In Starz ( $24.95; STARbooks Press ) , Owen Keehnen presents a compilation of no-holds-barred interviews with some of the gay porn industry's top stars, resulting in some very intimate discussions. Keehnen recently talked with Nightspots about everything from his own preferences to putting a new spin on 'doggy style.'
Nightspots: Why did you compile this book?
Owen Keehnen: I used to work at Unabridged Books and people would come in looking for something along these lines. So I [ looked at the book ] as filling a niche. The demand was out there; it was just a matter of having the product available.
NS: So how did you decide which actors to interview?
OK: It was a learning process-and a networking one. Getting the guys was actually easy. Two of the first guys I talked with were Michael Brandon and Chad Hunt. Then, at IML, I hung out with Matt Sizemore and he introduced me to tons of people. I actually had few problems with the guys.
I didn't intend on interviewing that many people. It was sort of a manifestation of my obsessive-compulsive disorder that I talked to 60 people. [ Laughs. ] And there will be another book; More Starz is coming out next year and I'll be talking with 60 more.
NS: Would you classify yourself as a porn aficionado?
OK: [ Pauses. ] Yeah, I am. I think I have a natural voyeuristic tendency and [ porn ] fulfills that.
NS: So you're living vicariously, in a sense?
OK: Ah... another haunting question. [ Laughs. ] In a way, I am. I think that these men have really embraced their sexuality in a completely fearless way. As a gay man, that's potentially a really healthy attitude.
NS: In general, what was it like talking with these guys?
OK: It was fun. At first, they would be guarded. However, you'd gradually see the real person emerge from behind the facade-and that was fascinating to me. Stereotypes were dissolved.
NS: Now, you don't have to mention any names-but was there anyone who gave you more attitude than anyone else?
OK: Oh my God, yes!!! [ Laughs. ] Some maintained that guarded persona and there were a couple who changed their minds afterwards and didn't want to be involved with the book. There were also a couple others who were, let's just say, moody. I think it's much more the exception than the rule, but I think that drugs are a definite factor in that world sometimes.
NS: Did you get an idea of how prevalent drugs are in the porn industry?
OK: You know what? I think the prevalence is much less than it used to be, primarily because porn is such a big business. It's such a huge production and there's too much money riding on it.
NS: Was the most jaw-dropping moment when Jacob Scott said that he'd had sex with a dog?
OK: Yes, it was. But there are times that I wonder how much they were playing me for a gullible interviewer. I have no way of verifying that. However, it was equally shocking for me when Jason Hawk said he fantasized about Queen Elizabeth.
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