Interview with gay porn star and escort James Bennett by Means Happy zine
We caught up with James Bennett for a behind-the-scenes look at his online life.
What led you to start exploring a career in porn?
Initially, I started out escorting. I was also attending cruising clubs. One day I was at a Jamie HP event, and James Brown — the guy who deals with the live show bookings — asked if I’d do a show, which I did. Through that, I met other performers who’d done porn, and it felt like a natural progression for me. I put the feelers out to see which studios would be most suited for me.
Would you describe yourself as an exhibitionist?
I would say so, yeah. I was a chubby child, and it took me a while to be happy with my body. Now I feel like I’m in a place where I’m comfortable with my body, and I love sharing it with the boys.
Do you enjoy events and performing live?
I’m very comfortable on stage. Typically, my partner and I would have a run-through beforehand so we know what we’re doing and to ensure that it’s enjoyable for both sides. That way you’re sure to put on a good show for the audience.
I’ve felt the stage nerves like everyone. But I think from attending the cruising clubs so often, and seeing the shows, the step onto stage wasn’t so difficult.
Who are some of your gay porn heroes and inspirations?
I have a few and am finding more every week. Two well-known names that are my inspirations are Yoshi Kawasaki and Gabriel Cross.
Yoshi inspires me by being open to all kinds of kinks — he’s willing to explore anything and give things a chance. He’s made a name for himself, but he’s still humble and grounded — he always makes time for others. I’ve been super-lucky to work with him on a live sex show at Sex Circus and even luckier to call him a friend.
Gabriel Cross was one of the very first porn actors I met. He’s shared much wisdom with me and is always at hand if I need to talk to him. I guess in some ways; I view Gabriel as my unofficial mentor.
Gabriel, Jonas Jackson, and I made one of my first appearances on Gabriel’s Only Fans. The feedback and reviews helped me make my step into the porn world. Being the new boy on the scene can be overwhelming, so it’s incredible for me to have Gabriel and Yoshi.
How do you balance your porn work, your escorting work, and finding space for your personal life?
It’s tricky. I generally don’t take clients without notice. Also, with porn, the scenes are typically scheduled in advance – so, I’m able to work my personal life around that.
Taking some time for myself is very important, but – when you receive a call – it’s very tempting to cancel plans and take the booking.
I’ve learned to say no at times. I’ve also known to turn my phone off on certain days.
You’ve talked publicly about your mental health journey, and the challenges you’ve encountered in your personal life. Do you feel that you can play a role as a role-model to younger guys starting to enter the adult entertainment industry?
My hope – from speaking openly about my journey – was that if somebody found themselves in a similar situation as myself, they would hopefully feel like they are not the only one to have these feelings.
In this industry, it’s easy to feel a specific way about something and then let it spiral. Hopefully, somebody may see me and know I’ve had my struggles, but I still press on doing what makes me happy.
My advice for any newcomers is to develop a thick skin and to develop it quickly. Remember, if you’ve been booked for a gig or a client, it’s because you have the quality the person booking is looking for.
What’s your ultimate gay porn fantasy?
I love outdoors sex. I often I mess around when I have a chance in the local cruising areas. I’d absolutely love to do a jungle orgy in a real jungle — with six or so guys, they can be all sizes — twinks, jocks, bears, all types — all fucking each other, getting hot and sweaty.
Can we talk underwear?
I like a good brief, often found in a cute Marco Marco situation.
At the gym, I typically wear more of a boxer brief — I wear short shorts at the gym and have had a few slips, so I try to keep it all tucked in now.
On other guys, I appreciate a nice jock strap, cute briefs, and your classic boxer brief style. I like the type of underwear that will end up on my bedroom floor.
Follow James Bennett on Twitter
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