We’ve heard it all before. The porn that we’re used to consuming can be super harmful. Most of the time, it’s written, produced, and directed by men who are focused on objectifying and exploiting others, particularly women. The sex scenes that we usually watch play out feature unrealistic expectations of pleasure, stereotypes and fetishization, and sometimes seem borderline nonconsensual. Not to mention, when accessing free porn sites, we have no idea whether the performers were paid adequately or are even enjoying the scenes that they are in.
But why, as a porn company, are we even talking about the potential harms of pornography? Well, while we fully acknowledge how gross mainstream porn can be, we know that this isn’t inherent to all pornography. We think that, when produced by the right people, in the right working conditions, and with the right scenes, porn can actually be amazing. Imagine porn that helps turn you on, connects you with your partner, features diverse representation, accurately depicts female pleasure, and maybe even provides you with some sexual education.
Okay – maybe you agree that porn can be beneficial, but how would that even happen? Or how would you find it? The good news is, it’s already happening. And we can show you where it is: here at afterglow. The films at afterglow are created and curated by women, for women. We have explicit standards that ensure our films are not only ethically made, but share our values. You can read more about our standards here, but in summary, we make certain our films highlight the pleasure of all participants, there are no common porn tropes or fetishization, it is ethically produced, and worker comfortability is guaranteed.
TLDR: we believe that porn can be a powerful tool for inspiring pleasure when made with the right intentions. Essentially, we create the porn we want to see in the world. However, this mission doesn’t just apply to porn studios like afterglow. You also have the power to change how we view erotica and sexuality. Changing perceptions around sex starts in the bedroom: when you feel empowered, when you feel safe, and when your pleasure is centered. In other words, we believe you can be the porn star you want to see in the world.
Being the porn star you want to see in the world is about taking control of your own sexual experience and advocating for the kind of respectful, pleasurable, and consensual sexual interactions you want. It means you prioritize your sexual empowerment and align your sexual activities and preferences with your ethical standards and desires. This means understanding what turns you on, communicating your needs and boundaries clearly with your partner(s), and not being afraid to explore new things that excite you. And just as afterglow prioritizes ethical production and worker comfort, you can apply similar standards in your own life: don’t settle for a partner that doesn’t care about your personal well being and sexual health.
Look – we’re not saying you have to be a public full-time porn star (unless you want to). Still, you can create the porn you want to see in the world by finding and supporting performers you admire. This also means using ethical porn sites like afterglow that promote the values you want to see in the industry. Because you’re reading this blog article, you’re probably already invested in the mission of changing how we view sexuality and whose pleasure we prioritize.
If you’re interested to see what type of porn star you are, we’ve got you totally covered: take our short quiz. (P.S. there may be a free video at the end 😉 )
Inspired by this mission? Check out our new merch centered around being the porn star you want to be in the world.
60% of women are dissatisfied with their sex lives. We’re on a mission to change that.
What if you didn’t have to search to find a body that looks like yours, a sex act that turns you on, or a guided exercise that helps you tell your partner exactly what you’ve been craving?
What if YOUR pleasure came first?