense. It’s unique, easy to remember and easy to spell.
How did you weigh the benefits/disadvantages?
I’ve always been open-minded and marched to the beat of my own drum. I didn’t think I was going to go as far as I have in the industry, so I didn’t focus as much on the stigma associated with it. I was more focused on the health/safety and business aspects of it. I first and foremost made sure my body and interests were protected when I started out.
Now that you working in porn, which outweighs the other?
Porn has opened so many doors for me in ways I never would have imagined. It has brought wonderful people in my life (friend-wise and business-wise) and has allowed me the financial freedom to finish my education and to be able to grow as an individual.
Does the ‘real world’ treat you differently?
I feel porn is more “mainstream” now and is viewed with more interest rather than disgust, as it once was. Most people I come across are open-minded, curious and mature about my career. There will always be the close-minded, judgmental individuals who will try and project their insecurities and hang-ups on you. My job does not dictate the character of my being. It is a job. Missy Martinez isn’t a real person; she is a stage persona who exists solely for the purpose of sexual exploration and entertainment. Some people have a hard time separating fantasy from fiction, which is where I find most negative views on the XXX industry occur.
Do you see any problems in the industry?
The biggest and most common problem in the XXX industry is silence. Performers have a voice and every right for it to be heard. If you are uncomfortable at any time on set, speak up. You only get one body, and certain choices aren’t very forgiving. Never go along with something you aren’t 100% committed to or on board with just because you’re afraid of losing a paycheck. Remember: your body, your rules!
Jessica Drake
Why did you go into porn?
I was dancing while going to school, and I wanted to travel and be a feature entertainer. During that time, I met people involved in the industry — directors, actors, camera people, and makeup artists — and I realized I had a fascination for the business. I visited a set and was really impressed. I did my first movie about six months afterward.
Why jessica drake as your porn name?
I wanted a name as opposed to a fruit or a car or an animal. I had a friend named Jessica, so it was familiar. I chose not to capitalize it because I prefer the way it looks, so I had it trademarked that way in all lowercase letters.
How did you weigh the benefits/disadvantages?
The benefits and disadvantages of doing porn? Well, the disadvantage is the stigma. The preconceived notions that people have about the business. The advantages are many: the money, travel, fans, attention, sex, chances for growth. Once I liberated myself from what other people thought of me, I decided to do what I wanted on my own terms.
Now that you’re working in porn, which outweighs the other?
The advantages!
Does the ‘real world’ treat you differently?
The “real” world?? I think that’s part of the problem right there. I live in the real world, just like everyone else. Let’s not perpetuate the idea that being a sex worker or on-camera performer makes us lesser beings than people who are not.
Do you see any problems in the industry?
See the above question…
Tasha Reign
Why did you go into porn?
For many reasons, actually. First, I’ve always been an exhibitionist; I love my body and posing for a camera and wanted to be one of the brave and bold women in men’s magazines and adult movies. Second, it didn’t look like work; it just looked like what I would do for free. And it’s totally cheesy, but the adage is true, if you find your work fun and can make a good living out of it, then it is right for you. Topping all of that is the fun, freedom, passion and so much more.
Why Tasha Reign as your porn name?
I used to dance at a club called Silver Reign, in Santa Monica. I just thought it was royal and regal sounding, so I took that from them. Tasha was just a name I somehow identified with and brainstormed about with my friends about. It’s catchy.
How did you weigh the benefits/disadvantages?
To be honest, I didn’t really consider the disadvantages even after a male performer I had met tried to tell me not to do it, in fear of being persecuted and shunned. My mom was not thrilled, but I didn’t let it deter me — I was so determined and passionate.
Now that you’re working in porn, which outweighs the other?
For me personally, the advantages — like producing content that brings special moments to people and transcends gender, race, age, etc., into their homes — make me happy. I love creating. Performing and being able to make adult content, make money, have fun and be a leader in my own way are the benefits, and in total they outweigh the disadvantages.
Does the ‘real world’ treat you differently?
Absolutely. You wouldn’t be asking that question if you thought otherwise… People stereotype porn stars, but I would be lying if I said that didn’t bother me. I’m a human too. I have feelings, and of course it’s challenging to block out negative opinions, but it’s possible! I just strive to be the best me possible, in life, in porn and in my family.
Do you see any problems in the industry?
Sex worker protection is a concern of mine. I don’t feel like sex workers — porn and other careers in the sex industries — are treated with the respect they deserve. I want to normalize pornography and in turn humanize it as well. I want women to feel like no matter what they do for work, they have a powerful voice.
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Source: AskMen
