Page 50 - AVN July 2018

FEATURE
of gay adult stars. The Fleshlight Guys collection de-
sites, you’ve no doubt seen the “top stars” lists
If you’ve spent any time on adult news and review
buted with three of the most popular performers on the
generated by VOD giant AEBN. Each week like
straight side: Manuel Ferrara, Mick Blue and Ryan Driller.
clockwork, AEBN compiles a list of the top female
That landmark got us thinking that it was about time to
performers and male gay performers—a sales tool that
its affiliates can use on their sites.
It’s always a fun snapshot of which names are currently
trending, and one can imagine performers must get a
real charge the first time they appear on the list. (For
more on AEBN’s metrics, see page 18.)
MEN
devote an issue to the Y factor in XXX: those performers
with Y chromosomes who labor in a field dominated by
women. We celebrate 50 of the most active performers
on the following pages, from those whose métier is the
feature film and couples erotica (Thespians and Heart-
throbs) to the Gonzo Gods who are the industry’s top
One group doesn’t often get its own list: straight male
sexual athletes. And we salute the Shot Callers: per-
performers. It’s just one example of how—unlike their
formers who also work behind the camera on their own
counterparts in gay adult content—men in straight porn
commercially distributed movies.
don’t bask in the same spotlight that shines on their
This list is by no means comprehensive or definitive.
female co-stars.
But one thing is definite. We love the men of porn. If
But in a changing marketplace where more women are
you’re not on the list, that doesn’t mean we aren’t watch-
watching porn and more performers are creating their
ing you. And we’ll be watching even more closely when
own custom clips and cultivating their brands on social
award season rolls around in September. The prenomi-
media, male star power is growing.
nation site for the AVN Awards opens up then—we want
One big milestone is the arrival of the “Fleshlight
to hear about your favorite scenes and movies. We look
Guys”—molded dildos that follow the format of the
forward to helping all of you—both established stars and
Fleshjack series, created to capitalize on the popularity
promising newbies—continue to build your own careers.
FEATURE | By Sherri L. Shaulis and Sharan Street
YTHE
FAC
TOR
50 | AVN.com | 7.18