Jesse Santana Speaks: Not All Porn Stars Are Escorts

EDITOR’S NOTE: The following was written by porn star Jesse Santana and was circulated by email to industry publications. With permission, we’ve reprinted the article in full.
Escort, model, pornstar…these are simply job titles, all of which should be respected in their own right, but not to be confused. Individual pornstars may also have separate job titles. Some are doctors, some are teachers, some are bartenders, waiters, dancers, professional ice skaters, Olympic swimmers, and some…are escorts. But more often than not, most pornstars have to struggle under the consistent assumption that all porn models are prostitutes as well. Why should one title create another? It’s honestly a shame that a porn model can’t be proud of his or her job, without it also being assumed that sex and/or services are up for sale. And why is it that a large percentage of models are told, at one point or another, that in order to be a ‘bigger star’ they need to keep some would-be clients happy? It’s the sad truth, but it’s wrong. Pornstars should be liked for their performances on-screen, not off-screen.
First, let me simply say that my standpoint is not at all against escorting or escorts, but against the misled presumption that simply being a pornstar in today’s society automatically links you to being an escort as well. Whereas, most of us pornstars would rather be associated with what we truly do as a profession. In saying that, I only mean to offend the certain individuals who think that a room full of pornstars is the equivalent of a buffet with a complete carry-out/to-go menu.
Some may argue that both parties are paid for sex, but consider this…pornstars choose how to express themselves, whereas escorts are at the mercy of their clients desires. Pornstars are selling a finished product, a scene or a DVD. An escort’s product is his/her own body or time. Adult film is completely legal and an honest form of acting, or entertainment rather. The hard truth is that the core of most every escort’s business is prostitution, which is illegal in all but two states in the United States. Porn models are paid by check by legitimate companies, whereas escorts are usually paid in cold hard cash by free-standing individuals. It’s a free country, do what you choose…but many pornstars would rather not be directly categorized with illegal jobs and situations, such as prostitution.
Lately, I’ve been setting the gay porn world On Fire. I have a strong relationship with a wonderful Guy and this topic means a lot to us, and certainly heavy on the minds of any other non-escorting pornstar. We’re regular guys who enjoy our career as gay adult entertainers, but that where the line stops. It’s depressing, infuriating, heartbreaking, nauseating, and most of all, sadly discouraging, that the general public and the porn industry itself, can’t realize that not all of us sell ourselves in such a way. This specific, misconstrued perception of porn models is an extremely unsettling and disrespecting misconception that needs to be put to light and set straight, for the sake of every self-respecting pornstar’s morals and integrity.
Being asked to sell ourselves is not a compliment or flattering to us in any way. Even if a certain pornstar were to escort as well, they probably don’t want to be approached for an escorting job while they’re representing themselves as a pornstar…I mean, a doctor doesn’t want to go to a party and be asked to give a woman a breast exam. We’re not just a bunch of pretty faces, bubble butts, and big dicks…we pornstars have our own ideas, views, and voices…all of which need to be heard! If you’re a pornstar who escorts, be proud of it. But if you’re really looking for a good hott escort, please try rentboy.com.
It’s your turn, dear QC reader, to let us know your thoughts on this issue. Agree with Mr. Santana? Think he’s wrong? Please leave a comment, but please keep the debate civil.