The latest episode of MTV's "True Life" tackles a complex topic: straight dudes who have sex with men for money.
Titled, "True Life: I’m A Gay For Pay Pornstar," the episode follows two straight men who struggle to balance getting paid to star in gay porn films with their lives as straight men with girlfriends.
In order to get a more nuanced understanding of the realities of this profession, The Huffington Post chatted with Ben, one of the performers featured in the episode, about his experiences as a "gay for pay" pornstar.
The Huffington Post: Why did you decide to do the show?
Ben: I decided to do the show for a number of reasons. The biggest reason was so when the time comes, I would want my kids to understand that what I've done for them says nothing negatively about me as their father. Secondly, my reason for doing this show was so that I can relieve myself of the weight and burden from keeping this a secret for so long.
What would you say to someone who says you have to be gay (or can't really be straight) to work in this profession?
Since this episode has aired, I've received a lot of hate because so many people have felt offended by what I do and that I do it as a straight guy. However, what I do sexually does not speak for my romantic preferences. Having sex with men does not speak for the love I have for my wife, romantically or sexually. My response to it all is we don't need to constantly feel the need to label ourselves of our preferences, sexually or romantically, and even I myself am coming to terms with this realization day by day. Engaging with someone sexually is not always a representation of who we love or how we love. Love can charge you romantically and passionately, which is what I share with my wife, so naturally the same cannot be said for what I do and separate myself from on screen.
What do you want people to take away from the show?
I want people to understand that for some people, there are no limits to what you can do to provide for your kids. I also feel people should take away the unnecessary need to be placed under some kind of label for their sexual or their romantic preferences.
Check out the trailer above to see more from this episode of "True Life."
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