ETHICAL PORN GUIDE

1. The performers and filmmakers get paid fairly

An integral part of ethically produced adult films is fair financial compensation. Performers are valued just like any other actor or any other type of employee in the world. This means ensuring fair wages for the performers that reflect their work, experience and the risks associated with their performance to pay performers1 an equal rate regardless of gender, race, ability, experience, and even what kind of sexual activity is done on camera. Performers don‘t have to be naked if they don‘t want to.2

Clear communication about the production process and ensuring that performers are aware of how the content will be used and distributed are key. Contracts should clearly specify payment terms and intent regarding the sharing of content after filming ends. Thus, the performer should be informed about how the content will be handled after the completion of filming.

2. It's usually not free

There are some exceptions, but it is generally known that we should pay to watch ethical pornographic films. This ensures that everyone involved in the process and development of the film is paid in a safe environment. Paying to view pornographic content should be as adequate as subscribing to any other service providing audiovisual content. A thing that is absolutely commonplace nowadays.

It is generally necessary to look at pornography as such from the opposite perspective and not overlook the fact that porn films are considered a source of inspiration for many, and especially for viewers of a younger age.3 Pornography should be intended for adults, not for teenagers, not for children, because what we see today is that it is accessible to everyone. It should be content accessible only to adults through their age-verified credit cards.

3. It's made in a safe environment where respect is everything

The principle of physical and emotional safety of performers is crucial for creating ethical porn. This means that performers are not forced into activities they do not want to perform or are not exposed to situations that are unfavorable or risky for them. Health and safety standards are adhered to on set, and they have access to regular STI testing. Only couples who have already exchanged fluids and have contractually agreed in advance to assume their own risk can forgo STI testing. Outside of these exceptions, testing is required. Condoms and other forms of protection, which are used according to the agreement between performers and producers, are naturally available on set.4

It is really about working conditions, working standards and finding a way of making porn as safe as possible for everybody involved and creating the most possibly pleasurable moment for the performers. And that after shooting, there is support and after care from the production for any questions or concerns.5

It is a lot about getting to know everybody you are working with. To make sure that they are there because they want to be there. You have to get to know them. Who are they? And also ensure that all relationships on set between those involved are on the same page. It is important that every aspect of the filming process is communicated before the filming takes place.

4. It shows real sexual pleasure / empowering content

It is a form of pornography that aims to satisfy viewers not only with a sense of safety and ethical values but primarily with content that differs from conventional pornography, for example, through genuine storytelling and an emphasis on realism, especially from the actors' side.6

It aims to depict real pleasure, authentic sexual experiences and connections, not faked or exaggerated acts. Ethical porn promotes respectful, consensual, and healthy sexual relationships, both on and off the screen. It focuses on embedding the act in a more realistic context, with a correct approach and equal status of the performers, as well as a unique approach in terms of an individual approach to sexuality. Thus, ethical porn promotes the depiction of female sexuality as well as male sexuality.

In mainstream porn, the theme of realism and believability of content is often tied to stereotypical portrayals. A very common theme is the believability of orgasms in porn, but also their complete absence. Ethical pornography strives for broader education in understanding one's own body and the dilemmas related to sex. Reassurance and normalization of the impossibility of reaching climax, especially for people in long-term relationships. The orgasm does not have to play the main role; what remains most important is how we experience the overall sexual encounter. We must not overlook the emotional aspects and the broader set of factors leading to satisfaction.7

A significant part of porn content doesn't necessarily have to involve penetration. It's very common that women need direct clitoral stimulation or oral sex to achieve orgasm, which are rarely depicted in porn in general.8 There are films that deal with this topic, which are primarily about intimate conversations between performers. The sharing of sexual needs and bodily desires that teaches individuals to feel more confident and openly discuss their own preferences for sexual intercourse.

5. It shows diversity across body size, race, sexuality, age, and ability

Mainstream pornography tends to appear as flawless as possible, thereby sidelining the more ordinary appearance of people outside such an environment. This results in overly perfect and artificial-looking actors, as opposed to more realistic and imperfect depictions of physicality. Costumed and enhanced body parts may play an aesthetic role but do not always set the right mood. Or worse – to influence the perception of our imperfections.

Ethical porn platforms strive to represent people from all social groups and a diverse range of ethnicities and body types. They aim to offer a more individualized and straightforward way for our imagination to connect with the pornographic content. After all, it's nice to see someone who looks like us in the porn we're watching.

Pornography with authentic representation in terms of various sexual preferences, practices, and relationships. Porn should be fair and Inclusive of alternative views. Porn that portrays diversity, promotes sexual pleasure and celebrates heterosexual and queer sex in all its glory. No one should be degraded or excluded on race, sexual orientation or body type.

6. Everything is created consensually

Performers are fully informed about what the filming entails and have the right to refuse any scene or activity they are not comfortable with. It's important to clearly and appropriately communicate how everything will proceed and what is expected from others, as well as what they can expect in return. Performers should make sure they are familiar with all the details regarding the content before arriving at the filming location. There are many cases where actors have encountered last-minute scene changes, which naturally leads to slight tension on set. Therefore, it's crucial not to leave anything undiscussed, as no one wants to be in the midst of misunderstandings during filming.9

Before filming, it's important to confirm that performers can pause or stop a scene if they no longer feel comfortable or safe, even during filming. Checks regarding what will happen on set are beneficial for both actors and the crew— even the cameramen have the right to disagree with what is happening on set.10

Before filming, it's important to conduct a personal interview with each performer. All performers are different and prepare for scenes differently. So common steps might include sharing information about what is acceptable and what is not with the other performers they will be working with. This means exchanging information about their own boundaries, what they like, and what they don't like. Each performer perceives this differently. Some may need to meet several times before the filming day, while others are able to establish connections immediately.11