Michael Lucas, owner/producer/director/model of Lucas Entertainment in New York, was recently published in the Yale Journal of Law and Feminism. The article, titled “On Gay Porn,” was first released in the Spring 2006 issue.

In “On Gay Porn,” Lucas states that while a great deal of heterosexual pornography seem to objectify women and promotes chauvinism, gay porn has the effect of liberating gay men whose sexuality is often overlooked or ignored in our society. “Men predominantly run the adult entertainment industry and many heterosexually oriented films do indeed manifest control, humiliation, violation, and objectification of women,” Lucas wrote. He sees gay porn as being beneficial to the gay community; “Rather than be oppressive, gay pornography can validate homosexuality and create community,” said the author.

Lucas says that while some people may argue that the role of “top” and “bottom” in gay porn is simply a replica of the dominance and submission of straight porn, that both positions are respected. “Each male participant chooses his role based on his desires. He can be dominant or passive or both.” He also argues that unlike straight porn in which a woman can easily fake her own pleasure, that in order for a good gay porn scene both participants must be legitimately aroused, because both men must have erections. This supports the idea while a woman can participate in a porn scene deriving any pleasure, and indeed in reality be uncomfortable or displeased, in order for gay porn to work, both men must be enjoying the act.

Lucas also believes that gay porn stars can be positive examples for other gay men. For example, they can choose whether or not to promote safe sex. He also believes that gay porn can help men who are uncertain of, or are simply exploring their sexuality. Lucas says his films promote male beauty and therefore a healthy lifestyle and that his porn depicts men in healthy situations in which they are engaging in sober and consensual sex.

He says that while Hollywood often depicts the gay man as sick with AIDS, depressed, as outcasts or simply as a stereotype (the token gay character), his films promote an image of gay men as happy and healthy. “Gay porn thus serves the necessary role of recording and expressing actual gay sexuality at the same time it endeavors to provide pleasure, educate, and engender sexual liberation.”

Hailing from Moscow, Russia, Michael Lucas is the president of Lucas Entertainment, Lucas International, and Lucas Distribution. Lucas Entertainment was founded in 1998 and is now known as a frontrunner in the gay porn industry. Michael Lucas both produces and stars in gay adult films and has been seen on the Howard Stern Show and HBO’s Documentary and Book: Thinking XXX, and has even been nicknamed by some as the Prince of Porn. Lucas also holds a law degree from Russia.