There’s no shortage of adult content on the world wide web. And if you partake in watching or listening to it, then chances are you’ve come across the term “ethical porn” at some point or another. Which got me thinking: What is ethical porn, and should people be watching it?
Admittedly, the term sounds contradictory. And the idea of sexually explicit content being ethical is a laughable one. Even still, though, my curiosity got the better of me. Which is why I tapped an industry expert and feminist porn pioneer for all the details. And today, I’m breaking it all down. Keep scrolling to learn all about ethical porn, including what it is, what sets it apart, why you should be watching it, and what the future of it looks like.
MEET THE EXPERT
Angie Rowntree
FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR OF SSSH.COM, ADULT VIDEO NEWS HALL OF FAME MEMBER, AND PIONEER OF FEMINIST AND ETHICAL PORN
Angie Rowntree is the Founder and Director of award-winning ethical porn site made from a woman’s point of view, Sssh.com. Founded in 1999, Sssh.com’s erotic content is based on the desires of its members, which are expressed via the platform’s signature internal survey. Now, 25 years later, Sssh.com is the premier destination for sex-positive erotic content for women and couples. The site also has an extensive library of erotic and audioerotic content, a virtual porn world, member confessions, sex toy and porn pairings, and educational sexual wellness articles.
What is Ethical Porn?
According to Rowntree, ethical porn isn’t a particular genre or style of film. Rather, it’s a way of doing business. In essence, ethical erotic content is negotiated and consented to by all parties ahead of filming; it prioritizes honesty, respect, transparency, communication, and safety. Likewise, it also includes fair pay and compensation for performers and crew. And performers choose who they work with.
What Makes Sssh.com Stand Out
When Sssh.com was created in 1999, adult entertainment was made for the male gaze. This is why Rowntree’s always focused on creating content that authentically celebrates female pleasure and mutual pleasure. And now, 25 years later, everything on the Sssh.com is there because a member asked for it. Similarly, she also abides by safety protocols and consent on set, provides fair compensation for workers, and is committed to diversity and representation throughout.
“I believe that everyone involved in the production of adult content deserves to be treated with respect and fairness, and that consumers deserve to know that the content they’re enjoying was made with care and consideration,” she told me. “I believe that when we approach adult content with respect and consideration for all involved, everyone wins.”
Reasons to Watch Ethical Porn
1. It’s a collaborative effort
Although there’s no set of guidelines for producing ethical porn, Rowntree explained that collaboration is important. “We [Sssh.com] not only discuss and negotiate the sex to everyone’s comfort, but we also listen to our performers’ input regarding the creative direction of their characters,” she said.
Additionally, ethical porn offers a unique chemistry and pleasure that mainstream porn doesn’t. Rowntree captures this by filming real-life couples or allowing performers to choose who they work with. “It’s important to us that they enjoy the sex we are filming, so we go beyond consent and discuss pleasure too,” she told me.
2. It supports studios and performers
We all like free things, but Rowntree says pirating pornography is detrimental to studios and creators. She explained that like any other form of entertainment, it costs money to produce adult cinema. Because of this, supporting the people who are bringing you pleasure is essential.
3. It offers alternatives
Although adult entertainment’s come a long way, it still primarily focuses on sex through the male gaze. But the beauty of ethical porn is that it offers alternatives to what’s considered mainstream. According to Rowntree, this is crucial because it ensures greater diversity and representation—whether it’s queer relationships, different body types and skin tones, etc.—throughout adult film.
What the Future of Ethical Porn Looks Like
Despite the ever-growing world of adult entertainment and AI changing it, Rowntree thinks the future of ethical porn is bright. She explained that these factors will likely change the way fans engage with creators and content, making it a more interactive and social experience for all involved. While there will always be a demand for studio content, having more options in ethical erotic content (like OnlyFans) creates a world of possibilities. It gives fans more options to explore, and creators more ways to grow their brand and revenue. And that’s a good thing!
