As we continue to life during the COVID-19 pandemic, GayVN caught up with some talent in front of and behind the camera to see how they were handling the time off—and what they see ahead for their industry and community. In this edition, we chatted with GayVN Award-winner Max Konnor, who has continued to maintain a steady and influential social presence—and continues to grow Haus of Konnor, his boutique management company dedicated to the comprehensive development, support and representation for models of color.
BJ: Where are you right now? In general, how do you think the people in your area are exhibiting safe behaviors?
MK: I live in midtown Manhattan. The streets are empty. I think there are areas in NYC where people have really taken this seriously. But I also see people who have not. Every day at 7 p.m., masses of people stick their heads out their windows and clap and cheer for frontline healthcare workers changing shifts. The amount of noise and people I see hanging out of their windows at 7 p.m. leads me to believe that, for the most part, New Yorkers are staying inside.
How have you personally been adjusting during COVID-19? How has life changed for you and your loved ones? What have been the biggest adjustments?
I’m actually adjusting well to the COVID-19 pandemic. I’m a homebody anyway, so staying inside hasn’t really been all that challenging. I’ll edit some videos. Do some Haus of Konnor work. Play PS4. I miss traveling, but it’s a much-needed time to just be at home in my own space and charging up the creativity.
What has been the hardest thing for you, and what do you miss the most?
The most challenging thing about all this is not being able to meet new boys and record content. There’s a long list of collabs coming after all this has died down.
How have you had to adjust your exercise routine? How creative have you had to get?
I’ve been doing home workouts. I’m definitely thinking about canceling my gym membership. My body is looking amazing! I have a TRX and some dumbbells and bands. As long as you have resistance, you can build muscle anywhere.
When do you think the porn industry can get back to creating content, and how will this affect how things are done in the near-term and longer-term? (testing, travel, etc.)
I think this is going to have a huge impact on when studios will resume with “business as normal.” I predict half of industry professionals will be hesitant about being back around people so soon, and the other half just won’t care. TTS (Talent Testing Service) are going to start providing COVID-19 testing with Gold Panels now. I myself plan on excluding kissing and things of that nature from my work for a while. Bottom line: Things are going to be different. Studios are going to ask a lot of models to record the content for them. I also know that some studios will resume business as usual in the month.
How can performers on platforms like JustFor.Fans and OnlyFans get creative during this time and still provide new content?
I always recommend that content creators have at least 10 videos saved in their arsenal for times such as these but, if they don’t, get creative. Do solo content. Attach a theme to those solos. Vlog. Cam. FaceTime jerk-off sessions. It’s the perfect time to get creative and, if done right, there’s a lot of untapped potential to take the lemons we’ve been given right now, add some vodka to it, and have a damn party!
I’ve seen firsthand how many gay men on the hookup apps don’t seem to care about social distancing and are more than ready to still hook up with a stranger. How do you feel about that, and what would you say to them?
I’ve had guys hit me up for group sessions or offering to fly out to record. I think it’s insane. Stay home! Social distance. They’re only making matters worse. They’re putting themselves at risk. They’re putting their partners at risk. They’re putting their communities at risk. It’s not worth it. Stay home!
Realistically, how long do you think it will be until gay men can feel comfortable hooking up on the apps?
After this is over, there’ll be gay men who will run to their hookup apps or their nearest fuck buddy’s house. There will also be many gay men who will be very hesitant and/or extremely picky about who they hook up with. Everything is up in the air. No one really knows how to go about normal life once we’re told to. Things are going to be different...for a while.
Talk about the importance of porn during this time for people, who need safe ways to get off, relieve stress, etc. Now more than ever it seems porn is proving how much of a purpose it has.
I encourage folks to stay inside and enjoy the porn we made for you. If there’s something specifically you like that your favorite model or models you’re subscribed to doesn’t have, ask if they’d make it for you. It’s times like these where it becomes so much clearer just how important what we do is. We can make it a little easier for folks to stay inside instead of risking their lives for a sexual adventure.
What lessons about life should this pandemic be teaching us?
This pandemic teaches us that anything can happen at any time. No matter how much knowledge we acquire, we can never stop life from happening. Cherish those you love and enjoy life to the fullest, but always be prepared for a storm because it will come and you’ve got to have some shelter. Okrrrrrrrr! (laughs)
