Although many people use porn as part of their pleasure routine, problematic mainstream pornography is rampant, featuring exploited performers or showcasing content catered to the male gaze. Although these controversial platforms still exist, the adult industry is transforming into 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 should be allowed to state boundaries, such as what activities they do and do not want to participate in, and should be allowed to change their minds if they feel uncomfortable at any point. In ethical porn, performers are given a voice, and their thoughts or concerns are actively listened to.

Ethical porn also means being paid a fair wage and working under appropriate working conditions, with enough time to prepare before going on set. All performers should be able to show negative STI tests but should still be given the right to use condoms or additional safe sex methods if they want to. 

Often, ethical porn is not free. Free content can greatly detriment on artists and studios, and extremely frustrating for performers that Google gives priority to free sites. Although this is considered a downside by some consumers, it allows crew and performers to be paid fairly and funds things like STI testing, pre and post-production costs, enforced regulations, and making sure viewers get the best quality porn possible.

Whether it’s user-generated or performer-led, this new movement of mindful pornographic content isn’t performative. It offers a perspective that’s more inclusive of the female sexual experience rather than a performative one seen only through the male gaze. It encourages women to empower themselves through their own experiences and be authentic rather than faking orgasms or engaging in acts solely for their partner. 

Why does it matter? 

Without ethical porn, there isn’t a safe space for sex workers, and inclusivity isn’t guaranteed. Diversity in adult entertainment is vital.  Beyond that, mainstream porn can give people bad habits, opening the door for consent that’s posted without approval, such as revenge porn, illegally ripped OnlyFans videos, or content featuring minors.

As of February 2024, a class action lawsuit is pending for a multitude of porn sites for posting 

images and videos of minors, but in the past, practically no protection was available for underage people being uploaded without their knowledge on sites with little to no content moderation.

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.

“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.”

Global activist, actor and founder of  I Weigh Jameela Jamil recently partnered with Cindy Gallop, the creator of ethical porn platform MakeLoveNotPorn on a mission to create a safer online space in a collaboration that intersects sex, tech, and ethics. With collaborations like this, we can help reshape sex-ed and the conversations around it. The partnership also aims to secure more funding for female founders through WeFunder, a platform that allows people to 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 and showcase genuine arousal and real orgasms. These type of videos (as well as footage from Erika Lust’s films) promote body confidence and removes the intimidating trope of the “perfect porn star” body. 

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.

How ethical porn is good for business

Apart from generating more revenue for everybody involved in the adult entertainment industry, the equitable and empowering nature of ethical porn opens up a new realm of possibilities and audiences – namely, women, people of color, and non-binary people who may have previously felt left out of the conversation. 

With the authentic pleasure and perspectives of these demographics being prioritized, it’s more likely that women, marginalized groups and couples will start consuming more porn, removing the stigma from adult content and send a more sex-positive message out to the world.