10) From Top To Bottom: Lesbian Stories of Dominance & Submission
From Top To Bottom features stories by S.E. Hill, Sinclair Sexsmith, and the editor of the anthology and prolific romance and erotica writer, Harper Bliss. These stories of dominance and submission will make you squirm and flinch with the characters.
Gramercy Pictures; CardiB/YouTube; X @antoniovenomous
X @antoniovenomous; CardiB/YouTube; Gramercy Pictures
Scissoring is forever on our minds and is frequently debated by lesbians everywhere. Whether you believe that the legendary sex act is actually a thing or not, you can’t deny the power it holds over everyone’s imagination.
Regardless of whether you’re a huge fan of the much-talked-about sex position or think it’s something that only belongs in lesbian porn aimed at straight men, it seems like it will forever remain in the zeitgeist. From explicitly queer TV shows like Orange is the New Blackto Katy Perry scissoring on stage at the VMAs, there have been key moments that have kept scissoring front and center in our collective memories.
So let’s take a walk down memory lane and celebrate the most memorable pop culture moments in scissoring history!
1. 'Blue is the Warmest Color'
Courtesy of Sundance Selects
In Blue is the Warmest Color main character Adèle scissors the blue-haired Emma, in a scene that has become controversial because of the many lesbians who argue that scissoring is the domain of straight porn and not something real lesbians actually do. But y'all saw it tho, right? 🔥
2. Katy Perry scissoring on stage
At this year's VMAs, Katy Perry performed “I’m His He’s Mine” with queer rapper Doechii that got so steamy the two scissored each other as part of the performance.
3. Bound
Courtesy of Gramercy Pictures
The sex scenes in the erotic thriller Bound are sexy, super horny, and full of undeniable chemistry between Jennifer Tilly and Gina Gershon. The accuracy of the lesbian sex scenes — which include scissoring and Tilly giving Gershon’s character a hand job — is thanks to the contribution of consultant Susie Bright.
4. Santana and Brittany on 'Glee'
While making out with Brittany on an episode of Glee, Santana casually mentions that it’s a “nice break from all that scissoring.”
5. Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion
Screenshot via CardiB/YouTube
Last year, Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion collabed on the song “Bongos,” and the sexy music video features the two singers scissoring while wearing revealing red swimsuits — it’s hot!
6. 'Real Housewives' gives a scissoring demo
During a conversation about whether the women on the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills would ever date a woman, Kyle Richards — who was making headlines at the time because of a rumored relationship with a female country singer Morgan Wade — demonstrated how to scissor with co-star Dorit Kemsley.
"When I was in Cabo with my friends a question came up about scissoring," Kyle said to the group who looked confused about what the term meant, "Here Dorit, should we show them?"
need her on coachella main stage with a full pair of scissors stat @reneé @coachella #reneerapp #coachella #talktoomuchreneerapp
In case you missed Coachella this year, Reneé Rapp quite possibly had the dyk-iest set ever when she was introduced by creator of The L Word star Ilene Chaiken and stars Leisha Hailey, Kate Moennig, and Jennifer Beals before dancing with girlfriend Towa Bird in front a giant pair of interlocking scissors. Could it get any more Sapphic than that?
8. 'The Handmaiden'
Courtesy of Magnolia Pictures
The Handmaiden, an adaptation of Sarah Water’s novel Fingersmith, has enough twists and turns to keep you guessing through the entire runtime, but it’s the sex scene between the two main female characters — which includes frantic, bell-ringing scissoring — that will likely stick in your mind until the end of time.
9. Unsimulated scissoring on 'The Real L Word'
Michael Buckner/Getty Images for Advocate
While every moment in pop culture history so far has featured simulated scissoring or people talking about it, but The Real L Word went all the way. In one episode of the reality TV show, Kelsey and Romi scissor on camera in an unstimulated sex scene that stirred up some controversy.
“I think it got a lot of attention because it had never been shown before,” Kelsey told Autostraddle back in 2011. “It’s something that is very natural. In my opinion it’s not raunchy at all. It something that– you know, its making love. And people will always criticize stuff that isn’t familiar to them or something that‘s not fully accepted. And that’s why I’m glad that I did it because its out there and it needs to be accepted.
10. Gay pop group the Scissor Sisters
Pop group the Scissor Sisters, who started their career in the gay nightlife scene in New York, named their grammy-nominated band after the much-talked about lesbian sex act.
11. 'Book Smart'
Courtesy of Annapurna Pictures
In the Olivia Wilde-directed raunchy teen comedy Book Smart, Molly and Amy beat the merits of scissoring, much like every lesbian friend group ever.
"Do you know how many girls are gonna be swimming in your vagina next year?" Molly asks Amy. "Every time I come to visit you, you're going to be scissoring a different girl."
Amy responds, "Dude, scissoring is not a thing."
"Don't knock it until you try it," Molly says. That seems like a good life lesson.
12. Anthony Bowens scissors a granny
Out wrestler Anthony Bowen’s signature catchphrase “Scissor me Daddy Ass” went from dirty to adorable when he stops to say hi to a “granny” from the crowd and proceeds to scissor her... fingers that is!
13. Did a Nickelodeon show reference scissoring?
Courtesy of Nickelodeon
On the Nickelodeon show Victorious, Jade talked about how her favorite film is a horror movie called The Scissoring. Scissors featured in the movie, but we know what they were trying to do. I mean, c’mon!
14. 'Orange is the New Black'
Courtesy of Netflix
During an especially graphic sex scene on Netflix's iconic show, Orange is the New Black, Poussey has to give up on a sex act that just isn't working out, telling her girlfriend, "I told you scissoring wasn't a thing."
15. The time Elliot Page talked about scissoring on 'SNL'
Elliot Page starred in a Saturday Night Live skit back in 2008 where Page’s character excitedly recounts an experience at a Melissa Etheridge concert and says the iconic line, “Why can’t I just hug a woman with my legs in friendship?”
“Love scissoring,” Rapp said. “Because some people are like noooo, no, no, no, and like are we dense? Of course!”
Windey also admitted that while her wife, Robby Hoffman, isn’t into it, she’s “always begging to scissor.”
Our trip through pop culture history didn't settle the debate about scissoring, but it is incredible that in a culture that demonizes queerness of any kind, a sex act synonymous with lesbianism is so frequently referenced, talked about, and portrayed on screen.
Our expert offers tips and tricks for how to heal an anal fissure when you're a busy bottom.
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You’ve probably heard someone mention anal fissures at some point in your life...
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...and if you’re a bottom, you may very well have already had them.
So what exactly are they? Anal fissures are small tears in the thin, moist tissue (mucosa) that lines your anus. Most (straight) people get them from very large bowel movements. But if you’re a bottom, you’re at a higher risk for them, especially if your partner is a power driller who uses his large tool tactlessly.
“While anal fissures are often associated with anal sex, they’re not exclusive to gay men,” Dr. Evan Goldstein, the leading anal health expert in the United States, tells PRIDE. “In fact, a large portion of the general population will experience either a fissure or hemorrhoid at some point in their lives. That said, among my gay male patients, fissures are one of the most common issues I treat—often tied to the mechanics and frequency of bottoming.”
Anal fissures can be incredibly painful. They can cause bleeding after you poop (and after sex). They will also randomly itch throughout the day. It’s an awkward bodily sensation to have something inside you that’s both itchy and painful. It can hurt to sneeze, laugh, walk, sit, and poop if they get really irritated.
So, here are 12 things you need to know about getting, preventing, and healing anal fissures, according to Dr. Goldstein, who has spent his entire career providing care to the gay community, and last year wrote Butt Seriously: The Definitive Guide to Anal Health, Pleasure, and Everything In Between.
1. Keep your bowel movements loose
Constipation is an anal fissure's worst enemy. The pushing and pressure from constipation can cause tears in your mucosa and rip the tears you already have further open. Make sure to stay hydrated and eat tons of fiber to avoid constipation. If that’s not enough, try over-the-counter laxatives and stool softeners.
“Over-the-counter options, like stool softeners (e.g., Colace, taken 3x/day), fiber supplements (like Metamucil), and Calmol-4 suppositories (2x/day, available at most local pharmacies) can be incredibly helpful, as well as plenty of water to supplement,” Dr. Goldstein recommends. “These form a solid foundation for at-home care, especially for individuals without immediate access to specialized treatment.”
2. Eat more olive oil
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As with staying hydrated and eating more fiber to help keep your bowel movements loose, consider adding more olive oil to your daily intake, as well. This is a natural laxative to help you pass your stool. Additionally, mixing in a little honey and beeswax, then heating up the mixture and letting it cool, can also be used as a topical.
According to Dr. Goldstein, eating a high fiber diet full of grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and seeds, plus plenty of water, “supports consistent, soft bowel movements and overall gut health” and “ adding healthy fats, like olive oil, can also help lubricate the digestive tract.”
3. Don’t hold in your poops
When you hold in a bowel movement, it will eventually come out, and when it does, it comes out more intensely, packing an even stronger punch. This can agitate the tissue and cause additional tears.
“While the healing process takes time and every bowel movement can feel like a setback, avoiding them can make things worse. Don’t hold it in; just be patient. Use stool softeners or fiber supplements regularly,” he explains.
Dr. Goldstein, who is the CEO of Bespoke Surgical and co-founder of Future Method (the first scientific, holistic, and educational brand devoted to supporting safe, healthy, and judgment-free pleasure), recommends taking two fiber capsules at night and two synbiotics every morning to help keep things moving and prevent future fissures once you’ve healed.
“It’s important to stay well-hydrated, avoid prolonged sitting on the toilet, and never strain if the urge isn’t there,” he says.
4. Make friends with aloe vera
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Aloe vera is a natural ingredient that helps cool and soothe the affected areas. If you can’t find an aloe plant on your own, buy some organic gel from the store and repeat every three to four hours as needed.
However, Dr. Goldstein warns that aloe should only be used immediately after a fissure occurs, before switching to other treatments that will work better in the long term. “Aloe can definitely be part of the initial care routine, but realistically, after the first 3 to 5 days of using creams or oils, the goal is to keep the area as dry as possible,” he says. “If you’re reaching for aloe, you might be better off using creams specifically designed for anal fissures instead.”
5. Use more lube during sex than you thought possible
Douse yourself in lube. Bathe in it. Dunk his whole penis in a vat of it. Lube makes his penis more slippery, which helps prevent fissures (or allows them to heal). When you have dry sex, your anus will be irritated even more.
“It’s not just about lubrication; it’s also about understanding your own anal anatomy,” Dr. Goldstein explains. “How are your muscles functioning? What’s the condition of your skin? Many people incorporate anal dilation – using dilators or cones – to help relax the muscles, improve function, and strengthen the overlying skin. Since fissures result from pressure, the goal is to reduce that pressure with plenty of lube and by training the area to better tolerate stress.”
6. Soak in a hot bath
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As if you need another excuse to lounge about in the bath, doing so will also help you with your anal fissures. Soaking in warm water for 10 to 20 minutes a day helps relax the sphincter, thus promoting healing.
“Soaking in a warm bath, especially with Epsom salts, can help relax the anal sphincter, soothe inflammation, and promote blood flow to support healing,” he says.
7. Cool it with the bottoming for a little bit
Alas, you may have to stop bottoming for a bit until the tissue has time to heal. Even if you’re doing everything right, the constant pressure and friction from being penetrated, even when heavily lubed, will prevent the fissures from healing properly. If you do have sex, be gentle. Nice and easy.
Dr. Goldstein cautions that it’s important to spend a week using creams and suppositories to start the healing process, followed by a second week of no sex. “It’s a process, but if you go slow and do it right, the area can heal properly and reduce the risk of it happening again. Skip that step, and you risk developing scar tissue that might eventually require surgery to get you back in action,” he explains.
8. Give Botox a try, it's for more than just wrinkles
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While you may think butt plugs would be a go-to treatment for loosening yourself back up while healing a fissure, but Dr. Goldstein says they can actually do more harm than good.
“Butt plugs actually put more and more pressure right at the neck of the ass where the thin part to the toy is. So, it actually does nothing to work the muscle and skin to decrease pressure. It can also increase swelling that causes hemorrhoids and fissures when pulling the fucking thing out.”
Botox, on the other hand, can be a game-changer. “It works by temporarily relaxing the anal muscles to reduce pressure and allow healing,” he says. “It typically lasts three to four months. Most patients benefit from two to three in-office rounds, paired with at-home dilation and pelvic floor therapy to reinforce the reset.”
9. Preparation H
Jenari/Shutterstock
The #1 doctor-recommended, over-the-counter medication for treating fissures (and hemorrhoids). Preparation H makes a number of products for all your anal needs. They make ointments, maximum pain relief creams, cooling gels, suppositories, medicated wipes, and anti-itch creams. (Important note: this is only a temporary fix, and please don't apply it on open wounds!
“You can absolutely grab this if you are experiencing mild symptoms or just need something in a pinch. It can work to help heal and soothe,” Dr. Goldstein says.
10. AnuSol Cream
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Another over-the-counter medication, AnuSol Cream is an additional tool you should have in your toolbox to help treat anal fissures. Some men have better luck with it than they do with Preparation H. Again, this is only a temporary fix, and don't apply it on open wounds!
“Apply a pea-sized amount at night, in the morning, and after bowel movements as directed by your provider. This, plus Calmol-4 suppositories or similar, can really help,” Dr. Goldstein recommends. “I like dipping the suppository into the cream before putting it up your ass before bed and/or after bowel movements. This can really help more so with going to the bathroom. That’s the key – soft stools, less pressure and straining, and lubrication so you don’t tear. All this together helps the fissure to heal.”
11. Rectiv Rectal
Rectiv Rectal is a medication you can only get prescribed from your doctor. It’s an ointment, very similar in texture to Neosporin. You insert a dab into your anus every 12 hours. It helps to heal the ripped tissue with its magical, medical powers.
“I find many get headaches from it since it works not just locally in the ass,” Dr. Goldstein warns, but says, “it's covered by insurance, so many people try that first and see if it can be tolerated. It helps relax the muscles. I also use a lot of Valium suppositories to also relax the region, which allows for healing and then bottoming.”
12. If all else fails…surgery
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If you’ve tried everything on this list and are still suffering, it may be time to look into more serious forms of intervention. “When a fissure has progressed to scarring or excess tissue, Botox alone won’t cut it,” Dr. Goldstein says. “Many people come to me after failed treatments elsewhere. In those cases, we often need to surgically remove the scar tissue to rebuild the area with healthy, pliable skin. Then we reintroduce dilation and physical therapy to maintain long-term success.”
Adult stars Tony Genius, Jordan Starr, and Dom King.
Mile High Entertainment / Carlos Salazar / Men.com
The biggest names in the industry are clapping back.
Adult stars Tony Genius, Jordan Starr, and Dom King. Mile High Entertainment / Carlos Salazar / Men.com
President Donald Trump has not been shy about his goal to demonize drag queens and the LGBTQ+ community and ban pornography. Since Project 2025 was first published, it became clear that adult content was on the chopping block, and so far, the new administration hasn’t wavered from this goal.
On May 8, Republican Sen. Mike Lee of Utah has introduced the Interstate Obscenity Definition Act (IODA) which would band porn of any kind at the federal level if passed. Backed by the Heritage Foundation, the architects behind the draconian Christian nationalist policy plan, Project 2025, the bill would redefine “obscenity” in the broadest possible terms so that everything from explicit adult content to more tame scenes in traditional films could be considered smut, MSNBC reports.
Like every Republican who has tried to codify censorship into law, Lee claims the goal of IODA is to protect children. Adult content creators have known that conservatives were planning to threaten their livelihood, even creating a “Hands Off My Porn” campaign to try and sway young men to vote for former Vice President Kamala Harris. Much like porn stars and creators predicted, Lee and the Trump administration are using Project 2025, which says porn is to blame for the “propagation of transgender ideology and sexualization of children,” to try to outlaw porn all together. The bill would target the creators and distributors of pornography, paving the way for a nationwide ban and punishing the tech companies that try to continue publishing adult content, ignoring Supreme Court precedent.
But what do LGBTQ+ adult performers and content creators think about IODA, the Trump administrations obsession with banning porn, and how it will impact their careers? Keep scrolling to find out!
PRIDE: The Senate has proposed the Interstate Obscenity Definition Act (IODA), which would prosecute people for sharing or hosting content deemed to be sexually explicit. What do you think about the bill?
Jkab Ethan Dale: The bill is completely unnecessary—and very scary. We already have the Miller Test, which is the national standard for determining whether material is legally “obscene” in the United States. This new bill is a way for the far right to gain more power through vague language, and it’s further proof that they do not care about the Constitution. It’s a direct threat to the First Amendment and will heavily impact marginalized communities. It’s also more evidence that Project 2025 is real, and we all need to work together to stop it.
Do you think IODA amounts to a ban on pornography? Why?
With the current administration, anything is possible—so yes, this could absolutely lead to a ban on pornography. The language used to determine what is or isn’t “obscene” in the bill is so vague that it could be interpreted to target LGBTQ+ identities, sexual education, and more. They’re not even being subtle—they’re openly calling it an anti-porn bill. This bill directly aligns with their Project 2025 agenda, which takes an uncompromising stance against all forms of pornography.
How will this impact your livelihood if it passes?
I’m a full-time content creator. This could end my current business and completely change my entire life. I’m scared. Whether or not the bill passes, we’ve already seen this administration show open defiance toward the checks and balances within our system. The way they fight and attack is deceptive—and dangerous to our democracy.
What are your thoughts about how the Trump administration is attacking adult films?
With GOP leaders controlling both the House and the Senate, I do think this bill has a real chance of passing—ultimately enforcing the most conservative interpretations of speech and morality across the country. That’s why we all need to stay informed and call our local representatives to make it clear that we stand against this infringement on our First Amendment rights to free speech and expression.
This is also a powerful reminder of why local elections matter—and why we have to keep fighting back.
Jordan Starr: This bill is really dangerous for people like me who work in the adult industry. It’s part of a bigger effort from some politicians to ban porn and control sexual expression. One of the main backers, Senator Mike Lee, has been trying to push this kind of thing for years, and now, with Trump and his team (especially the folks behind Project 2025) back in the spotlight, they’re feeling more confident to go after us.
Legally, there’s a difference between “porn” and “obscenity.” Porn is protected by the First Amendment. Obscenity isn’t. Since the 1970s, courts have used the “Miller Test” to decide what counts as obscene. It’s not perfect, but it’s helped keep adult content legal. This bill tries to change those rules so that way more porn can be labeled “obscene,” which could make it illegal.
Basically, they want to shut down adult content by changing definitions—without coming right out and saying “we’re banning porn.” It’s a sneaky, extreme move that goes against freedom of speech and artistic expression. It’s all part of a bigger push to enforce a Christian nationalist agenda.
Do you think this bill could eventually lead to a ban on pornography?
It’s important to understand this bill doesn’t say it’s banning porn directly—because that would be obviously unconstitutional. But it tries to change what counts as “obscene,” which could mean that a lot of what we currently call porn could be reclassified and taken down. So while it’s not a direct ban, it could still have the same effect—shutting down content, censoring creators, and scaring platforms and companies into not working with us anymore.
How will this impact your livelihood if it passes?
If this bill passes, it could be the end of my career and the careers of thousands of other performers, creators, and workers in the adult industry. Websites could stop hosting our content. Credit card companies might cut ties with us. Platforms we rely on could shut down. This bill puts everything we’ve built at serious risk.
What are your thoughts about how the Trump administration is attacking adult films?
Honestly? It’s ridiculous. The people pushing this act like adult films are some big threat, but they’re ignoring the fact that this is a real, legitimate industry with real people making a living. We tell stories. We connect with our audiences. We make art, even if it’s sexual. Trying to silence us like this is a joke—but it’s also dangerous.
Dom King: It’s a broad and unnecessary bill. “Obscenity” is subjective, and giving the government power to define it risks censoring content that’s fully legal.
Do you think IODA amounts to a ban on pornography? Why?
It could. Adult content is usually the first target when vague laws like this are passed.
How will this impact your livelihood if it passes?
It would directly impact it. This kind of bill puts the work I do—and the platforms I use—at risk. It’s also how a lot of people pay their bills and support themselves and their families.
What are your thoughts about how the Trump administration is attacking adult films?
It fits with the Project 2025 agenda—a push for more control over media. Adult content is just the starting point.
Tyler Saint and Ace Banner: Well, I’d love to see their browser history! Clearly, this bill is a simple infringement on free speech. It’s gross overreach by the government to regulate our bedrooms.
Do you think IODA amounts to a ban on pornography? Why?
I don’t think it will. It’s a transparent page from Project 2025 engineered by the Heritage Foundation to reshape American culture, but the implications go far past just pornography. The definition of obscenity already exists with the Miller Test, but this is a clear attempt at an end-around and opens up the definition of obscene to almost anything that is beyond a G rating. I’m not sure bros and horny dads want to lose their Game of Thrones! The bill seems to be rebuffed on both sides of the isle so far.
How will this impact your livelihood if it passes?
If it passes, we’d have to find a work around. Our studio has already made moves to transfer operations to another country. Our fans platforms are already heavily regulated, but delivered from other countries. Unless they shut down all internet, porn will still get through. The human desire is too strong…plus, I like to think we make good shit that people seem to want to watch. We’d find a way.
What are your thoughts about how the Trump administration is attacking adult films?
It’s blatant pandering to the base. Trump has high marks from people who hate what he hates. Otherwise, it’s not a popular position and there’s no way it passes the smell test in the judiciary….as long as they hold. However, just like abortion and trans issues, they’ll keep hacking away. This is just the test case to see how much the public can tolerate. Lee is an expendable member of congress in a reliably red district. If he gets voted out because of it (which he won’t), there’ll be another one behind him to keep trying. They lose nothing for the effort. The fight is just beginning.
Tony Genius: This bill demonizes legal consenting adults and tries to shame our work as immoral. This is in clear violation of our freedoms of expression through art and must never pass!
Do you think IODA amounts to a ban on pornography? Why?
I do believe that bills like these are funded by companies with an agenda to control others through religious morality. the more they try, the more they gain support for these legislative agendas. Our freedoms are being stripped from us, and even those who support these actions today, may be the victims of the actions tomorrow.
How will this impact your livelihood if it passes?
I would be fighting for my freedom because nothing they are presenting will stop me from my expression!
What are your thoughts about how the Trump administration is attacking adult films?
We all knew the ties between Trump and Project 2025, and we have been preparing for the actions of this administration to disappoint us all with far reaching government control and censorship.
King Dwarf: As someone who works in the adult film industry, I see the Interstate Obscenity Definition Act (IODA) as a serious threat—not just to my livelihood, but to free expression and the rights of consenting adults across the country. On a personal level, it’s frightening. This bill seems to criminalize the work I do, even though it’s legal, consensual, and involves adults choosing to engage with and create sexual content. It treats that work as inherently harmful or dirty, without acknowledging the humanity, agency, or professionalism of those of us in the industry.
Do you think this bill could eventually lead to a ban on pornography? Why or why not?
I absolutely think the IODA could lead to a ban on porn—or at the very least, make it nearly impossible to create, share, or access it legally in the U.S. Even if it doesn’t say “porn is banned,” the way it’s written gives the government way more power to decide what counts as “obscene,” without the usual protections we’ve relied on. Right now, there are rules that help protect what I do as free expression—especially if it has artistic value, or if it reflects the standards of specific communities. This bill wipes that out and replaces it with a stricter, one-size-fits-all moral definition. That’s terrifying, because once you change the legal standard, it’s easy to start applying it to all kinds of porn. Suddenly, what I film or post—even if it’s consensual, legal, and made by adults—could be labeled “obscene” and criminal. And when that happens, platforms that host our work, payment processors, even social media companies will panic. They’ll kick us off just to be safe. We’ve seen it before—after SESTA/FOSTA, a lot of sex workers lost access to the internet almost overnight.
How will this impact your livelihood if it passes?
If the IODA passes, it could devastate my livelihood. Right now, I earn a living by creating and distributing adult content—content that’s legal, consensual, and made for adults who choose to view it. If this bill becomes law, that could all be at risk. Even before the law is enforced, platforms I rely on—OnlyFans, JusrFor.Fans,—might shut down adult content to avoid liability. Payment processors like Visa and Mastercard might follow, as they’ve done before when they feared legal trouble. No platform = no income stream. If the definition of “obscene” content is broadened and federalized, there’s a real chance I could be criminalized just for doing my job. That includes filming, posting, or even sharing behind-the-scenes content. The threat of jail time, fines, or getting caught in a legal fight is chilling—not just for me, but for everyone in this space.
What are your thoughts about how the Trump administration is attacking adult films?
As someone working in the adult film industry, I find the Trump administration's recent actions deeply concerning. The administration has supported legislation that could criminalize the production and distribution of adult content, such as the Interstate Obscenity Definition Act (IODA). Additionally, the administration's backing of initiatives like Project 2025, which includes proposals to ban pornography and prosecute those involved in its production, signals a significant threat to our livelihoods and freedom of expression. These measures not only jeopardize our ability to work safely and legally but also risk pushing the industry underground, where performers may face greater exploitation and fewer protections. It's essential to recognize that adult content is a form of expression and that those involved deserve the same rights and protections as workers in any other industry.
Dallas Steele: This bill isn’t surprising. The current administration has emboldened the extreme right to go after everything from abortion to marriage equality to immigrant rights and now, this attack on free speech. The courts have made clear that pornography IS protected by the First Amendment. But even if this were to become law and later, overturned by the Supreme Court, we have no guarantee this administration will follow the order. Look at how many court orders they’ve failed to follow already.
Do you think IODA amounts to a ban on pornography? Why?
Republicans love porn too, though most would never admit it publicly. I don’t see this bill going anywhere. They’ll say ‘I support the idea, but our Constitution is clear about this.” And ultimately, if it did pass, Trump — a fan of escorts and by extension porn, would be unlikely to sign it, knowing it would most certainly end-up before the Supreme Court and overturned as unconstitutional.
How will this impact your livelihood if it passes?
Obviously if this were to become law, it would be devastating to a multi-billion dollar industry and the hundreds of thousands of people who make a living with adult content. The second effect, would be the creation of an underground industry, endangering women and children — the very people republicans claim they want to “protect.”
What are your thoughts about how the Trump administration is attacking adult films?
I don’t think Trump personally opposes porn but what’s scary is his willingness to cooperate with the extremists in order to gain even more power. We’ve seen it multiple times. He’d throw his best friend under the bus to make a buck or bolster his power.
Alfonso: I think is a sensationalist exercise that goes on theme with the actual administration.
Do you think this bill could eventually lead to a ban on pornography? Why or why not?
It could if the Senate approves it. I don’t think it goes through tho, that would impact the economy of a lot of people and the USA can’t really afford affecting the economy even more right now.
How will this impact your livelihood if it passes?
Honestly it would affect me more emotionally as an Artist and a creator than economically, because at the time I couldn’t really say that I live just from producing porn. I guess I would have to keep doing my work out of the States, I just don’t see me quitting this lifestyle. Porn has been big part of my life for almost 10 years now, way before I started being in front of the camera. It’s where my favorite network of people thrives.
What are your thoughts about how the Trump administration is attacking adult films?
I guess it makes sense. It has always been part of the conservative speech to ban different expressions of art. The thing with porn is that it’s an easy target because it shares a thin line with sex work. Nothing wrong with it, but there’s people that just can’t stand liberal arts or sex work. They care too much and they really think they’re doing the right thing by banning stuff instead of debating it.
Benvi
Credit: NextDoor Studios
PRIDE: What do you think about the bill?
Benvi: As a sex worker, I’m clearly not fond of the proposed bill. It was all laid out in Project 2025 though. I’ve just been waiting for this threat to come to fruition much like many others mentioned in Project 2025.
Do you think IODA amounts to a ban on pornography? Why?
I don’t think the establishment that currently run our country would abolish a billion dollar industry completely. It may become a lot more restrictive going forward but I have hopes that it won’t be completely erased. Because ultimately The industry contributes greatly to our economy.
How will this impact your livelihood if it passes?
With everything else the current establishment is getting away with, I’m incredibly worried for the future of my peers and I. A nationwide criminalization of porn would lead to so many people losing their entire livelihood, not just models or creators either. There’s so many people involved in the production side of this industry! It’s a very scary time for all of us right now.
What are your thoughts about how the Trump administration is attacking adult films?
I think it’s incredibly weak of this administration to directly attack not only the porn industry but every single marginalized community in our country. My hope is that those who feel they haven’t yet been targeted, realize this and stand by our side before it’s too late. Also, the Bible Belt consumes more pornography than the rest of the country so I’m really hoping that will be taken into consideration when they take it to the polls.
Jaq Quicksilver: Somewhere online I found this image — two men have protest signs that say "decent men protect indecent movies." I don't know the origins of this photo, but they were damn right. A discerning citizen can see that IODA is not just an attack on pornography but an attack on the right to think and to speak to each other.
Do you think IODA amounts to a ban on pornography? Why?
The proposed IODA is an attack on one of the basic rights of citizens of the United States. I do believe that one of its intended uses is an attempt to outright ban pornography, because it's straight out of the Project 2025 playbook. The writers and proponents of Project 2025 have outright stated one of their goals is to outlaw the creation and consumption of "obscene" media, from pornography to basic medical information for LGBT people.
How will this impact your livelihood if it passes?
The passage of this act would severely jeopardize my livelihood and my ability to support myself. Over 50% - maybe even up to 90% - of my income is from sales in the United States. Consumers are already measurably put off by state-level ID-requirement laws, preferring to go to less ethical websites from abroad, which don't require identification from consumers OR producers. I cannot imagine this would get better if the federal government decided to throttle access or even collect private information from porn consumers. My hard-earned financial freedom would be in tatters.
What are your thoughts about how the Trump administration is attacking adult films?
I think the Trump administration's attacks on adult films are despicable Christifascist power grabs... Not to be too blunt about it! This administration is using everything it can - from more conventional methods like IODA to shock-and-awe waves of Executive Orders - to erode the rights of citizens and to disempower us. They use the smokescreen of "obscenity" to attack transgender people, LGBT rights, women's rights, and the freedom of speech as a whole.
Damien King: I think on the surface that the bill is a blatant violation of the First Amendment and a breach of the separation of church and state. I also think that it lays the groundwork for a much broader attack on LGBT+ representation in the media.
Do you think IODA amounts to a ban on pornography? Why?
I think that that is the ultimate goal of republicans, yes. But I don’t think that such a ban is likely, particularly because it is a more fringe idea. But I’ve been wrong before, so I’m also not being complacent.
How will this impact your livelihood if it passes?
I’m very fortunate to have a primary source in a different sector, but it would put a dent in my discretionary spending. I do worry for my friends in the field whose primary source of income is adult films.
What are your thoughts about how the Trump administration is attacking adult films?
I think that this goes beyond the Trump administration — not that he’s blameless. I think it’s rooted in the discomfort with sex that’s deeply rooted in conservative ideology. Their goal, at the end of the day, is that sex only leads to procreation. Any sex or portrayal of sex — be it gay/lesbian or even straight but utilizing contraception - that is purely for enjoyment and not for procreation is under threat from them. As much as we,LGBT+ people will be the first to be attacked, we will not be the last.
Sam and Ed (producers at AltSHIFT Films)
AltSHIFT Films
PRIDE: What do you think about the bill?
Sam and Ed: We think that this act is the far right trying to makeanything they deem obscene prosecutable if it’s shared. They haven’t specifically defined what is obscene; it’s subjective and vague, making it difficult to apply with certainty to any given material; leaving them open to deem anything obscene which offends their version of morals; this could be anything from depictions of same sex relationships or any relationships such as polyamory which are not the nuclear 2.4 family model, kink events, video games with violence, queer comics and obviously all porn - as some examples. We think this bill could allow them to police all free speech and expression, not just in creative industries, but in how lives are lived and shared online.
Do you think this bill could eventually lead to a ban on pornography? Why or why not?
We think that this is a start to the US trying to ban all porn; already we are seeing big sites such as Pornhub being banned in some states; such as Texas, which is currently more to do with the law instituting age-verification measures; which are also effecting the UK with the “Online safety Act." But it feels like these age verification acts, which are being masqueraded as a way to ‘keep children safe online’ are really the soft launch to something like IODA which will ban all porn.
How will this impact your livelihood if it passes?
If porn is banned in the US it would affect us as we sell our films to a global market.
It’s not just the US that is looking at banning porn, the definitions of ‘extreme porn’ in UK law are also vague and subject to the whims and ‘moral’ code of the arbiters. We believe ethical porn means paying and treating the performers correctly, not what’s depicted on screen. Our livelihoods are already in the balance, and the more we are driven underground, the less space there is for the protection and oversight of sex worker rights.
What are your thoughts about how the Trump administration is attacking adult films?
“Project 2025” which is a far-right wish list for Trumps term, and calls for an outright ban on porn: "Pornography should be outlawed. The people who produce and distribute it should be imprisoned. Educators and public librarians who purvey it should be classed as registered sex offenders. And telecommunications and technology firms that facilitate its spread should be shuttered."
They are not doing this in secret, they are loudly saying they want all porn to be banned. This is definitely an attack on the adult film industry, and the only hope is for people around the world who believe in freedom of speech and expression to call it out and take it seriously. Education will be imperative, so people understand that this will not affect just people producing porn, but those consuming it also.
It is a Trojan bill to start policing all of our creative expression, sexuality, and right to live as we choose, and can only lead to more control on our lives.
The handsome actor and TV creator's latest show, Overcompensating, is the passion project that he's thrilled to finally share with the world.
Skinner plays Benny, a closeted former football player, who has a hard time coming to terms with his sexuality while venturing off to college. The plot hits home for Skinner, as he had a hard time navigating his own coming out journey at a young age.
"It was inspired by my experience of coming out and feeling so confused the entire time, even when I started to come out. I hadn't seen that on screen yet. I felt guilt, I felt confused... I didn't know who I was anymore. I didn't know if people would still love me," Skinner tells PRIDE.
As Benny's story progresses each episode, audiences will certainly resonate with his mixed feelings as he deals with the pressures of becoming a young adult in college.
"I see the beauty in so much of it and I think the beauty is finding the people that you can come out to. I think for so many of us, it's these safe spaces created by women that are around us. That was the inspiration and I was like, let's also put it at college and make it disgusting!"
Shenanigans certainly play out in all of the diverse storylines on Overcompensating. It's college after all, and these characters also explore their sexualities through some very steamy and awkward hookups.
"This feels true and honest and this is how my experience was. Sex can be terrifying, bizarre, weird, hot... I think you can have sex dreams in college! All of these should feel how they really feel. If it felt honest to us, we were going to have it."
Benny isn't the only character to deal with some identity issues while trying to life his best life in college. Skinner's costar Wally Baram plays Carmen, who experiences her own fair share of chaotic situations that leave her questioning everything.
"I would not make these choices, but it's part of [Carmen's] journey. The rest of her journey is so messy and beautiful in a way that I really related to. She just can't quite figure out how to make it work socially. It was nice closure in a way," Baram says.
As if the intriguing plot wasn't juicy enough, Charli xcx also makes a cameo as herself in the hilarious series and provided the majority of the show's soundtrack from her iconic discography.
"Charli has been sonically impactful forever. At some point in the show, we would love to have a little bit more XCX World. Maybe you'll hear some of those unreleased tracks! The Angels are really fed. It was like, first takes that you're watching. I'm so excited for her and for people to see it," Skinner concludes.
Overcompensating premieres Thursday, May 15 on Prime Video. To see the full interview with Benito Skinner and Wally Baram, check out the videos at the top and bottom of the page.
The iconic underwear line has teamed up with countless sexy celebrities for many steamy campaigns over the year, but now Cooper Koch has slipped into some sexy briefs of his own.
Koch's spicy photos quickly went viral on social media with many fans going absolutely feral, so we naturally composed the best reactions for you to enjoy. Check them out below!
"doggy, missionary, cowgirl, reverse cowgirl, upside down, inside out, one leg up, two legs up, in public, on a spaceship, in the garden, on the grass, in a car, in a box, on a table, against a wall !!!!! NO BREAKS"
{cooper koch i need you so badly"
"cooper koch takes my breath away"
"cooper koch i need you so bad"
"that was not a prosthetic btw"
"cooper koch calvin klein shoot randomly dropping on a tuesday afternoon"
Adult stars Tony Genius, Jordan Starr, and Dom King. Mile High Entertainment / Carlos Salazar / Men.com 
