When it comes to viewing pornography or erotica ethically, there are several key factors to consider that can help guide your choices and ensure a positive impact. Here’s a roadmap to help you navigate this topic responsibly:
- Seek out ethical production companies: Research and support production companies that prioritize ethical practices, such as fair compensation for performers, diverse representation, and a safe and consensual working environment.
- Support independent creators: Many individuals and small teams produce ethically made pornography or erotica, providing a more personal and authentic experience while allowing you to directly support the creators themselves.
- Educate yourself about performer rights: Support performers who have agency and control over their work, and who engage in the industry willingly and with consent.
- Avoid exploitative or non-consensual content: Be mindful of the content you consume and avoid any material that may involve non-consensual acts, exploitation, or harm to individuals involved. Opt for content that emphasizes pleasure, consent, and the well-being of all parties involved.
- Be aware of the potential for exploitation: Recognize that the adult entertainment industry has a history of exploitation and unequal power dynamics. By actively supporting ethical production and engaging with content made by consensual performers, you can help create a demand for more responsible and empowering adult entertainment.
- Consider paying for content: When possible, support ethical production by paying for the content you consume. This helps ensure that performers and creators receive fair compensation for their work, encouraging the development of more ethical and sustainable adult entertainment.
- Stay informed and engaged: Continue to educate yourself about the latest discussions and initiatives surrounding ethical pornography and erotica. By staying informed and engaged, you can contribute to the ongoing conversations and support positive changes within the industry.
Remember, viewing pornography ethically is about actively choosing content that respects the rights and well-being of all involved parties. By following this roadmap, you can enjoy adult entertainment while supporting ethical practices within the industry.
Here is a list of erotic sites that you can feel good about using!
Erika Lust
Erika Lust Films is known for their emphasis on conversations around boundaries and sexual agreements at the beginning of their films. This approach helps viewers understand how to navigate consent and boundaries while enjoying the content. The company has a meticulous set of criteria to ensure the safety of performers, akin to a COA for porn. They prioritize equal pleasure, authentic desire, fair pay, and a supportive working environment, among other things.
Bellesa
Bellesa is a female-run platform that prioritizes pleasure and genuine connections between actors. Their films offer sensual content with real emotional intimacy, making them a great option for those seeking authentic experiences. Often dubbed “The Netflix of Porn”, Bellesa portrays women as subjects of pleasure and offers free, ethically sourced porn videos and intimate erotic stories. The platform also produces their own high-quality HD porn in-house through Bellesa Films.
Sssh
Sssh is a platform that features female-led and female-focused erotica, which is acclaimed for its stimulation of both body and mind. The founder, Angie Rowntree, is a trailblazer in ethical porn and has received an endorsement from the Adult Performer Advocacy Committee. The platform includes critically acclaimed films, written erotica, photosets, and virtual reality offerings for a 360° experience. The content is inspired by members’ shared desires and fantasies and produced by a sex-positive cast and crew.
Make Love Not Porn
Make Love Not Porn is a unique and revolutionary website that aims to change the way people view and approach sex. Founded by Cindy Gallop, the platform encourages a healthy and realistic view of sexuality by promoting “real-world sex” through user-submitted videos. The focus is on showing authentic, consensual, and respectful sexual encounters, rather than the unrealistic and often harmful depictions found in mainstream pornography. The platform also aims to address issues of sexism, racism, and other forms of discrimination in the industry. MakeLoveNotPorn.TV is a valuable resource for anyone seeking a more positive and inclusive approach to sexuality.
Pink Label TV
PinkLabel is a queer-owned streaming service that offers a diverse selection of adult films. They have been likened to the Criterion Collection for their sophisticated and artsy offerings, which range from softcore to hardcore, with all kinds of aesthetics and styles. The platform features content for all sexual orientations, making it a one-stop-shop for the porn enthusiast. Additionally, PinkLabel provides a wealth of resources to help current and aspiring ethical adult filmmakers. By purchasing content on the platform, you directly support the people making this content and contribute to the expansion of their craft.
Dipsea
Dipsea is a subscription-based service that offers a unique form of erotic entertainment: audio erotica. If visual porn doesn’t quite do it for you, Dipsea’s selection of erotic stories can transport you to a world of intimate pleasure through sound. Founded by two women, the platform aims to empower other women to explore their sexuality on their terms. Their in-house produced stories have a feminist, sex-positive, and celebratory ethos, and the professionals who produce and perform them are compensated fairly.
Porn and erotica are definitely not everybody’s cup of tea, and that is totally understandable. Not interested in porn but still craving something to turn you on? There are plenty of other visual forms of sensuality that are plenty titillating. Watching burlesque, pole dancing, or even just a racy movie can get our brains in a sexy mood.
There are lots of ways to get turned on, porn is just one of them! Learn about yourself, what turns you on, and how you can invite more pleasure into your life.. If you are looking for support or guidance on your sexual health journey, reach out.