Typically, actors defend this restriction by saying things like, “I’m just not into black guys” or “I’m not sexually attracted to Asians.” (Although it’s worth noting that Asian men are remarkably absent from both straight and gay porn in the U.S.) This practice has led to heated social media skirmishes within the industry with one side alleging both personal and institutional racism, and the other defending sexual choice. Whatever the rationale, this widespread phenomenon has forced performers of color into a battle for survival in an industry that prizes whiteness.Īctors and producers say that it is not at all uncommon for performers to make these requests-and for them to be fully accommodated. “Each time, no matter the races involved, the models assure me they aren’t racist, it’s just a personal preference,” he says. Usually the refuseniks are white actors with a “policy” against working with African-American or Asian men.
“I have come to expect models refusing a scene partner because of race,” says Cruz.
During eight years directing in the industry, Steve Cruz has frequently encountered performers who will only work with certain ethnicities. Men of color in gay porn are losing out on work, thanks to the so-called “sexual preferences” of white actors.
