SexHerald: What's the reaction from people when you tell them you're in the adult business?

Joey Steele: When people find out I am in the adult business, I usually get a bit of “Oh...” surprise as most don't know how to react to it. There's also a lot of curiosity, especially from gay men. They have a lot of questions. I think most guys fantasize about being in an erotic photo or in a video. I haven't received a lot of negative or nasty reactions from people although I have certainly dealt with it. Generally, I get a lot of questions about the business and what goes on and about sex in general. A lot of people see adult models and performers as having some special knowledge. I think this shows how more open society has become. I don't mind the questions. We exist to help people feel more attractive, sexual and passionate. That's our job.

SH: What about the reaction from people you grew up with that knew you then? Are they surprised to hear you're in the business?

Steele: I'm not really sure. I haven't stayed in touch with many people from my youth. But those I have and some family members were surprised at one point. I wouldn't say shocked, though. I have always been independent and a bit different. I think mostly because I am pretty smart and have the graduate degrees. Some are more amazed I model nude and do erotic work, too. It's almost as if you're smart you should not have this physical, sexual side to you. Smart people, I find, tend to be extremely sexy. People who have known me a long time look at my photos or things I have done and are more like “Wow, I am blown away,” or "I could never do that.” I always take this to heart that my friends can appreciate the art to the work that I try very hard to keep in it. I also end up giving a lot of advice on men, sex, and about the world. I guess if I don't get a negative reaction, it is always one of interest. If I run into someone from my school days that has seen me somewhere and gives me grief, I don't think I'd say anything except, “Hi, good to see you and thanks for seeing my movie,” or something like that. My oldest friends I met all on the club circuit or from the industry so I have a pretty nice circle of true friendship going on. 

SH: Have you considered entering the adult business before you were approached to do it?

Steele: I had been gay and active most of my life and had men paying attention to me. And, of course, I saw the magazines and videos out there be it William Higgins, Falcon, Chi Chi's, Blue Boy or Freshman, whatever. So I thought about it, sure. I was committed to getting an education, though, and was still finding out who I was. At one point, I was centered enough to try mainstream modeling. When I was asked to pose nude, I was ready. There came a time when I could handle doing video, and I very much knew I was a very sexual guy and also had a role to play as an adult gay model. I am very happy with my work in recent years as I've been given the opportunity to be more artistic. 

SH: Have you done straight films?

Steele: Yes, I have. Gay porn is just more me. I am much more natural with other men, which makes the performance more pleasurable to do. However, I like women. Some of my best friends are women. And I appreciate female beauty and sexuality. Some of my biggest supporters as gay model and performer have come from women. I would do more straight work or more work targeted for women so long as I think it is good. I just am more sexually attracted to men. My serious romantic relationships have all been with men.

SH: How many films have you done and which films/videos would you say people can see your best work in?

Steele: I have shot quite a few, too many to count. But, in past two years I have shot 17 videos. Most recent is a yet untitled and unreleased gay threesome video. Another one is a straight film called BtheB by Devil Bat Media and co-starring names like Anita Blue and Erika Koles. I shot five videos for RainbowVIP and have done three films for Connor Media and Flip Flop Entertainment, including Sheer Sex in 2004. I am also featured on the compilation video Power Suits . Print-wise, I have been photographed over 10,000 times just in 2004 to 2005 and still shooting. I think right now my best work has been print. I am trying to get a straight but homoerotic film shot soon for Falcon in partnership with Phil Herman. It is an erotic thriller. I'm currently trying my hand at producing, writing and directing as well as performing in it. The project has been a year in the making and will hopefully be shooting soon. It's called Man Who Denied the Cry and is part of the After Midnight trilogy. I am always looking for new projects, print or video.

SH: Do you usually play the dominant or more submissive role? Is there such a thing as someone being the "woman" and the "man" in gay porn?

Steele: Good question actually and one I get a lot. Actually, I have played both. I am probably more often passive-aggressive in many shoots as I like to be seductive, subtle but I also am a big guy. Being 6'3" and rather dramatic in my physical features, I don't tend to fit the stereotypical submissive character. There can be a 'woman' and a 'man,' per se, but not really. It depends on the theme being played out or the scene story. Honestly, some of the best scenes are those where it is hard to tell who is exactly dominant. Even a bottom could be the dominant one.  I think gay men, except for truly hardcore fetishists, such as those into Dom and Sub, are like lesbians in that it isn't necessarily an absolute for sex to happen and be good for both.

SH: In your personal life, are you more submissive or dominant?

Steele: Oh, I do get this question even more often. Truthfully, I am a versatile guy and even if I am being submissive, per se, or being more passive, I am always aggressive in some way. Even when I am the bottom guy, I tend to control or at least co-own what is happening. It's my nature; I am strong-willed. If I'm on top, I can be sweet and loving or more controlling. Often it depends on what clicks with my partners. I usually plug into what my lovers want at that moment in time. I think when we try to explore the other's desires to the extent of our own comfort levels, sex becomes the experience it should be: passionate, exciting and surprising.

SH: Besides you, who are some of the bigger names in gay porn? And, who would be considered the “Jenna Jameson” of gay adult?

Steele: Me, a big name? Nah! I am a name and have been around a while yes, but I'm not as well-known as many other performers so I'm not sure I have the ego to say I have a big name.  Lucas Films in general is a major name right now as a company. Falcon is still huge. Titan is doing some great work. Talent has multiplied as demand seems to be growing for both print and video.  I would say the bigger names in gay porn in terms of performers are Michael Lucas, Robert Van Damme, Colt Man and Dean Phoenix. I think Dean is nearing Jenna Jameson potential. He can act as well as perform.

SH: What do you feel is the biggest misconception people have about the gay adult industry?

Steele: I think the biggest misconception is that we are not professionals in the gay adult industry but just a bunch of horny gay guys thrown together to shoot a movie or take a photo. There are amateurs out there and a demand for that type of pop, cheap material. However, most of the industry – be it print, web, video or film – is done by creative people who are experienced models or actors working with trained pros in media.

SH: You mention you would like to do more projects that were targeted to women. Do you feel there isn't enough quality porn for women? Do you feel women don't have a lot of power in this business?

Steele: I think women want more art in the work and I think as women have gained their sexual freedom and power, which is growing in the industry, they are helping us all do better, stronger work. I would like to see that trend continue so that adult work becomes more beautiful while staying very erotic and hot in putting sexual images out there for all of us to enjoy.

SH: In straight porn, women make more than men who have been in the business for years. What's the pay scale in gay porn?

Steele: In gay porn, pay scale is generally about the same as it is for straight males in straight porn, unless you get bit of a name that has fandom. Of course, it also depends on the project and what you can do. I don't just mean sexually. If you can act and deliver lines, move well, do real movie quality kissing and the like, you can expect better paying roles. You also can demand more if there is something special about you. There are many muscled, tan boys out there in the business. Be different with a unique quality that is not easy to find and you get better pay and better projects. You have to cultivate that special quality, though. Like in mainstream media, you need to create a persona, an entity that is purely your brand. 

SH: Have you or other gay performers you've worked with been the victim of gay bashing or homophobia? 

Steele: I have dealt with gay phobia. I have marched in enough gay pride parades where I still see hecklers on the sidelines. I saw more of it when I was younger. Thankfully, I am seeing less of it as I travel. I have never been assaulted or “bashed” as they say. None of my personal friends have, either. I will tell you: I hear and see enough of it in the news that over the years, I have trained in Aikido, boxing and such so I can take care of myself. The world is still dangerous if you are a gay man. You do have to think about it when you are out on the street. I also think it is very important that those of us in the media, even the adult industry, speak out for gay rights.

SH: What are some of your interests outside of work?

Steele: I like and write poetry whenever I can. Some of my poems have been published over the years. I love to dance and have had dance training so I love to go out and move. Generally, I like films, books, art and really good food. And I also do what I can for charitable causes. My interests vary. I explore, and what was a hobby last week may be different this week.

SH: What are your long-term goals you have? How far do you want to go in adult and how much longer do you think you'll remain in the business?

Steele: That's a hard question. I enjoy the work. I must say I enjoy the print work more these days. You have more control over the product to create something beautiful and exciting in the image. I will still do video but only when it interests me. The web has opened so many new doors to create, market and show work. I see myself producing more work myself. I think I will always be involved in the adult industry in some way, shape or form for many years. I am already guiding some other talent and who knows, may take on management.  Right now, I still find a lot of photographers and filmmakers who want to create work with me so I will continue doing that. My long-term goal is to leave a legacy of beautiful images for people to enjoy and to have had a fun life, helping people and causes along the way and, after all is said and done, I can just take it easy, knowing I have really lived my life.