Devon Hunter: On Race, Sean Cody and Being Courtesan-Ish

I actually happen to have Topher DiMaggio to thank for turning me on to Devon Hunter. I was writing about that paean to all that is good and right with the world when Hunter's name popped up and I remembered him from somewhere but I just couldn't...oh, that's right! He wrote about the closest thing that gay porn has to waterboarding when he did his stint with Sean Cody, the man most likely to be nicknamed Crazy-Camera-Angle Sean. But as I sniffed a little closer, I found that Mr. Hunter actually has some fairly profound views on race and the jobs he currently holds: escort, dancer and accredited porn professional (Devon has three scenes coming up with Falcon Studios.)

Now, when you look on his site - DevonHunter.info ("The online diary of a gay courtesan") - and click on the 'Mission and Bio,' tab here is what you'll find:

"It is the mission of the blog entries on DevonHunter.info to address stereotypes surrounding adult entertainment, disseminate practical information about the career, and humanize the workers in this field."

Holy shit! Humanizing workers? I like to say snarky things about guys' anal folds. What the hell was I going to talk to this smart, hot, funny, charming Southern guy about? Well, it turns out a lot. And with only 75 torturously short minutes with Devon, and with so many different topics to cover, I found myself having to dodge and weave between what I wanted to at least ask about  (if only in a rudimentary way) and what I felt deserved more time. You'll decide for yourself if this fairly deep interview with all it's issue to address went as you would have liked. But in the meantime, listen to what Devon Hunter, the Southern gentlemen who grew up in the Deep South and has lived in the thick of Racism, has to say about race relations and human sexuality. His eloquence on the subjects is sharp and the passion of his beliefs is inspiring. Okay, and his cock is really nice, too.

MOC Blog: Welcome to MOC Blog, Devon.

Devon Hunter: Thank you, it's good to talk to you.

MOC: Now, for our readers, I want them to know that we unfortunately only have you for an hour so I'm going to limit some of the questions I had originally planned. Why don't you start by telling us a little bit about yourself.

DH: Okay! I am a professional dancer, writer, and former educator. I currently have a pick-up dance company, and I'm also an exotic dancer, porn model, and escort. Oh, I'm also openly gay and openly 34 years old. I think that's important to own.

MOC: (laughing) "Openly" 34. You ARE gay.

DH: MHM!

MOC: So, where you a happy child? What was life like for you growing up? Were you close with your family. Where did you grow up. Paint a picture for us, if you would.

DH: I was a bit of a tormented child. I was always smaller than everyone else, even the girls. I got harassed a lot, but I still was very high energy and laughed a lot. My childhood was marked by several divorces and moves, but I am definitely close to my family...I grew up in small town in rural Georgia and South Carolina. Dad's place is a farm, and Mom's people are in Aiken, SC.
I was encouraged at home to be creative and play outside. We got to do a lot of outdoor work and games, and we went through at least four trampolines.
That's where I caught the movement bug. From the trampolines. My family saw I was little and rather puny, so Dad wanted me to fight (and was proud when I did), ,and Gramma said, "Learn to fight or run." LOL. I chose fighting, though I've never been in one physically. But they're the people who encouraged me to toughen up and not tolerate mess out of other people.

MOC: So if we combine your high energy and your ability to fight (or react to others people's movements) we begin to see the formation of a dancer, yes?

DH: Definitely! I started in gymnastics, then Mom transitioned me into ballet to "improve my gymnastics." It was a ploy to get me out of the sport, because so many boys on the team were getting hurt. She's a clever lady.

MOC: Ballet? That must have been an additional "burden" given your size?
And being in the South?

DH: Yes, but I loved it. I was very lucky to have the family I've got, given the regional stereotypes you're referring to (and which, in many cases, are absolutely true).

MOC: What had you hoped to do with your background in ballet?

DH: Well, I started ballet too late to do it professionally. I focused on modern and other forms in college and graduate school. I got the MFA thinking I wanted to be an educator and have a dance company.

MOC: And, well, that seemed to have played out pretty well, no?

DH: No... not at all. I wouldn't wish the American education system on my worst enemies. Six years of that was enough for me. I went back to being an exotic dancer, and have always said, "My life is far less complicated now that I"m a stripper."

MOC: Well, that brings us to something I've noticed on your blog (www.devonhunter.info). You spend a fair amount of time explaining to your readers the differences between strippers and exotic dancing. And since we're on the subject, what are the differences? And why is it important for you to educate your readers?

DH: It's a question of semantics, I suppose; however, words (as you must know) are powerful. "Stripper" is often used in a defamatory manner. Exotic dancer is a description of a job without placing implied judgment on it; however, when I use "stripper" to describe someone, I mean it in the negative manner (i.e. sloppy, unprofessional, drugged out, etc.). If I use it toward myself, I'm being facetious. It's like calling another gay guy "girl" or "missy." Let a straight guy say it whom I don't know, and we'll have a little come-to-Jesus. Other gay guys can say it though. Does that makes sense?

MOC: Yes, very much so, thank you. Now, something else that is prevalent on your blog - and something I happen to find really interesting - is the lengths you go to explain to club owner and others about your professional expectations. Why do you feel that is necessary and to whom are you addressing?

DH: It's important for a variety of reasons: 1) The owners are not the only ones who need to make a profit by showing up, 2) It makes everything go smoother when expectations are addressed, and 3) It creates a sense of professionalism around an industry that is generally presumed to be entirely populated by people with no common sense, sobriety, or work ethic (which is completely untrue).

MOC: I wish we had a little more time to address that stereotype but I want to move on. Let's talk about your escorting. Why did you decide to become an escort?

DH: Frankly: Between the economic downturn (that I would argue started in late 2006 or early 2007) and the rampant preference amongst gay men for straight entertainers I decided I was fed up with putting up with the environments in most of the clubs. I am trying to pay off debt, not work myself into poverty.

MOC: How did you learn the job?

DH: I had been thinking about it for 12 years, ever since I started as an exotic dancer; however, I wasn't ready emotionally. I used that time to do lots of research on and off over the years. I read a guide by Aaron Lawrence, I engaged in conversations with escorts and clients on forums, and I did an internship of sorts with a close friend who is also an escort. He, in particular, helped me craft a practice that is safe and successful.

MOC: How do you measure success as an escort?

DH: There's the obvious answer, of course. But taking it beyond money, I find that the more repeat clients I have with whom I can become more intimate personally... That is one way to measure success: That a growing pool of people really need me in their lives. That I have become something that is a source of positivity for them. That makes me feel successful as an escort. That I can give a group of men something they cherish very much.

MOC: Now, you were doing all of this before you got into gay porn, correct? The dancing and escorting?

DH: No, I was doing the dancing for 10 years or more; however, I started escorting only after going into video projects. I did the video projects specifically as a means of advertising.

MOC: And so you started with Randy Blue? Give us a brief videography if you wouldn't mind.

DH: I started with Sean Cody, for whom I did a solo and a duo. I declined an offer for a second action scene. Since then I have worked with COLT, Falcon, Hot House, Suite 703, and Dominic Ford. I'm in "Fresh off the Vine" for COLT/Buckshot, and in "Summer Heat" for Falcon. The other ten or so scenes are not part of entitled videos. I have three scenes coming up for Falcon, but I don't know how they'll be treated yet.

MOC: But, of course, your visibility increased exponentially after you described working for Sean Cody which came as something of a bomb. Few have talked so honestly about their experiences.

DH: Yes, that's true. It's unfortunate that more don't speak honestly WHILE IN THE BUSINESS. Most wait until years after they're done. But, such is life.

MOC: Do you think your experience with Sean was unique?

DH: No, I know it is not.

MOC: Can you elaborate?

DH: No. It would be for those individuals who shared with me privately to decide to be more public about it. I have to respect them for trusting me.

MOC: But the whole idea that you can't be "too gay" on his site permeates everything, correct? Or, at least, that's what I took from your reporting of your experience.

DH: That's my impression; however, there is something more important at stake here than me, or what I say, or my blog entry, or Sean Cody, or anyone's reaction to it. Whether anyone believes me or not has nothing to do with the greater reality that gay porn very often seeks to profit from the internalized homophobia that is taught to us. That so many gay men PAY for their own oppression underscores that many of us are too broken to even know we need help.

MOC: Some would argue that it's just fantasy. What do you say to that?

DH: That's lazy on their part, but let me respond. If it's "just fantasy" than everything they base their identity on is "just fantasy" too. When you are talking about a community of people who form a large part of their identities based on the nature of their attractions to other people, then fantasy becomes far more important. It's not accurate to say it's "just gay porn," especially if that is the media through which so many gay men learn about their sexualities in the first place. It is a form of education, and right now many gay men are being taught that they (and other gay men) are, by default, less desirable than straight men. And that is absolutely not true.
Not to mention what bareback porn and extreme fetish video work is teaching...But it's not "just fantasy."

MOC: OK, let's talk about some of the things you've written on your blog about race. You're a very passionate spokesman for the inequality that exists betweent he races insofar as, for example, exotic dancing goes. Where does that come from?

DH: I think there are a variety of ways a person responds to intense bullying. Some become bullies themselves. Others become cold. I became even more empathetic than I might have otherwise been (given the kindness my Mom seems to have passed onto us). I think I am passionate about anyone being treated poorly, because I know the rage and sadness it evokes in me. I hate it when I see someone treated badly, especially if they

MOC: Do you feel - as white man - you're (for lack of a better word) unique in the depth of your feelings?

DH: Unique? LOL We're all unique, yes? I'm unique, just like everyone else. HAHA But seriously, I think that the combination of being small, feminine (or at least not overtly butch), artistic, gay, and extremely sensitive IN THE SOUTH made me feel more deeply than I would have if I'd been straight or raised in a less rural environment. Let me be frank about race in the South: There has been incredible progress, even in my short gay life; however, there are still places where black folks don't go. It is made clear they shouldn't, even though they could if they wanted to. It's the same for gays. There are some places you drive through, and you hope you don't need gas or get a ticket. It's just true. Most places are just fine, but some places aren't. And when I was in school I had lots of black friends, girl friends, unpopular friends, etc... I wanted to be nice to all the people the privileges straight white jocks assholes thought were beneath them. I felt drawn to the "other," because I AM THE OTHER TOO.

MOC: There are so many white people who have no knowledge or, frankly, willingness to understand the Black Experience and many of them work in the gay porn industry. How do we go about changing that?

DH: There is only one way: Show more examples of non-Caucasian beauty. Period. That is the only way. But I would offer an observation about this: People will say they offer what sells. But I would counter by saying they buy what is made

MOC: A lot of of my black friends complain about "thug" porn. they say it's a degrading stereotype of black men and appeals to the worst images of black men as hypersexualized and hyperaggressive. What do you think about "thug" porn? Do you have an opinion?

DH: Yes, I do have an opinion about that very specifically. I think it's racist for one, homophobic for another (since I presume most thugs are gay-for-pay), and a form of fetishization.

MOC: Does it make it more or less racist when a black person is producing it vs a white person?

DH: Are gay-for-pay sites more homophobic if they're owned by LGBT people? Personally, I would say it's not more racist per se, but it is more problematic. I can see where some would say "we are taking the stereotype and profiting from it, therefore we are disempowering the stereotype and owning it;" however, I don't think that is any more affective than gay people owning homophobic slurs or Blacks trying to own the N-bomb. It's racist/homophobic, and attempts to reclaim don't work in my mind. Better to stop using the offensive words, or to stop portraying the stereotypes, than to force a change in who gets to be empowered by them.

MOC: Unfortunately, we only have time for a couple more questions so let me ask you this: You've been remarkably frank about your eating disorders. Why did you choose to go public with that?

DH: Because I want my blog to be a resource for people, and I want others to know they aren't singular (especially in adult entertainment). There are so many people in this business who are tortured with esteem issues. Also, this is my way of coping: If I hold onto secrets they start to feel like cavities in a tooth, rotting me from the inside out. I need to, excuse the pun, vomit all that poison out. That I have an audience is encouraging, but I was doing it well before anyone was paying attention.

MOC: Well, I'm sure you're helping a lot of people whether they've communicated that to you or not.

DH: I hope so. I really do.

MOC: And, finally: MOC Blog? A great blog or the greatest?

DH: The greatest! (Even better than mine)  xo

MOC: Flattery will get you everywhere. Thank you so much, Devon. I wish you had more time and I look forward to speaking with you again.

DH: I would like that very much. I think there is a depth we have yet to access, but introductions are important. I'm flattered you would even want my perspective. I do want to say this candidly: I am not Black, and I do not presume to understand what that means; however, I am very much sensitive to issues concerning marginalization, bigotry, and invisibility. What I hope more White gay men will do is realize WHY the rainbow flag is the perfect symbol for our community.

Comments

[Tré Xavier]

ACTION SPEAKS LOUDER THAN WORDS!!!!

This is why I have come to NOT respect a great many porn actors. And you can add Devon Hunter to that list. They will talk a good game about the inequality in gay porn, YET they work with the studios that give little to no opportunities to men of color...just as Devon does here.

BE CAREFUL OF WHO YOU ARE PATTING ON THE BACK!

[Devon]

Which studios are you suggesting, Tré? The ones who pay nothing and/or practice barebacking? Exactly what control/power are you presuming to assign to me that I do not have?

[Tré Xavier]

Devon,

If I have to tell you, this is why you are what you are...LOST!

Every studio you have named working for uses few if any men of color. AND YOU KNOW THIS. So what are you supposed you do, you double-talking hypocriteit?! DON'T WORK FOR THEM BECAUSE YOU SEE THE INEQUALITY THAT THEY PRACTICE! And if that means walking away, then be enough of a MAN to do so! But of course, like a COMMON prostitute, it's all about the money, isn't it? Not at all about the HUMANITY you try to preach! Try practicing what you preach sometime. Then, and only then will your existence be worth a damn!

And next time you want to respond to me, I STRONGLY suggest that you give the sanctimonious song and dance routine to someone gullible enough to buy it. I AM NOT THE ONE!

[Devon]

Tré, there are five obstacles to my doing work with companies that use Black models (though I will ask my Black clients if they are as offended by my filmography as you appear to be):

1) Yes, it is about the money, and the studios that work with Black models are often the ones that pay the least.
2) I do not work with companies that currently produce bareback videos, so many houses that work with Black models are excluded from the pool.
3) I do not do anything on video that i cannot do in person, so fetish companies are out (and many of them use Black models).
4) If there are any companies left that pay well, use safe sex, and avoid fetishes I will be glad to work for them; however, just because I audition doesn't mean they'll accept me.
5) If such a company does accept me, it doesn't guarantee they will cast me with Black models.

I regret you have chosen to make unwarranted personal attacks, but I understand why you don't believe me. My best friend Jen and I have very open conversations about race and gender. I think she might be interested in this dialogue. She has helped me empathize more deeply, and I think she would be a good mitigating influence here (since she loves all issues concerning masculinity). I will ask her.

[angel cruz]

Tre,
i totally see your point ..all talk no action

devon, money and safety are things that we all worry about.

so....Devon .....maybe ...just maybe you can push more openly (on your blog mine twitter wherever ...) that maybe you shoot with a black guy? ( im willing...MORE THAN WILLING to be him) i think that if you push for more diverse partners in your OWN scenes then you would be making a bigger difference. but, i also wish if only one scene you maybe took a hit in the wallet....

[Devon Hunter]

Tre,

I absolutely would be willing to do a scene with a Black model. In fact, I will text my agent right now to be sure he knows I am willing to do that; however, I have no control over casting. But yes, I will make that push.

As a side note, the company that I myself would like to start one day will focus very specifically on racial diversity, as well as age, body type, and gender expression (e.g. butch vs not butch). That is a long way off right now, but it is something that has already been percolating in my mind's eye. This company would have a great many other distinctions from the current houses, so I hope I get a chance to get it off the ground.

[angel cruz]

(i cant speak for tre but) an open push from models who say they want more diversity could tip the scale ...not just saying you are WILLING but saying you WANT to do it can definitly make it happen

[Devon Hunter]

Sorry Angel, I didn't see that a different user had joined in. I just sent my agent an email. :)

[Victor]

Tre, keep it civil. Personal attacks of that magnitude will NOT be tolerated.

[Tim1965]

Terrific interview (which needs to be said).

[angel cruz]

@devon no harm ... just follow me on twitter so we can chat more! ;-)

[Devonasa]

For what it's worth, at least someone is talking about it, and quite eloquently might I add, and for that Devon you deserve credit.

No one is expecting you to change the industry all on your own, that is impossible, but at least through you there is another voice on the problem, and one that actually talks about it more than a one-off comment in some random interview..but in depth and continuously in interviews and your blog.

[Jerome]

Devon is your typical nelly white gay clone you see so frequently in the South and all over, who likes to claim that he's into "equality" and respects black men, just because he likes to suck black dick and get fucked by black men at times yet he refuses to work with gay and bisexual black men in porn and do porn with black owned porn companies that are not all into barebacking like he wants to claim that they are.

Sorry Devon you're not fooling any black men or men of color.