Is porn ethical? Unfortunately, not all of it, but companies like our client Erika Lust (who celebrated their 20 year anniversary in June 2024) are working hard to ensure that changes. Many people use porn as part of their pleasure routine. However, problematic mainstream pornography is widespread, and features exploited performers or showcases content catered to the male gaze.

Although these controversial platforms still exist, the adult industry is transforming. It’s becoming a more empowering space with ethical standards and is changing the world for the better – here’s how.

What is ethical porn?

Ethical porn values consent, performer safety (emotional and physical) and clear communication about expectations regarding about every scene that’s being filmed.

Performers are allowed to state boundaries, such as what activities they do and do not want to participate in. They’re can change their minds if they feel uncomfortable at any point. In ethical porn, performers have a voice, and can express their thoughts or concerns. Active listening is the norm on set, as it should be.

Paying for porn is better for all

Ethical porn is also about fair pay. Workers receive a fair wage and work under appropriate working conditions. They have enough time to prepare before going on set.

It’s the norm to get regularly tested every two weeks on adult film sets. However, even with negative STI results, performers are given the right to use condoms or opts for additional safe sex methods.Often, an ethical porn site is not free. Free content isn’t beneficial for artists and studios. For performers, it’s extremely frustrating that Google gives priority to free sites.

Certain consumers might consider paid porn a downside. But adequate pay doesn’t just provide a paycheck for crews and performers; it funds a number of things. This includes STI testing, pre and post-production costs and enforced regulation. It allows allows creators to make best quality porn possible, so the consumer gets what they deserve.

Furthermore, fair trade porn promotes social responsibility, encouraging consent and communication in sexual relationships even when they’re not being filmed. It reframes the conversation around sex, which can promote positive sexual behavior online while reducing sexual violence and aggression.

Authenticity is ethical

Whether created by users or performers, this new trend of mindful porn isn’t about showy sex. It provides a perspective that includes and prioritizes the female sexual experience. This view is not just about how men see it.

It encourages women to empower themselves through their own experiences. It allows them to be authentic instead of faking orgasms or doing sexual acts just for their partner. We can see this in ethical soft porn for women and non-male demographics, which prioritizes the female gaze as it deserves to be. 

Why does fair trade porn matter? 

Without ethical porn sites, sex workers lack a safe space, and inclusivity isn’t promised. Diversity in adult entertainment is vital.

Mainstream porn can and will lead to bad habits in our society. It can lead to consent issues, like sharing content without permission. This includes revenge porn, illegally shared OnlyFans videos, and content that depicts minors.

As of February 2024, a class action lawsuit is pending for a multitude of porn sites for posting images and videos of minors. In the past, there was almost no protection for underage people. People often uploaded them without their knowledge to sites with little content moderation.

What the experts think

Our client, the award-winning indie erotic filmmaker Erika Lust shares, “I think diversity and representation in porn matters greatly and is essential for creating a more inclusive, empathetic, and culturally enriched society. It provides a platform for varied voices and experiences, challenges stereotypes, and empowers individuals from diverse backgrounds, ultimately shaping a more equitable and understanding world.

The ethical porn site creator adds, “It’s essential to create a collective commitment to breaking systemic barriers and creating a more equitable and inclusive entertainment industry, and this includes adult entertainment. We need to continue to promote fair and ethical hiring practices and representation behind the scenes. We also have to commit to diverse storytelling and authentic representation and we must hold the industry accountable while we advocate for change for the better.”

In early 2024, global activist and actor Jameela Jamil teamed up with Cindy Gallop. Gallop is the creator of the ethical porn site MakeLoveNotPorn. Together, they aim to create a safer online space. Their collaboration focuses on the areas of sex, technology, and ethics.

With collaborations like this, we can help reshape sex-ed and the conversations around it. The partnership also aimed to get more funding for female founders through WeFunder. This platform lets people invest in companies for equity, starting at just $100.

Platforms like MakeLoveNotPorn are user-generated, showcasing real couples getting it on (and getting paid) for naturally unfolding scenes that are more relatable. The content showcases genuine arousal and real orgasms. These types of videos (as well projects from Erika Lust porn) promote body confidence and removes the intimidating trope of the “perfect porn star” body. 

How ethical porn sites are good for business

Beyond increasing profits for all participants in the adult entertainment sector, the fair and empowering characteristics of ethical porn introduce a whole new world of opportunities and viewership.

It opens up an entire audience of women, people of color, and non-binary people who may have previously felt left out of the conversation. 

When we prioritize the authentic pleasure and perspectives of these demographics, it’s more likely that women, marginalized groups and couples will start consuming more porn. This will help remove the stigma from adult content and sending a more sex-positive message out to the world.

The future of fair trade porn

Thanks to technology, the developments in VR porn for women and marginalized groups are changing the landscape of ethical porn. While VR and AI do have a dark side when used for evil in non-ethical adult content, ethical creators are using these advancements to enhance the industry with more in-depth analysis and better tagging systems to ensure that people get the content they’re actually looking for. 

Along with helping to identify the wide array of preferences and kinks that exist, technology has the capacity to improve the lives and careers of performers. It’s an additional resource, not a replacement. Hopefully, with more regulation put in place, the rapid development of tech in the adult industry can inspire brands like Erika Lust pornography and elevate the world of ethical porn like never before.  

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