Joel Michael Anderson, a gay porn star, has released a new short film called DOXY that explores the day-to-day life of a man who takes on risky work to pay his rent. In the film, Joel’s character, called Johnny Ford, speaks directly to the camera between jobs, offering a realistic portrayal of the sex industry.
While the film acknowledges the potential financial benefits of sex work, it also warns about the realities of the industry and highlights the risks associated with services like OnlyFans. According to Joel, many people signed up for OnlyFans during the COVID-19 pandemic, only to find that they were competing with professional performers in an over-saturated market.
Joel’s message is not that sex work is bad; he simply wants people to have “realistic expectations” before entering the industry. He warns that sex work can be a “scary bridge to cross”, and once someone crosses that bridge, they can never go back. Nudes and other sexually explicit content remain online forever, and for some, this can lead to receiving unsolicited and potentially dangerous escorting solicitations.
Despite the stigma associated with sex work, Joel believes that it can be empowering for those who choose to pursue it. However, he emphasizes that sex work becomes dangerous when workers are forced to operate without legal protection.
Ultimately, Joel’s advice to those considering sex work is to have an exit strategy. He believes that even if one does not agree with sex work or finds it immoral, they should still support the free enterprise of a money-service exchange when it does not harm others.
Advocates continue to push for the full decriminalization of sex work, and while this goal has yet to be achieved, DOXY serves as a powerful reminder that sex work is a complex and often dangerous industry.
The film portrays the realities of sex work and OnlyFans in a compelling and nuanced manner, offering viewers a glimpse into a world that is often misunderstood and stigmatized. Through DOXY, Joel Michael Anderson has created a moving and thought-provoking piece of cinema that serves as both a warning and a call to action.
