is racism still alive in the gay porn industry? some say yes!

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The GayVN Awards recently came out with their nomination for the gay porn industry and to say that the porn industry isn't racist would be laughable. For example in Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor categories all the nominees are white; not one black, Asian, or Hispanic actor was named. 

Why is this? Well, some point the finger at many of porn studios or their complete lack of willingness to hire people of color. Then there is the media which must bare some of the responsibility for the problem. The "gay" media tends to neglect or highlight people of different nationalities. 

Recently porn actor, model and GayVN Awards nominee Hugh Hunter noticed this complete lack of representation, and called out the 'Best Ethnic Scene' for marginalizing minority groups. Aside from the color of their skin, what is the difference between white gay porn actors and black (Asian, Hispanic) porn actors? What could possibility be the reason to create a new categories(s)?

On Twitter Hunter proceeded to decline his three nominations, stating "I am respectfully declining my nominations in all categories". It remain unknown if any other porn actors will step up to the plate and decline their nominations. To be honest it's unlikely, but they you never know.

​Daniel Addice of Hornet summed this up perfectly. "​The category of Best Ethnic Scene is also problematic as it further reinforces the fetishization of races. By creating this category in the likeness of other scene-specific categories like Best Bear Scene, Best Twink Scene, and Best Fetish Scene, race becomes the fixation of the award, not the performance."

The question remains how does on combat racism in the gay porn industry? Well, it has to start with the studio's, then the actor's and finally the gay culture. I'm not going to hold my breath, but I do have respect for Hugh Hunter and what he has done. BRAVO!

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