LOS ANGELES—As the industry tries to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic along with the rest of the world, 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 speak with GayVN Award nominee Michael Boston, who has had a very busy 2020 working for the likes of Men.com, Next Door Studios, Falcon and more.
BJ: How do you think the people in your area are exhibiting safe behaviors?
MB: I’m in Tampa. People, for the most part, seem to be being safe. Ultimately, I can’t control others, I can only control me. I’m doing my best to be safe and still make sure that my fans are satisfied.
How have restrictions opened up in Florida, and how has that affected your daily routine and work? What has the last month been like?
This last month has been okay. I’ve been making fan content with other models. Trying to make sure I have income coming in. Just trying to make the best I can out of this situation.
Tell me about your trips and what you were able to do there. How was the live chat you did for Falcon?
I was in Georgia and Tennessee. I was making content with Dalton Riley and Jax Thirio—I filmed two videos with Dalton, and several with Jax. We were able to go get food and we had a gym we could use. Most things were still shut down, but we had the necessities that we needed. The Falcon live show was an interesting experience. If they wanted me to do another, I’d be down. I like talking to people.
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?
My routine is vastly different now. I can’t go to the gym (Florida gyms were set to re-open today, May 18), I rarely see friends and family, I don’t eat as much as I normally do because I don’t have a gym, I’m not shooting studio content, it’s been rough. I’m the type of person who likes doing things, being active, having a mission or a goal, and now most of my usual things I do are gone.
What has been the hardest thing for you, and what do you miss the most?
I miss shooting so much. I love shooting studio porn. It’s been driving me crazy that I can’t travel and shoot. Also, having the gyms closed was stressing me out as well. Two major things that I enjoy doing are gone for now. It’s been an adjustment.
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?
I’m hoping sometime in June or July that they are back in business. The industry is shut down till the virus shows signs of slowing down. That’s my understanding and guess.
How can performers on platforms like JustFor.Fans and OnlyFans get creative during this time and still provide new content?
They can do solos, use toys, do fun sexy things; if you have a domestic partner, you can film with them. Some performers have a stockpile of videos that they might not have released yet. Just depends on the performer. For me, I’ve noticed that I’m starting to lose subscribers and I think it’s because a lot of people are losing their jobs, so to save money they’re cancelling subscriptions.
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 don’t think what I would theoretically say to them would matter because they know what’s going on and they know that they should social distance, but they don’t care. If they already don’t care, my opinion wouldn’t really matter or hold any kind of ground.
What's your reaction to the infamous NYC "rave" that took place and made headlines?
I honestly don’t have much of an opinion on that. People are going to do whatever they’re going to do. I can’t control others. Lord knows I’ve had friends over and I’ve visited family.
Have you been able to see your brother at all? How is he doing, and can we expect more fun photoshoots?
There are more photos to come. He’s doing fine; the last time I saw him was when I was in NYC shooting for SayUncle in March.
Realistically, how long do you think it will be until gay men can feel comfortable hooking up on the apps?
I would say once bars and stuff open, things will start to get better.
Talk about the importance of porn during this time for people, who need safe ways to get off, relieve stress. Now more than ever it seems porn is proving how much of a purpose it has.
I think porn will always have a purpose, and unfortunately that’s not totally recognized in our government and with people who hold power. Porn sometimes still feels like it holds a taboo or a shame to it. Eventually things will get better, and I’m glad people have a way to de-stress and get off safely in these trying times.
What lessons about life should this pandemic be teaching us?
That we should respect and love each other.
