In April 0f 2004, three performers who had been compliant with monthly screening contracted HIV. The current practice of periodic HIV and STD testing may detect some diseases early but often fails to prevent transmission. After four performers contracted HIV in 1998, Sharon Mitchell, a former adult film performer, founded Adult Industry Medical, a clinic to counsel and screen performers monthly for HIV. These practices lead to high transmission rates of STDs and occasionally HIV among performers. Performers report that they are required to work without condoms to maintain employment. In 2004, only two of the 200 adult film companies required the use of condoms.
When 60 Minutes first spoke to Lyon, he was running the free speech coalition, a trade organization that represents 900 companies in the porn business.Īdult film performers engage in prolonged and repeated sexual acts with multiple sexual partners over short periods of time, creating ideal conditions for transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). All the more concerning, high-risk sex acts are on the rise.Īt the same time, condom use is reportedly low in heterosexual adult films-approximately 17% for adult performers.
Performers typically earn $400–$1,000 per shoot and are not compensated based on distribution or sales.