Dare To Ask Talk And News About Our Differences By Phillip Milano
Question
What encourages people to be porn actors or actresses?
Azucena, 30, female, London
Replies
For guys, it’s pretty much what you may have already guessed.
Taz, 32, male, Detroit
Easy money. And lots of it.
Kelly, 19, Richmond, Va.
Although I can’t say from experience, most women in that business have been sexually abused at a young age and haven’t gotten counseling, so they act out sexually.
V., 20, female, Virginia
I work in a legal brothel and have asked that question to some of our ladies, several of whom have done porn. … They generally enjoy the work, and with proper savings and investment can expect retirement within three to five years.
Tony, 45, Nevada
I had a roommate who had been a porn star, and I have several acquaintances who were strippers, and what most had in common was an array of psychological disorders from massive childhood abuse such that they were unable to hold down straight jobs.
Katrina, 43, Beverly Hills, Calif.
I’ve watched more porn flicks than I’d like to admit. I think a few of the most beautiful stars do it because they get paid well and hope it makes them stars in non-porn flicks. I think the majority are ruthlessly exploited.
Mike, 58, Evansville, Ind.
Expert says
We thought about talking to the adult king himself, Ron Jeremy, but apparently he likes to get paid for his interviews.
So it was on to Leihla Leionni, 20, of Tampa, who pretty much got the ball rolling on her 18th birthday, when a guy in a bar gave her his card and said to give him a call. She’s done work for Demon Seed Pictures and Girls Gone Wild, and also been in some videos whose names we can’t mention here because we, too, like to get paid for our interviews.
In the past, we’ve reported findings that sex workers can suffer unusual stress from the rigors and stigma of their jobs, and that prior abuse can play a role in their career choice.
Leionni was having none of it, at least for herself and those she’s worked with (not that we thought she’d agree).
“It’s not true — I had a great childhood and loving parents who took care of me and got me what I wanted,” she said. “I mean, I even had a pony, you know what I mean?”
So, then, bare all. Why do it?
“I don’t let others’ opinions influence me, and I’m willing to try anything once. Other people said it was a horrible idea, but I had fun and didn’t get ripped off,” she said. “Ever since that first shoot, it’s been exciting, and the money’s good [$1,000 or so for three to four hours’ work, up to $10,000 for a private video].”
But what about the folks?
“My mom was a little upset, but once she realized I was happy and making money, that was over real quick.
“And with my dad, we have sort of an unspoken agreement. I know he knows.”