What’s It Like to Do Gay Porn as a Straight Man?

It’s one of the most common questions people ask about the adult industry: Are all male performers in gay porn actually gay? The short answer? Nope.

Gay-for-pay has been a staple of the industry for decades—straight men stepping into the world of gay porn, sometimes for the money, sometimes for the thrill, sometimes just because they’re good at it. But what’s it actually like? How does it feel to perform in intensely erotic scenes with other men when you’re not really into dick? And what does it take to make it work?

To get the real scoop, we spoke to some gay performers to find out what it’s actually like to be a straight man in gay porn. We’re guessing it’s not as simple as just "closing your eyes and thinking of the paycheck."

As some of you might have guessed, money plays a huge role in why straight men join the gay porn industry. While straight porn is oversaturated and competitive, gay porn pays significantly more, especially for newcomers.

We reached out to CarnalPlus - renowned as the world’s best gay porn network - and spoke to Felix Maze, one of their top gay-for-pay models:

"I remember being broke as hell, and a friend of mine in the industry told me I could make five times what straight guys make if I was willing to do gay porn. At first, I was like, 'There’s no way I could do that,' but then I saw the paycheck. Let’s just say my mind opened real quick."

And he’s not alone. Many straight men enter the industry with the promise of a fat paycheck, but they quickly realise there’s a lot more to it than just taking the money and showing up.

So how do straight men perform in a scene when they aren’t actually turned on by their partners? Well for some, it’s nothing more than a job - all it takes is professionalism, mental focus, and a damn good sense of humour.

"Look, it's work," says Felix. "It’s not about what turns you on personally—it's about playing the role, making sure the chemistry looks real on camera, and delivering a performance that gets people off. Some guys treat it like stunt work, others treat it like acting. Either way, you have to commit."

It’s not always easy. Gay porn demands a level of intimacy and physical engagement that straight porn often doesn’t. In straight scenes, the guy can focus on the girl—here, there’s no buffer. You’re front and centre, kissing, touching, and selling the fantasy.

"Yeah, the first time I kissed a guy on camera, it was weird," Felix admits. "But you get over it fast. The bigger challenge isn’t the kissing—it’s making it look believable when you’re getting pounded on camera for the first time."

For many straight performers, the biggest mental hurdle isn’t making out—it’s bottoming.

"People assume straight guys only do top roles in gay porn, but that’s not true," says Dante, another Carnal exclusive. "Sure, you don’t have to bottom, but willing to do it opens up more opportunities - excuse the pun. It’s what separates the guys who are just in it for quick cash from the ones who actually build a career."

There’s a steep learning curve—relaxation, preparation, and yes, pain management. It’s a physical experience, and for straight guys who have never gone there before, it can be a shock to the system.

"My first bottoming scene? Man, let’s just say I wasn’t walking right for two days," Dante shares. "But once you figure out how to control your body, it’s just another part of the job."

One of the biggest misconceptions about gay-for-pay performers is that they must secretly be bi or gay.

"People love to assume that if you can get hard for a dude, you must be into it," says Dante. "But it’s really not that deep. It’s a job. You learn what works, you train your body to respond, and sometimes, you just fake it till you make it."

Many straight performers say that working in gay porn hasn’t changed their orientation, but it has made them more comfortable with their bodies and sexuality.

"You realize how much of sex is mental," Felix says. "And honestly? I’ve had more conversations about feelings, intimacy, and boundaries in gay porn than I ever did in straight porn. Gay performers actually communicate. It’s weirdly refreshing."

If gay-for-pay is so challenging, why do straight guys stick around? For a select few, it’s about the money— for a majority, it’s about success, longevity, and being part of an industry that actually takes care of its performers.

"In straight porn, you’re disposable. In gay porn, if you’re good, you’re treated like a star," says Dante. "You get flown out to film in gorgeous locations, your rates are higher, and the fans actually care about you. Plus, CarnalPlus makes sure their performers are safe and respected, which isn’t always the case on the straight side."

And then, of course, there’s the pure thrill of breaking taboos.

"At the end of the day, it’s kinda hot knowing you’re f*cking with people’s perceptions," Felix says. "Like, yeah, I’m straight—but I can turn you on in a gay scene. That’s pretty damn impressive if you ask me."