Jake Genesis took the gay porn industry by storm, when Kristen Bjorn released his first scene last year. Since then, Jake has worked for the biggest studios like Raging Stallion, Hot House, Lucas Entertainment, TitanMen, Channel 1 Releasing, Men At Play and more (click here for his full filmography). Not so long ago Jake announced that he is taking a vacation in Brazil. After that, he deactivated his Twitter, Facebook profiles and his website.
I’ve just received an email from him explaining why he is quitting the gay porn industry:
“Public Scandal: Public Apology
A few months ago at the height of my popularity, I quietly stopped filming in the adult entertainment industry. I quietly deleted my Twitter account and my Facebook and Facebook Fan page. I stopped posting on my website and eventually had all the content removed. I quietly turned into myself, looking deeply and asking what I had done to my life.
A little less than a year ago, I began a short but intense career in the adult entertainment industry. There were lots of factors that lead me to that place at that time. Many of those factors I am only now beginning to understand. What is undeniable is that, despite the factors which contributed to that decision, that decision was my decision and I am responsible for having made it. I am responsible for the effects and consequences of my actions. I was not forced, coerced, or tricked into doing pornography. I was not economically destitute or without other options. I had low self-esteem, I was depressed, I felt I had nothing to lose and I did not fear or care about the consequences of my actions. My choice was arrogant and it was selfish. I hurt people as a result of the choice that I made. I hurt my family. I hurt my friends. I hurt my brothers and former colleagues in the police department in which I served and the religious order of which I was a member. I hurt the men with whom I filmed pornography through my participation in the industry and I hurt the countless people who have seen what I did and who will see it. I take full responsibility for my decision. I accept the consequences, both known and unknown, of my decision. With a contrite and broken heart I ask the mercy and forgiveness of those who were hurt by my involvement in the pornographic industry.
Pornography does violence to human spirit and, in its effort to display human sexuality openly, pornography perverts it. Pornography destroys families and relationships and lives. Far from being a victimless act, pornography victimizes every single human being involved. The victims of the adult entertainment industry are those who consume pornography and their families but also those involved in the production of pornography and, especially the models or actors.
100% of the actors in pornography are victims to varying degrees. The very young, the economically destitute, and the uneducated are victimized to a higher degree than men like me who made a more conscious choice, but everyone is harmed deeply by the experience and no one escapes the knife that cuts deeply the innate dignity of the human person.
One thing that I am grateful that I never did was to recruit someone into doing porn. There are “agents” who make a lot of money doing this. I want to speak for a moment to anyone reading this who might be interested in doing porn or who knows someone who may be. Many young men wrote to me during my time in the industry with the same basic question, “How do I get to be a porn star?”
This was always my response:
“The best advice that I can give you about working in porn is not to do it… ever. Put the idea of your mind completely. Go to school or finish school and use your talents to do something useful. The porn industry will exploit you, it will chew you up and spit you out. You will be popular one day and a ‘has been’ the next day. The people in the industry aren´t necessarily bad but they are first and foremost concerned with making a profit and not with your wellbeing as a person. They will use you as much as they can when you are a new face, wear out your image, then toss you to the side when the next new face comes along. I’m being totally honest with you. Working in porn is hard for very little money. We are little more than prostitutes. The benefits are very few and the drawbacks are many. If there is anything else you can do in life– do that instead even if it means working at Starbucks or the GAP. You have to consider carefully all the doors porn will close for you and you must not overestimate the number it will open, for it is very few. Don´t think that you can do one or two scenes and then hide them. What is filmed and put on the internet is forever. It will also ruin your romantic life- everything becomes exponentially more complicated and having a truly healthy relationship that is fair and equal is almost impossible. Do something else. Do anything else. That´s my advice. I hope it helps you make a good decision.”
So I am on a very personal journey. It is a journey of reconciliation, forgiveness, and redemption. Anyone who has followed my career knows that I am a Catholic. As such, the path to reconciliation with God and with the Church is relatively clear: through the ministry of the Church God’s mercy is infinite and His love with without limit. Forgiving myself for what I have done and finding the humility and the words to seek the forgiveness of others is another, more difficult matter. Part of that journey will involve investigation how I lived 8 months of my life in absolute contradiction to who I know I really am. That investigation will likely involve writing about my experiences. In the meantime, here is a brief but good article on pornography for anyone interested: http://www.catholic.com/blog/matt-fradd/three-things-you-need-to-know-about-pornography
Thank you for taking the time to read what I have written here today, for your support, and forgiveness.“
– Jake Genesis
44 comments
hmmm
I’d still fuck him…
I’ll miss Jake, because he’s hot. Too bad he is a drama queen!
Why are the hot ones always crazy?
I like Jake – I think he’s a nice guy and I understand his intentions for getting out of the industry, for the most part. I understand that the industry is not a healthy place for many people, and it seems like he fits into that category. However, the industry is a very healthy place for some people.
A producer’s response to the victimization argument: Gay porn producers do not ‘use’ models. We do not take advantage of models. There are a few who do – there are bad people in ANY industry – but those people are not the norm. There’s an untold story in porn, because it’s not glamorous or headline-worthy: It’s the story of guys who want to make some money, fully understand the consequences of performing in adult movies (specifically the doors it closes in the future), do so anyways, and are better-off for it. I’ve seen many porn stars, of many ages, that can claim this story, more or less. Porn stars who are using the money to put themselves through school, porn stars who now live in safer neighborhoods because their disposable income has increased, etc. I agree that being in porn can close doors, and people with certain ambitions should not perform in porn for that reason. But, for many performers, their careers in pornography is not at odds with their ambitions. There are many, many doors that remain open for a porn star after they’ve retired from porn.
I’m not pretending that there isn’t a seedy underbelly to our industry – unsafe prostitution, unsafe sex, steroids, endless partying, drugs, alcoholism, etc. – they are temptations for many porn stars. However, these temptations are far removed from what studios do, and from what studios encourage their talent to pursue, in the vast majority of cases. An argument could be made that studios encourage steroid use, but otherwise studios encourage healthy behavior in their models.
A final note: Yes, studios are profit motivated. Studios will not hire a performer if the performer will not make them money. This is not wrong, and it’s not something for anyone to be ashamed of. This is the first rule of ANY business in ANY industry. We also don’t hire camera men, video editors, or agents if we’ll lose money by doing so. A model knows full-well that, at a certain point, they won’t get porn gigs any more because of their age or looks. Or, more accurately, that they won’t get hired by the same sites at the same rates that they used to. It’s the same reality for mainstream models and for anyone else who is hired for their looks. It’s a reality you have to get used to as a model, and if a prospective model can’t accept that reality then they shouldn’t model in the first place. If a computer programmer can’t accept that they’ll be sitting at a computer all day long for their job, they shouldn’t be a programmer. Any specialized labor requires attributes that aren’t universal and attributes that are often transitory. This is reality – nothing more, nothing less. A porn star can have a long, long career – their pay may change, the studios they work for will definitely change, and their personal life views may change – but, if they have realistic expectations, they can make decent money for a long time and they can have a good time doing it.
Lastly, I want to reiterate that I like Jake as a person and I’m glad that he’s taking control of his own direction in life. Porn is certainly not for everyone and that seems to be the case here. But, I disagree with pretty much everything he’s saying about our industry, if taken as a universal rule. It’s an overly pessimistic, one-sided view of an industry that is often pretty boring and normal.
He makes some good points, even if at times they are a little overblown. It’s really not conducive to a healthy romantic relationship, and there are much better things one can be doing with his life. But on the flip side, I don’t really care if someone I don’t love is involved in it and does it- there is an enjoyment factor to viewing it, after all, and it’s been around for decades.
Talk about an institution that really screws with your head (and, wallet, and soul, and, fill-in-the-blank) — that is the Roman Catholic Church — and has been for more than two thousand years. It seems Mr. Genesis is desperate to belong somewhere. How about just being a free human being? Just a thought.
It’s funny to read all the agents/studios tweeting “they are so happy they didn’t shoot/work with Jake”, but back then all of them wanted film with him and kissed his ass. Hypocrites!!! (sorry for the bad english)
I agree.
Well Jake, I wish you much success in your journey in your travels in life. I feels that your a great person that trying to get your life back on track, and this is one new elevation to the next move. Take care my friend. Dark
Another meltdown (yawn)
I think he knew exactly what he was getting into after dating Matthew Rush and another South American porn model.
Personally, I don’t think that 100% of the porn stars are damaged emotionally. I can name a few who are happy and proud of their porn career.
No 100% but I’d definitely say more than half
More proof that it’s religion that ruins people, not pornography.
4.- It is true that a career in porn wil destroy any posibilities of working in many other profesional worlds. That is a pity, a consequence of having this biased & prejudiced world we have. Exceeding in porn cinema doesnt mean 1 cannot exceed in other fields.
5.- About romantic life: the partner, as family, friends, if he es the true 1, wil accept 1 as what he is. If not, that means he is not the 1. As simple as that. “Beter alone than in bad company”.
6.- Certainly life for a retired porn actor wil be dificult in such territories as the Midwest of U.S.A., f.ex, but in S.Francisco, New York, Amsterdam, just to put a few examples, it wont be so. In any case, people have to judge your works for their quality, for t.selves, not for what 1 did in the past, s.t. that has n.t. to do with today in many cases. If your work is good, that is the only thing that maters.
7.- It is true that porn can destroy relationships, but that depends more on the mentalities of the partners, on how free are they, than on porn itself. Being a porn star its beter to choose a boyfriend in the same world, there are more probabilities of finding s.o. as liberal enough.
Finaly, i must say that i cannot u.stand how s,o. with an uni degree, as i know you are, i have folowed your career at least partialy, can be a christian. It is completely demonstrated that christianity, as most religions, are a swindle, & a.o. with some brain knows it.
Asshole.
1 last thing: you are the owner of your body & your soul, not a.o. else, & you are the only 1 to decide on them, as long as you dont disturb others
Christ… get over yourself. It’s just sex. No, it’s not for everyone–but you did it. Move on. If your family, brothers, police officers, etc. are hurt by this, then THEY need to get over themselves.
He was in porn, decided it wasn’t for him, and now wants to move on. Is was ONE year. At most.
This religious crap annoys the crap out of me: “I need redemption and forgiveness.” Blah, blah, blah. The beauty of Christianity is that if you ask God for forgiveness with an open heart, you’re forgiven. Does he really need to be a drama queen about this? Yes–Yes, he does. Because anyone with the ego to go out and do porn has a need to be in the spotlight. This dude is not going to be out there publicly asking for forgiveness and redemption anywhere he can be seen. He’s not disappearing, he’s just moving to a new venue.
Oh wooow … anyways more work for us!
still i like him
coming from someone who actually, took advantage of many people on the business and not just from the business, who went from “priest” to “police officer” to “escort” and “porn actor” is totally ironic. Just a little bit more of attention for him, thats exactly what he is looking for. Get a life man. Whats going to be next? I actually dont care a shit. Amen
sounds like someone caught the aids and is a bit bitter about it now.
What a callus and crass…shitty and self serving thing to say. I hate everything he said but what you said is even worse. And this is why we will never be accepted. HIV/Aids is nothing to joke or mock or feel better than and carry airs about not having it or having it. It’s something that is sucking the life out of who ever has it. SO FUCK YOU FOR YOUR SHITTY COMMENT!!!!!!
Kray.
its astonishing how lots of reactions are filled with cynicism and predudice against a guy who somehow lost track of his religious feelings. though i’m a nonbeliever myself, to me he sounds sincere and honest.
The brainwashed can sound ‘sincere and honest’ – they need a deprogrammer.
Let him be. In most parts of the world, we are a discriminated, persecuted, and even, criminalized group within societies and localities. Everyone here has a valid point of view, even an agreeable one. He also has a valid point. It is his reasoning expressed within the context of his experiences. He feels the way he do, let him be. He already has his said. Lets respect and be open to his say. No one has to agree with him, actually, very few among us do. However, just let him has his say. He ask for tolerance, lets us begin with tolerating.
As a former porn actor (Tre Xavier), I can understand Jake Genesis’ decision to a point. I grew up Christian, but it wasn’t so much my religious beliefs that made me quit doing studio-based porn. It was my values in general. Also, I wasn’t hurting for money, and a Black man in gay porn, you don’t make as much as White porn actors anyway, but that’s another article QueerPig should get into.
Anyway, when I got into porn (2005) gay acceptance was not as mainstream as it is today, so porn was the only place a questioning male could see some reflection of himself. So I got into porn partially to let males questioning their orientation know that if they realize that they’re gay that there’s nothing wrong with them. However, things done in the industry (like gay-for-pay) showed that the studio-heads could care less about that. EVEN THOUGH by being gay, they lived it themselves.
So whether the people in it are consenting or not, I agree with Jake Genesis by saying that the gay porn industry as a whole does PLENTY OF HARM. Regardless of whether you’re producing it, directing it, screwing in it, or watching/learning from it. It’s the reason the sexual habits of our community (like racial expectations and BDSM) are as screwed up as they are.
And those that refuse to see it, thereby spewing the most hate on Jake Genesis are those among us who want to get off regardless of whatever and WHOever’s cost it comes at.
While I agree with a lot of what you say I can’t take seriously that you did porn to show young gay people they’re not alone. Like they need yet another man on man porn from you to know there are other gays out there? That doesn’t seem logical. Lot of young kids aren’t mature enough to make this decision and do go into it for the wrong reasons… Whether it’s financial Desperation, sexual abuse, loneliness and low self esteem etc abd
I agree with what he tells young men in the first paragraph. You don’t realize how pervasive porn has become in the internet age. Keeping your secret may prove difficult.
what a crock of self-serving crap.
I wonder he still is gay because he didn’t say he was ex-gay or denounced his homosexuality.
He will probably continue to have sex with men.
Religion! Lol. I knew as soon as I begin to read.
Your statement and decision are very brave, very dignified, and entirely your right to make and share. You alone know what your experience has been, and it is courageous of you to share your thoughts and opinions about it. That said, I find porn delightful, exciting, and extremely interesting and thought-provoking. None of the many professionals I met while interviewing people in the field saw it as you do. While some were less stable than most, that would be true in an ice-cream parlor as well. I will say this: the field certainly would allow the abuses you describe so clearly, but I met no victims of such abuses. I met straight and gay men, all working in the gay field, young and old men, bright and slow men, polite and rude men, friendly and hostile men. I hope that you are happy with your decision, and I am sure many readers will agree with you and crusade against such malevolent opportunism as you found people to be the victims of. I would love to think that the field could be cleared of any workers who are compromised, coerced, or forced into it.
I liked him; He was a guy so cute. If he tells us that he had a bad experience, I believe him and I am sorry so much for him. I wish he finds a new vocation. Anyway, he can have a clear conscience and doesn’t feel guilty, he did nothing wrong. However, I am not agree with his (moralizing) arguments and I would like to comment something in that regard:
1. It’s very clear that the porn is not intrinsically bad, the mistakes and the bad actions are made by the people (for example, an unscrupulous producer that exploits people, an unconscious actor that is not able to set limits). Obviously, an actor must have a propitious attitudes and aptitudes (uninhibited, open mind, self-confidence, good self esteem, being proud of self, sensible… In short, someone that knows what he is doing, wants to do it, enjoys of it, feels proud of self and defends it with determination).
2. Unfortunately, a working past in the porn could limit to access a few jobs but there are other innumerable professional possibilities. Often, the obstacles come from us.
3. Generally, porn is not equivalent to prostitution, because the prostitute is always (at any time) available to have sex with any user (mostly, old people or unpleasant and nasty physical). However, in general the porn actor has sex with attractive guys in specific moments; there is not physical contact between user and actor. Though unfortunately some marginal movies (without minimum quality requirements) can be so sordid like the prostitution.
4. If someone has gay sex (and therefore he is gay or bisex) is not a reason to be hated or despised by his family, friends and others. The fact that someone works in pornography is not a reason neither. The only thing that really matters is to be a good person and we treat others well. If we are loving, respectful, considerate, honest, etc., the others should treat us reciprocally. The love must be unconditional; and the interpersonal relations must be reciprocal.
5. Finally, It is very dangerous to say that the only correct path in life is to submit oneself to the will of a political and religious organization (or leader). The irrefutable truth is that religion has historically been an instrument of oligarchy (of which the clergy is an integral part) for social control (especially, the most of main religions). This oligarchy considers people like its livestock; it is for that reason that they only allow people to make productive sex (breeding stock). We never should forget that we are rational and free beings. Really, the supposed revelations are human creations; therefore we should analyze it rationally. By the way, if God exists (and he is the greatest expression of good) He cannot support the evil, for example the authoritarianism.
That article by a Catholic blogger is wrong on every count. The only thing that’s been perverted is his mind by the Catholic church. What a sap.
Good on u jake genesis.
Jake is the most romantic man I ever have the privately known. Hope he someday sees this and will know how much I greatly care for him yet! <3. I'll be for you always jake!
There is something to it. I know of 300 porn actors who committed suicide over the past 5 years (perhaps even more – which are lesser known). There must be a reason.
Frankly, being gay and a Catholic is far more embarrassing and destructive than being a porn star.
That is soooo true tarc_d. I completely agree.
What was Jake’s email? I’m desperately trying to find him. It’s urgent I tell him something. If you know Jake or know where he is. Please contact me 920-461-7656. acna64@gmail.com. Thank you
First off this is for the Jake Floyd I knew, https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/eec09bcc560bfce5c173705cc867705b5
29e01b23ec3f81b94c02e494096f488.jpg
I’m glad you ended this career choice so quickly, I never liked it. It wasn’t jealousy it was sadness in my heart. You were better that that. But I held my breath and prayed you would see this was not you or what you were supposed to be. I’ll tell you who the real Jake is,. He is funny, compassion, intelligent and loving. And a million other things. The one thing you are not Jake is not knowing from your heart that I never wanted anything from you that you didn’t want to give. Nor did I ask for anything. I just wanted supportive talk from you. I was and still am going through some very nasty things. But you shun me, crusify me not even given the slightest chance to hear me out. Is that what the church is teaching you now? Are you back in the church like you said? If you are can I suggest you open your heart and listen to what it’s saying. Tell/ ask God was he just wanting what I’m wanting? Yes. I only wanted that nothing more. Have you not had feelings, thoughts about someone out there and felt good about it? You should. Maybe someday you will realize I was right, and maybe someday if I’m still on Earth you can find the courage to contact me. And if you can’t, then you have lost what God placed before you. Is it really worth the risk? Not to me. That is why I smile as I write this, knowing I’m doing the right thing now. Telling you how proud I am of you and would be honored to call you my friend. acna64@gmail.com 920-634-8096
Too bad that he’s quitting. He was a breath of FRESH AIR!!! But, I do understand. I am Catholic but I am also 80 years old. I’ve lived a long time and I would never criticize or chastize anyone who does gay porn. We are all HUMAN BEGINS and we have certain desires. Sometimes only continuous sex will get rid of those feelings of total abandon and desire. Mr. Genesis was a very wonderful performer. I only watched the films he did that were NOT violence-related. I always disliked Jake being a bottom. I firmly believe that Mr. Genesis’ performances were more realistic that many I’ve seen. You did what was right for you, Jake. I will miss you terribly – Hasta la vista, mi amigo!!! YOU WERE MY FAVE!!!