Queerying Owen Keehnen

STARBOOKS PRESS is pleased to announce the release of STARZ by journalist Owen Keehnen. If you’ve ever wanted to get between the covers with a star of gay XXX movies this book is for you!!! This fully illustrated compendium contains 60 exclusive interviews with some of the hottest names in the gay porn industry .
In this delicious collection you’ll find behind the scenes gossip, learn tricks of the trade, sexual techniques, keys of seduction, likes & dislikes, how to navigate a relationship through the XXX world, and a whole lot more. Learn who lost his virginity to a plastic banana, who is a moonlighting banker, who dreams of a career in horror films, and who fantasizes about sex with Queen Elizabeth II! It’s crazy and enlightening and loads of fun. Discover that there is no such thing as a “typical” porn star. Join us as we interview Owen Keehnen in an exclusive QC interview.
1. Owen, thank you for joining QueerClick for an interview. Your new book STARZ has recently been released through StarBooks Press. Please tell our readers all about your book beyond the press release.
Hey QC. Thank you. I’m honored to be here and thanks for your interest and support. STARZ is a book of interviews with 60 stars in the gay adult film industry. I spelled it with a Z to show that these were stars but with a difference. In the book I have a basic questionnaire for each of the studs and then proceed with a Q & A format to chat with the guys a bit and hopefully get a feel for the man behind the façade. I wanted to show the flesh and blood guys behind the fantasy figure. As objects of desire so much is projected onto them from the filmmaker and especially the viewer. I wanted to show what they were like as people. I fancied myself a sort of like a smutty armchair sociologist/psychologist – that’s me all right! It was interesting to see how each differed or resembled their porn persona.

2. Can you explain why you feel your book would peak the interest of the GLBT community and do you think the Heterosexual community would find it interesting as well?
Well, I thought the folks interested in gay porn would gobble it up. That came as no real surprise to me. What did shock me was when I brought a copy of STARZ with me to work and my straight female coworkers went nuts. They were ooo-ing and ahh-ing the shots of the guys and some of the raunchier answers. Those women got so into it they broke the spine of the book! From that experience I discovered that demographic found it interesting as well. Who knew? So if you are looking for a great bachelorette party gift? Look no further than STARZ.
3. What inspired you to delve into the world of the gay porn industry?
Well I was working as a clerk at a gay bookstore here in Chicago and guys would frequently come in and ask for something about porn stars. There were some bios and guidebooks – but no overall view of the men in the industry. Basically it was seeing there was a demand but no product. And I figured I was just voyeur enough to tackle the job. So I put together a rough outline of STARZ and shopped it around to a few publishers and was met with great interest. And from there – A STARZ was born!
4. Owen normally porn stars are not considered the most intelligent and highly skilled individuals in our society, which very well may be an injustice. You spent countless hours and quality time with these stars for your book. Can you give our readers a new insight to their world?
Oh I would disagree. One of my objectives with this book was to shatter the myths we all carry about these men. Some of the guys were a few sandwiches short of a picnic — but others, most in fact, were quite intelligent and articulate. They are as diverse as any other group – like students or nurses or lawyers or whatever – they are all over the map. Discovering and presenting that variance was one of the joys of doing the book. It was so interesting some got into porn to pay back college loans or to pay child support or to overcome shyness or because they wanted fame or to buy a condo. I walked away from the book with the realization that there is no such thing as a typical porn star.

5. Owen, you have been a journalist within the GLBT community for sometime. You have interviewed many people, wrote wonderful articles and columns and even jumped behind the camera as an actor. Tell us all about Owen Keehnen.
Now that’s a tough question. For those who care I’m an Aries and in that capacity I basically am on the go until I collapse. It’s very tough for me to relax but I try and have fun along the way. I love the ocean, horror movies, working out, reading, water sports (no, not that kind!), and roller coasters. I’m told I’m lots of fun to be around with a wicked, twisted, and silly sense of humor. I am very project oriented and am a huge list maker — obsessive compulsive. I am currently getting a lot of satisfaction from writing, acting, and working as a massage therapist. It feels like I just wrote my profile for a dating service.
6. How receptive were the porn stars, directors and producers to you jumping into their world and doing a tell all?
Most were great. I am pretty open and disarming and most people are happy to talk about themselves once you go beyond the veneer or fear of being judged. These guys would have none of that holier than thou crap – and I don’t blame them. Of course some were more willing to talk about themselves than others. I had some guys decline — most simple said not interested and I was fine with that. No big deal. However, I did take issue with two of the guys who declined and then started calling me names. It was insane and extremely disconcerting. I mean, what the hell – I’m a nice guy – so piss off.
7. Was there a specific focus of this book or was it a broad avenue to cover the industry?
Oh I wanted all ages and ethnicities and to show polished studio stars as well as some of the harder edged boys. I wanted the newbie’s represented like Owen Hawk, Jason Ridge, and Nick Piston (all three who have so winningly come into their own since our chats). I also wanted to include STARZ of the past like Gino Colbert, Donnie Russo, and Lou Cass. Those guys have perspective on it and also experience from a different era of porn. It’s all about variety and hopefully that comes through.
8. What are your thoughts on the government’s censorship and restrictions over the last few years within the porn industry and adult site industry?
I think the government has enough problems to focus on without policing pleasure between consenting adults. I can’t respect too much of what the Bush administration stands for anyway.
9. Recently it appears the porn industry is abuzz about Chi Chi LaRue’s choice to stop directing straight productions exclusively for Vivid Entertainment Group effective immediately due to Vivid changing its condom-only policy. What are your thoughts on this matter?
It’s a hot issue that has the adult video world up in arms. Somewhat harkening back to the above answer I am extremely cautious about policing or dictating the bounds of desire – on the other hand – I can understand the need for responsibility in the XXX world and the need for it’s personalities to be more than merely fantasy figures. I think a lot of these guys are role models – at least sexually. That brings into play the entire discussion of responsibility and what that entails – is a public announcement enough or do we teach by example? I don’t know if there is any right answer – just personal choice.
10. Owen, you interviewed many porn stars, did any stick out in your mind as favorites and if so why?
Michael Solider. I am smitten. I adored him and he is absolutely boyfriend material. Smart, funny, sexy, and best of all he radiates a wonderful enthusiasm and love of life. That’s such a wonderfully attractive quality, especially in a mostly cynical world. His answer about taking pride in his work no matter what that entailed was what won me. I just heard from him last week. Sigh! He’s doing a horror movie now called ‘Gay B&B of Horror’. Favorite porn star sex wise – for today I’ll say Parker Williams. He’s a dynamo to see in action – seriously – I imagine his costars as blissfully incoherent after filming a scene with him.
My favorites in the book change all the time — Tag Adams, Rob Romoni, Jason Ridge, Shane Rollins, Nick Piston, Zak Spears, DC Chandler, JC Carter, Michael Brandon, Eric Evans, Steve Cannon, Matt Sizemore, Michael Lucas, Brad McGuire, Chad Hunt, Owen Hawk, Rik Jammer… My orgy room needs a revolving door, and an occupancy limit. In the sequel MORE STARZ I had so many others that just knocked me off my feet (so to speak). Yowsah! I was very lucky to get paid for this.


11. Switching gears a little, what is your take on Brokeback Mountain and Ang Lee? Transamerica and Duncan Tucker? Do you see GLBT movies becoming more mainstream?
Oh yeah – ‘Capote’ too — and countless other films. Yes, grab your children and head for the hills — there are homosexuals at the multiplex. And it is so nice because we are finally marketable as more than just the serial killer, the comic relief, or the sad friend with AIDS. Money is the bottom line in Hollywood and in that sense we have arrived. Gay movies can appeal to a wide audience. Hallelujah! It’s about time.

12. In the teaser for your book it mentions that someone dreams of being in horror films. Now you and I are both major horror film buffs so I am sure this doubled your interest in this porn star. Tell me more.
That was the mega-sexy D.C. Chandler – yum. He’s such a sweetie. Looking back it’s funny — I’m sure he thought I was an absolute psycho because as soon as he mentioned that he liked horror I asked him “How would you like to be killed?” My question took him aback. As soon as I said it there was this subtle intake of air and a brief pause. I hope he knew I was asking that in reference to his previous statement. If he doesn’t he does now – I am not a psycho D.C!
13. Let’s talk horror movie for a moment. You write racksandrazors.com and I have always believed that the word “horror” is way too generalized. I think “horror” has so many sub-branches. It’s hard to fit movies like Amityville, The Exorcist, Frankenstein , Poltergeist, Lon Chaney’s numerous movies, Vincent Price’s classics and Freddy Krueger into the same genre would you agree?
See, I like putting it all in the same category and the sort of huge horror chaos that it creates. It is all so very different, but that’s what makes it great. There are many facets to horror. The key is not to limit the word. When I hear it I think — do I feel like getting creeped out, grossed out, truly terrified, overcome with atmosphere, or bombarded by cheesiness — and to what degree? It can be so much. The genre is diverse, but what I love it for is the intent. In my opinion they’re all legitimate approaches to elicit the same response.
14. I heard your boundaries with “horror” are vampires and zombies. Mine are satanic possessions such as The Exorcist and The Exorcism Of Emily Rose. I just don’t get into the whole innocent being possessed thing. Why are your boundaries vampires and zombies?
I said that? I am always shocked by the shit I’ve said in interviews. Hmm. In regards to that comment I just think in a lot of ways vampires and zombies have been (pardon the pun) done to death and mining that mythology seems sort of pumping a dry well. In many ways they seem too “known” to be frightening to me. I should just shut up – I just finished making a vampire and a zombie movie. Yikes – gag me now! In regards to the whole innocent possessed by Satan thing I can definitely relate to that. I was raised uber-Catholic. I mean, my first career goal was to be Pope. How twisted is that?! Anyway, as a kid I knew I was gay and felt in a lot of ways like I was possessed by the devil or at least netherworld urges (at least from the waist down). It’s easier to say what I love — my favorite horror sub-genre is the haunted house – I am a sucker for atmosphere.
15. What projects are you currently working on?
Right now I am putting together an erotic anthology of deliciously smutty tales called SAVAGE LUST – so anyone wanting work to be considered for submission send your original raunchy fiction to [email protected] — I am also finishing up a screenplay for a horror film called SHE LIVES that is going into production this spring and working on a new horror screenplay called JACKER 3.
I am finishing up MEL my horror novel and am outlining my next novel now. I just finished making a movie called ‘The Chubby Killer’ where I am beaten up and smothered in a cake, in ‘To Walk The Night’ I’m killed by dildos in the movie within a movie, and I recently finished another horror flick ‘Always Midnight’ where I play a TV announcer discounting the belief that the undead are taking over the world. (Better them than conservatives! Or are they the same?) On the non-fright front I am set for a tiny role in a film adaptation of the Ionesco play ‘The Hard Boiled Egg’ as a cop of all things! And then of course MORE STARZ is due this summer for release in late autumn.
16. Do you have other career or personal aspirations that you could tell us about? You seem to have the Midas touch with everything you try.
Thanks QC — that’s the first time I have ever been accused of having the Midas Touch! I like the sound of it! It’s more akin to the workaholic touch born from a new lease on life. My aspirations are simple – and I got this from Sam Tyson in the STARZ book actually – I really just want to use myself up. In this life I want to express all my talents and share my interests and hopefully have a blast doing it. Thanks for putting that so eloquently Sam — so far so good.
17. So Owen, sit on QC’s couch and tell us all about MEL. You are working on a book based around a schizophrenic murderer named MEL. How did this idea come about? Is this a dark side to Owen Keehnen?
It’s funny – my nickname for years was Dr. Darkside. Let me tell you, MEL was so easy to write it was frightening. I mean the voice of a schizophrenic serial killer just poured from me, which is too disturbing to even consider on one level – so I won’t go there. MEL initially came about as necessary therapy after LONG days of vacuous retail cheeriness. Those who have worked retail or waited tables know what I am talking about. The pressure to always be nice and compliant will make your head or heart explode eventually if you don’t discover a vent. At the time I started MEL I was giving up my love affair with drugs and alcohol, which had been my de-combustive outlet for years. MEL kept me sane – well that may be a bit presumptuous and I have friends who would take me to task for calling myself sane. Let’s just say MEL kept me sober.
18. Does Owen Keehnen have inspirations in his life both personally and professionally?
The love and support of my guy Carl, sobriety, Flannery O’Connor, Jimmy Carter, Nelson Mandela, Helen Keller, and Angelina Jolie – who is just too fabulous not to be inspiring. Actually though it is anyone who is striving to be more and working to expand the prison of their comfort zone. I guess I have to say my biggest inspiration is life itself.
19. Owen, is there anything not covered in this interview that you would like our readers to know?
I feel naked – as though your audience knows too much about me already – but that’s okay because I have an exhibitionist streak that is getting off on this. I guess what I want to say is that I thank God or whatever higher power grants us second and third and fourth chances at life…I feel so fortunate and grateful to have made it through some very rough times – but it helps give you a perspective on life.
20. What makes Owen Keehnen click?
Talking about myself…in fact I’m sporting a…just kidding. I think the tension between men who are attracted to one another is so inspiring. Not sex, but knowing that sex could happen and that it would be great because that electricity is just so tangible and there. Eating butt does it for me too. I love to give pleasure.
Owen, QueerClick and I thank you for your interview and wish you the best success in your endeavors.
(Image sources: JetSetMen.com & Raging Stallion Studios)