HOOK: E-zine By, For, and About Men in the Sex Industry

HOOK: How are you responding to the recent tragedies of September 11th? Have you been part of any relief fund programs?

Jason Branch: I was in NYC back in October and was one of the headliners for a fundraiser at The Lure which benefited the NY Fire Department. It was a great success as they had more than 1300 people show up.

HOOK: Do you support any political or social causes like HIV prevention or sexworkers awareness? Do you feel its important for a role model, even one in the sex industry, to speak out about political and social issues they might effect other people’s opinions about?

JB: I often volunteer my time to AIDS fundraisers and certain other causes. I feel that it is very important to give back and support our community as they are the ones who support me in the work that I do. I feel very strongly about giving back. When I am unable to be present at some functions I will also donate items for the silent auction.

HOOK: How do you deal with being a famous porn stud with your family and friends, are you open about it as well the escorting aspect of this business?

JB: My entire family and group of friends know what I do for a living. They actually get something of a kick out the fact that I am so well known doing what I do.

HOOK: From the gay community in general, how have people reacted to you and what you do, have you run into any discrimination at all?

JB: I have been amazed at how wonderful everyone has been. I travel a lot for my work and everywhere I have gone the people have been very friendly and warm hearted.

HOOK: Your most recent stage production was Shooting Porn. Could you tell us a bit about that production? How did people react?

JB: I was in the Chicago production last summer. It is based on the documentary of the same name. It comically de-glamorizes what it is like to shoot a porn video and the porn industry. There are some heavier topics addressed as well such as the prevalence of recreational drugs.

HOOK: How was it working on Shooting Porn, did everyone get along? Did you have a lot of previous stage experience?

JB: It was a good production to work on. Over all everyone got on well. I always enjoy working with the playwright Ronnie Larsen. I've had the pleasure of working with him on the San Francisco production as well as staring in his other play Making Porn in Fort Lauderdale, Philadelphia and premiered the play in Toronto.

HOOK: You have done a lot of films and had a good lasting power in an industry that goes through boys at lighting speed, is there any secret to your lasting success?

JB: To be honest, I don't know what element has made my career as successful and long lasting. It is extremely complimentary. I guess the fact that I approach my work professionally, and most importantly, the fact that I truly enjoy what I do must help.

HOOK: You've had an incredible career so far. Is there any particular arena that you enjoy the most, such as dancing, escorting, film or stage productions?

JB: I really enjoy all aspects of my work, but I must say that the opportunity to meet with fans is what I love most.

HOOK: On your dance gigs, do you get nervous at all before you go on stage? What steps do you go through to prepare baring it all?

JB: I don't really do dance performances. I have never thought of myself as go go dancer. I guess that I am a bit of an anomaly as most guys in this industry do go go dance. My public performances are much more homo-erotic and sexual. From that start my ex-boyfriend Blake Harper and I would always perform together. I really get off on being able to be erotic/sexual in front of an audience. I now perform with my new boy friend Steve Ross.

HOOK: Can you tell us a bit of what goes on behind the scenes at your dance gigs?

JB: Alas, nothing too exciting really happens. We often arrive 1 hr. before going on and just hang out in the back. It allows us to warm up and get focused without much distraction.

HOOK: Most people, I have learned, go into this industry for many different reasons: some fear, some drugs, and some are just plain entrepreneurs. Can you share what led you to the adult industry?

JB: I got into the industry rather indirectly. A former boyfriend of mine suggested it as a way to make some extra money. We were both living in different states at the time and could have used the extra money to travel back and forth. I wasn't sure that I would want to, let alone whether I would be able to have sex in front of cameras and clothed people standing around. I guess that I was much more inhibited then. Now of course I get turned on by it.

HOOK: What was it like for you at first? What is it like for you now? Do you feel the industry has changed you?

JB: The fact that I have worked freelance has allowed me to work with numerous companies, directors, models, makeup artists, photographers, etc.. It has been a great education. I certainly have been exposed to all aspects of sex. It has been GREAT.

HOOK: What is your opinion on the industry as a whole? Is there anything you would like to see change in the future?

JB: Overall it is a good industry. As is the case anywhere, there are good aspects and bad ones. I would like to see the industry be more conscious of the product they put out though. Porn plays an important role in teaching a lot of guys how to have sex with other guys. Consequently, I believe that we as an industry should try to send out as positive a message as possible.

HOOK: Guys say all the time, “I want to be a porn star.” You've been there and done that and are still doing it. What do you have to say to people who want to be where you are at?

JB: If guys are interested in getting into porn, they really need to love having sex with another guy. I think that is the most important thing. Plus you have to be conformable doing just that. I guess that if you are embarrassed being a porn star, you shouldn't get into porn.

HOOK: I am sure you have a line of guys waiting to date you. What quality do you want most from your fans? What kind of guys get you excited?

JB: I consider myself very fortunate. My fan base is just great. They have always been very friendly and respectful. Now the kind of guys that get me excited are ones that really enjoy sex, have a good energy about themselves and who are comfortable just being themselves. I really believe that a lot of it has to do with how comfortable one is with oneself.