Gay adult stars CLAP BACK on Project 2025's plan to ban spicy content (updated)
| 10/17/24
rickycornish
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Jkab Ethan Dale / ASGmax / Eric Hart Jr.
When you log onto your favorite adult entertainment streaming platform, you’re not expecting to have to worry about pornography being criminalized, but it’s even worse for the performers themselves. If Donald Trump and the far-right architects behind Project 2025 get their way, online porn may go the way of the dinosaurs because porn will be banned, the producers and distributors will be sent to prison, and the tech companies that circulate it will be shut down. No, really.
In an inspired move, a group of 17 adult entertainers have banded together to combat another Trump presidency that is likely to spell certain doom for the porn industry as we know it. “Hands Off My Porn” has spent $100,000 to launch an ad campaign that will play in front of porn videos on the most popular streaming sites warning viewers about the horrors of Project 2025. The Heritage Foundation’s blueprint for the next administration — constructed by many former Trump appointees — seeks to ban pornography and make producing and distributing it a jailable offense because children are supposedly suffering from the “toxic normalization of transgenderism with drag queens and pornography invading their school libraries.” But adult film stars aren’t taking this threat lying down, and instead are targeting the seven swing states that will decide the election: Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, North Carolina, Georgia, Arizona, and Nevada.
“The only thing outlawing porn will do is drive it underground, and that’s when things get dangerous,” porn industry veteran Holly Randall says in the ad. The plan may seem like a long shot, but Vice President Kamala Harris is behind in the polls when it comes to male voters, so telling porn consumers that a vote for Trump means the end of easily accessible porn might be enough to get them to vote blue.
But what do the hottest gay adult entertainers think about Project 2025, the presidential election, and their colleagues using porn as a vehicle for political change? Keep scrolling to find out!
A group of pornstars launched the “Hands off My Porn” campaign and are running ads before porn videos on streaming sites warning that Project 2025 wants to ban pornography. What do you think about the ad campaign?
Derek Kage: I obviously fully support the ad campaign and the message that we as porn stars need to send out to the masses. Project 2025 not only aims to make Trump the most unchecked president in modern United States history, but also aims to erase decades of progress that we have made as Americans. It aims to erase adult entertainment which is without question constitutionally-protected free speech. Getting this message out is extremely important to ensure Project 2025 doesn’t set into motion a major attack on our protected freedoms and to enjoy adult entertainment.
Do you think the ads could sway young male voters?
I think the ads could sway young male voters, but I’m not entirely sure the ads are going to be as effective as they possibly could be. Most young males when going to watch porn do not want to see an ad before they view it. They want to get right to the good stuff. I think all of us can admit to fast-forwarding to the part of a video we find hottest—so I’m not so sure the current campaign is the most effective.
Do you think people are more willing to listen to about porn being banned if it’s played on the same site where they watch porn?
I think people would be willing to listen. The ads need to be blunt and right to the point as soon as they air. Something like “This video/site/studio could get banned if you don’t vote.” We can’t sugar coat anything when it comes to Project 2025.
Are you concerned about how Project 2025 could impact the adult film industry if Trump is elected?
I’m obviously nervous if Trump wins the election and the tenants of Project 2025 are implemented—not just for porn but also for our daily lives. Could you imagine what adult entertainment would look like if conservatives banned porn? We would go back to the days where a woman showing a little leg was considered salacious. Putting consenting adults in jail for recording themselves having sex? It’s terrifying to think about.
What are your thoughts/concerns about the presidential election?
I am optimistic about the election as polls and the energy favor Harris/Walz. I also think the American people will choose correctly and be on the right side of history. If Harris wins, my biggest concern will be advocating for the rights of sex workers as well as porn being safe as constitutionally-protected free speech. Harris may not be openly supportive of sex work at the moment, but I believe her and her administration would be open to discussion and progress.
You can follow Derek Kage on X here.
A group of pornstars launched the “Hands off My Porn” campaign and are running ads before porn videos on streaming sites warning that Project 2025 wants to ban pornography. What do you think about the ad campaign?
Jkab Ethan Dale: I think it’s a brilliant idea. Reminding people what is at stake, in the very places that are affected is a very powerful strategy to reach voters.
Do you think the ads could sway young male voters?
I do. Studies show that most men watch porn, and people are more likely to vote for/or against causes that directly impact their lifestyle.
Do you think people are more willing to listen to about porn being banned if it’s played on the same site where they watch porn?
Absolutely. Targeting people in places that are directly affected is a great strategy. Cigarette warning labels changed the way we look at smoking, and, “Hands off My Porn” could do the same with porn.
Are you concerned about how Project 2025 could impact the adult film industry if Trump is elected?
Yes. Anyone in porn, and who watches porn should be concerned. This 900 page document outlines a very extreme Republican Agenda that Trump is a part of. It says that porn should be banned, porn producers and distributors should be sent to prison, and tech companies that circulate it should be shut down. It would take down our entire industry.
What are your thoughts/concerns about the presidential election?
There are only two outcomes in this presidential election, and my biggest concern is that Trump will win. We need to vote Kamala for president, and make sure that Trump can’t appoint any more Supreme Court justices, or allow Project 2025 to happen. Every vote matters, from your local representatives, to congress, all the way up to the presidency. This is the most important election of our lifetime.
You can follow Jkab Ethan Dale on X here.
A group of pornstars launched the “Hands off My Porn” campaign and are running ads before porn videos on streaming sites warning that Project 2025 wants to ban pornography. What do you think about the ad campaign?
Michael Boston: I think that’s honestly a fabulous idea. I just heard about that the other day. Even if some people might think that’s a small thing to do, I feel like every drop in the bucket counts when it comes to helping voters understand their possible choices.
Do you think the ads could sway young male voters?
I think the ads could sway voters of any gender identity and/or sexual orientation. This is free speech. It would be so crazy to censor porn. Especially when the only people who want that are religious zealots, who like to gain piety and yet they have their own insidious skeletons in their closets.
Do you think people are more willing to listen to about porn being banned if it’s played on the same site where they watch porn?
I think that’s definitely a good start. If there was a clip that people could post and spread around in general as well, I think that would be good in addition to that. It sounds like it’s just a matter of getting as many eyes as possible. Especially since we have a matter of weeks before the election.
Are you concerned about how Project 2025 could impact the adult film industry if Trump is elected?
If Trump is elected and if he’s able to put forth a lot of those policies in Project 2025, I am concerned how it will shape our country as a whole. Porn is literally my entire livelihood. Forget porn, I as a gay man won’t be able to publicly exist, never mind our other brothers, sisters, and other siblings in the LGBTQ+ community. So many things that the community has fought for will be washed away. Roe was just the beginning.
What are your thoughts/concerns about the presidential election?
I would say my biggest concern would be Kamala losing. Hopefully she’ll make it across the finish line. I feel like we just need to defeat Trump. Then after that, hopefully we can get someone into the top job who is a lot more progressive and doesn’t just cater to their wealthy donors. Which is another problem for another day. We can’t eat the whole elephant at once.
You can follow Michael Boston on X here.
A group of pornstars launched the “Hands off My Porn” campaign and are running ads before porn videos on streaming sites warning that Project 2025 wants to ban pornography. What do you think about the ad campaign?
Dom King: I think the "Hands off My Porn" campaign is a brilliant & bold move that is strategic. It’s a reminder that these freedoms could be at stake, which is important for people to know. It’s inspiring to see porn stars take a stand and use their voice to educate the viewers.
Do you think the ads could sway young male voters?
Yes, the ads could sway young male voters. If you hit people with a message that directly impacts their lifestyle and habits, it’s likely to resonate, potentially even pushing them to think about the political stakes in a way they hadn’t before.
Do you think people are more willing to listen to about porn being banned if it’s played on the same site where they watch porn?
Absolutely. I don’t know a better place to get the message out and reach an audience that could be directly impacted by these restrictions. Messaging is always more effective when it’s delivered in the right context. People who consume adult content are more likely to be receptive to hearing about threats to it when they're already engaging with the material.
Are you concerned about how Project 2025 could impact the adult film industry if Trump is elected?
Yes, there’s concern about how Project 2025 could impact the adult film industry. If Trump or any conservative administration were to take steps toward regulating or banning pornography, it could lead to significant censorship and loss of work for adult performers. This not only affects the industry itself but could also set a precedent for broader limitations on personal freedoms and online content.
What are your thoughts/concerns about the presidential election?
The upcoming presidential election is critical. Beyond issues like the economy or foreign policy, the future of personal liberties, LGBTQ+ rights, and freedom of expression could be on the line. For the adult industry and the LGBTQ+ community, the stakes feel especially high, as a conservative victory could lead to increased restrictions that directly impact livelihoods and individual freedoms.
You can follow Dom King on X here.
A group of pornstars launched the “Hands off My Porn” campaign and are running ads before porn videos on streaming sites warning that Project 2025 wants to ban pornography. What do you think about the ad campaign?
Tony Genius: I think the ad campaign is a great idea, as much as Americans consume porn on a daily basis, from free hosting sites like Pornhub, I find it crucial and effective to run these ads and making more people aware of the plans of project 2025 and how they will no longer have the luxury to watch their favorite porn videos without worry of legal ramifications.
Do you think the ads could sway young male voters?
The ads definitely have the potential to sway public opinion, and maybe bring awareness to a topic that many may think is hidden, and easily accessible in private.
Do you think people are more willing to listen to about porn being banned if it’s played on the same site where they watch porn?
I think they should go even further, maybe doing campaigns with the sites to host banner ads and get people to have to click through to get to view their video on the landing pages, this would help almost everyone that searches a porn link,.and opens it the chance to see the real threat to their personal pleasures.
Are you concerned about how Project 2025 could impact the adult film industry if Trump is elected?
I am concerned about the control that this project outline brings forth. It scares me that a party that claims to want less government involvement in our everyday lives, is going into our personal private activities and trying to control what we are allowed to view. This would only be the start of the censorship and control that the Trump administration is planning in project 2025.
What are your thoughts/concerns about the presidential election?
My main concern is how close this election is. With two very different visions for America, one setting us years back and another looking forward to the future, we find ourselves at a nexus point. It is painful to see how many people are in support of bringing us back to a time of less freedoms, and more control against our will. What was once a clear and concise option for the President has been blind sided by personal attacks, sensationalism, misinformation, and conspiracy theories that have never had this much room to grow and thrive. You have to vote, you have to exercise your right to make change! Everyone's personal freedoms are at stake in this election!
You can follow Tony Genius on X here.
@LilBuffBro
A group of pornstars launched the “Hands off My Porn” campaign and are running ads before porn videos on streaming sites warning that Project 2025 wants to ban pornography. What do you think about the ad campaign?
Lil Buff Bro: The ad campaign effectively addresses the potential consequences if Project 2025 becomes a reality, highlighting exactly what conservatives aim to implement. By outlining how these laws would criminalize individuals who store, view, or perform in pornography, it should raise concerns for anyone who uses porn as a regular method of stress relief. Masturbation is a normal and healthy activity that many people engage in, providing benefits such as better sleep, improved mood, and stress relief. This raises concerns about freedom of expression and individual privacy.
Do you think the ads could sway young male voters?
I think the ad could definitely sway young male voters if they become aware of the potential impact of this law, especially if Donald Trump wins the election. While men may be reluctant to openly discuss masturbation, it is a fact that many young men regularly watch porn. This is not unusual or something to be ashamed of, and there shouldn’t be a stigma around it. Masturbation is a normal activity, and watching porn is part of that for many people. If pornography were such a negative thing, it wouldn’t be so widely available in the media landscape.
Do you think people are more willing to listen to about porn being banned if it’s played on the same site where they watch porn?
I believe people would be more willing to pay attention to the issue of porn being banned if ads, banners, or other materials appeared on the same sites where they watch porn. As someone who enjoys content on platforms like X or other porn sites, I haven’t seen much information about the potential consequences of this law. If users were made aware that their favorite site might no longer exist, ( take into consideration how in Texas, residents are no longer able to visit PornHub ) it could definitely raise concerns and possibly make them reconsider their voting choices. While porn might seem like a minor factor, it could spark a realization of how far-reaching this law could become. Some might think they can simply watch porn elsewhere or save it on their computer before the law takes effect. However, the way this law is described—monitoring everything we watch—suggests it could lead to a more dystopian society, where engaging in private self-pleasure behind closed doors becomes a crime.
Are you concerned about how Project 2025 could impact the adult film industry if Trump is elected?
I’m definitely concerned about the impact on the adult industry if Trump is re-elected in November. Many individuals I know, along with adult performers in general, rely on this type of work to meet the living wage required in their respective areas. Given that the current living wage is already far below what is needed to live affordably and without financial stress, this occupation provides essential income for many. If laws restricting the adult industry were enforced, it could create serious financial hardship for countless people. Yes, sex work is work, and sex workers deserve the same legal protections as other workers.
What are your thoughts/concerns about the presidential election?
At the start of the DNC, there was a lot of energy within the Democratic Party, but that spark seems to have faded. Misinformation, AI-generated news, and unchecked content on social media are giving Trump an advantage. Current crises, like the hurricane response and the war in the Middle East, are also reflecting poorly on the administration. Many people think Trump can “reset” the economy and return prices to their previous levels. However, much of the low prices during his term were due to the economic slowdown caused by the pandemic, not long-term policies. Unfortunately, people seem to be more concerned about gas and grocery prices than the 34 felony charges, two impeachments, involvement in encouraging the January 6 insurrection, indictments over classified documents, hush money schemes, defamation and sexual assault cases, and more.
You can follow Lil Buff Bro on X here.
@Damien_Pro_XXX
A group of pornstars launched the “Hands off My Porn” campaign and are running ads before porn videos on streaming sites warning that Project 2025 wants to ban pornography. What do you think about the ad campaign?
Damien: I think that it’s straightforward and to the point, which is good. But I think “dangerous” sounds like hyperbole without an example of said danger.
Do you think the ads could sway young male voters?
Since young male voters are extremely likely to visit adult sites, I think that the message is well targeted.
Do you think people are more willing to listen to about porn being banned if it’s played on the same site where they watch porn?
Yes. I think that making a message more relatable/putting it in a context where how it affects the viewer is clear is a great way to increase the efficacy of the message.
Are you concerned about how Project 2025 could impact the adult film industry if Trump is elected?
Extremely. I think that the heritage foundation/MAGA is the closest thing to the Taliban outside of Afghanistan. Look at the human rights situation there: women are oppressed and LGBT people are oppressed. The heritage will use a different book to justify the same horror.
What are your thoughts/concerns about the presidential election?
Ever since Harris was nominated, I’ve been much more optimistic. However I have two concerns.
First of all, none of this enthusiasm matters if people don’t follow through. CAST YOUR VOTE!!! Make SURE you’re making your voice heard at the voting booth!!
I’m more worried about Trump’s team conniving behind the scenes. In 2020, he tried to steal the election and failed. MAGA has had four years to learn from those mistakes and replace the framework of our system with one that will cave to their nonsense.
You can follow Damien on X here.
Courtesy of AltSHIFT Films
A group of pornstars launched the “Hands off My Porn” campaign and are running ads before porn videos on streaming sites warning that Project 2025 wants to ban pornography. What do you think about the ad campaign?
Sam and Ed: It’s so important to get the word out that our fundamental freedoms are under attack, because these kinds of policies often go unseen and uncommented upon until it’s too late. To see pornographers articulating our worries and directly addressing our audience makes us proud that our industry is standing up to the interests of patriarchal institutions and disingenuous charlatans who stigmatize healthy sexual expression as a means of control.
Do you think the ads could sway young male voters?
Just getting the information out there (that this is a possibility if Trump wins) goes a long way. Information is power. Young men think with their dicks, so let’s hope they will vote with them as well.
Do you think people are more willing to listen to about porn being banned if it’s played on the same site where they watch porn?
Absolutely! Most people tend to compartmentalize their sexuality and porn viewing from their "everyday" life. So the moment of them looking at porn is the time to catch them in their erotic space. You might be less inclined to care AFTER you’ve cum!
Are you concerned about how Project 2025 could impact the adult film industry if Trump is elected?
We are always under attack and, as producers, we have it much easier than the performers, because they are the ones visible to the public eye. Sex workers and producers are in a never-ending battle with payment systems, arbitrary and immature laws and pirators, so we’re used to attacks on our livelihoods. But the sweep of regressive and repressive politics across the World at this moment is deeply troubling. Advertising and the corporate system are allowed to over-sexualise young people for the goal of selling shoes or phones, but if we try to depict the natural act of sex in all its pleasure, connectedness and deep-rooted longing, then we are branded outsiders and unfit to be worthy members of society.
Our main concern is for sex workers - the more you drive them underground, the more dangerous their existence becomes.
What are your thoughts/concerns about the presidential election?
It’s complete madness. In the porn world, we’re used to the fact that most people completely misunderstand the nature of how it’s produced, and this leads to the sense that the sex is ‘real’ (that it depicts everyday sexual interaction) and that it's always exploitative and a dark world in some way. This inability to see fact from fiction has now carried over into politics — Trump is a showman, but unlike our friends and colleagues in the adult industry, he doesn’t give a shit about his audience.
You can follow AltSHIFT Films on Instagram here.
A group of pornstars launched the “Hands off My Porn” campaign and are running ads before porn videos on streaming sites warning that Project 2025 wants to ban pornography. What do you think about the ad campaign?
Jordan Starr: It’s important for creators to follow their heart in using their platform for whatever they feel passionate about.
Do you think the ads could sway young male voters?
I think that most people are decided already, but every little bit helps.
Do you think people are more willing to listen to about porn being banned if it’s played on the same site where they watch porn?
I think it definitely would help.
Are you concerned about how Project 2025 could impact the adult film industry if Trump is elected?
I am concerned for our entire nation if such a travesty were to happen.
What are your thoughts/concerns about the presidential election?
Speak up and act out. Knock on doors, make calls, drive people to the polls, and don’t stop until Election Day.
You can follow Jordan Starr on X here.
Ricky Cornish is an on-air correspondent for equalpride, where he's breaking down the latest in pop culture for Out Magazine, Pride.com, Plus Magazine, The Advocate, and Out Traveler.
Based in Las Vegas, Ricky can be seen interviewing the biggest celebrities at red carpets and premiere events around the city.
To follow Ricky and see what's trending, you can follow him on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, Facebook, andYouTube.
Ricky Cornish is an on-air correspondent for equalpride, where he's breaking down the latest in pop culture for Out Magazine, Pride.com, Plus Magazine, The Advocate, and Out Traveler.
Based in Las Vegas, Ricky can be seen interviewing the biggest celebrities at red carpets and premiere events around the city.
To follow Ricky and see what's trending, you can follow him on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, Facebook, andYouTube.
Ariel Messman-Rucker is an Oakland-born journalist who now calls the Pacific Northwest her home. When she’s not writing about politics and queer pop culture, she can be found reading, hiking, or talking about horror movies with the Zombie Grrlz Horror Podcast Network.
Ariel Messman-Rucker is an Oakland-born journalist who now calls the Pacific Northwest her home. When she’s not writing about politics and queer pop culture, she can be found reading, hiking, or talking about horror movies with the Zombie Grrlz Horror Podcast Network.