Talking California’s Prop 60 with Casey Calvert

Casey Shares Why You Should Be Against Prop 60

Top porn star Casey Calvert is one of the many porn stars all over your Twitter feed who is asking for your help in defeating California's Prop 60 when it comes up for vote this November. Prop 60 claims to be about protecting sex workers but the proposition really does everything but that. Calvert answers some questions that you probably have about Prop 60 and if you are a regular porn consumer, you definitely should take a minute to read up on this issue and read what Calvert has to say below.

First off, how have you been? How are things with you in the porn world?

"I've been great, Holly! I actually took a little bit of time off this summer to work on a mainstream film, 'Diminuendo', but now I'm back shooting again, and I've been BUSY!"

What do you think that people misunderstand most about Prop 60 just looking at the surface of it?

"Prop 60 is called the 'Condoms in Pornographic Films Initiative' and the ballot summary makes it appear that this is about safer sex and workers rights. The average person doesn't take the time to read the legalese of each proposition they are voting on. And who could say no to safe sex in porn, right?"

What do you think that people should understand about AIDS Healthcare Foundation head Michael Weinstein's agenda in pushing this bill?

"Michael Weinstein has been anti-porn for a very long time. He's also very pro-condom, and has spoken out against other proven safer sex methods, like PReP. In my opinion, Weinstein knows that we are getting closer and closer to a cure to HIV every day, and he knows that cure means he's out of a job. Prop 60 is, at its core, job security. If it passes, Weinstein stays relevant, in perpetuity. If the porn business leaves California, that's just icing on the cake."

As a performer, why do you prefer to not use condoms in your scenes? To most people, a condom would seem like the best option for use during any sexual encounter.

"First of all, I totally agree that a condom is the best option for use during almost any sexual encounter. The only time I don't want to use a condom is while shooting a porn scene, for a few reasons:

I have a latex allergy, and cannot use latex condoms. There are some awesome non-latex condoms on the market, but the downside to them is that they are even more prone to breakage than a latex condom. That means even more stopping and starting to fix the broken condom during the hour or so of sex to shoot a scene. Because, yes, they just end up breaking. Also, no matter how much lube you use, I find that condoms chafe, especially for anal, which as you know, I shoot a lot of. And a chafed hole is one more prone to infectious disease transmission - the condom ends up defeating its own purpose.

My argument against condoms in porn isn't about the consumer not wanting to see it. That's really not my circus. It's all about my comfort and my health."

Can you explain the STI testing process that the majority of American porn performers adhere to, for our readers?

"Of course. Here in L.A., there are two testing centers we frequent. At least one of those companies also has branches in the Bay Area, South Florida, and Las Vegas, and will contract out to blood draw facilities around the country for those performers living in other areas. To work for any of the major adult companies, we must test every 14 days. We test for HIV, hepatitis B & C, gonorrhea, Chlamydia, trichomoniasis, and syphilis. Our test results go directly into the PASS system, where other performers and producers can log on and see if we are cleared to work. The PASS system is password-protected (access is verified by the Free Speech Coalition, the trade association for the adult industry), prevents test falsification, and does not save any personal information for security purposes. When you log on, all you see next to the name searched is if they are good to work."

I am, unfortunately, personally aware of how awful stalking can be for a woman in our society. Could you please explain how Prop 60 endanger's the personal safety of performers?

"Prop 60 contains a provision that allows private citizens to sue producers and those with a financial interest in the product if they see a film without a condom. This opens up a massive can of very dangerous worms. Ignoring the absurd precedent this sets and the financial disaster this would be, it's still terrifying. Most performers these days, including myself, are also considered producers, and a lawsuit will reveal all aspects of personal information - like a home address - to a stalker, an anti-porn zealot, whomever the plaintiff ends up being. And since the Prop also dictates a financial incentive for the plaintiff, there is nothing stopping those who want to harm us."

How will Prop 60 impact the quality of porn productions? How will the viewer be able to see the impact of Prop 60 in the movies from their favorite production companies?

"I am certain the business will endure if Prop 60 passes; porn isn't going anywhere, but the viewer will certainly see a drop in new content from big companies for quite a while, while things get figured out. It's not as easy as just slipping on a condom. For those who are fans of smaller porn companies and talent-produced films, expect a lot of those companies to fold because they won't be able to afford to stay in business. Prop 60 will kill the amazing trend towards California-based female-driven, niche-driven porn, and all you'll be left with are the big guns."

How will Prop 60 financially impact the performers doing the scenes?

"Well, if there's no work because no one is shooting, if those of us who shoot for ourselves have to stop production . . . we are severely financially impacted."

How did things get this far that Prop 60 even happened as a thing?

"That's a hard thing to say, and a scary thing to think about. I know that AHF spent a significant amount of money getting the signatures required to get the bill on the docket. But really, I think that Weinstein wasn't happy with the outcome of Measure B, certainly wasn't happy with what happened with AB1576, and instead of giving up, is fighting even harder."

What can Fleshbot readers do to help stop Prop 60 from becoming law in the state of California?

Those who live in California can register to vote if they haven't yet, and go out and vote NO on Prop 60. And everyone, no matter where they live, can help spread the word on social media and donate to the cause. AHF has spent over $4 million supporting Prop 60 - we need your help."

On a happier note, what will fans be seeing from you soon? Do you have anything that you are excited about coming out?

"Well, my mainstream project will be dropping early next year, so keep an eye out for that. Otherwise, I'll be on my way to Prague in a few weeks to shoot for LegalPorno, and you know that's gonna be awesome!"

Is there anything that you would like to say to your fans here at Fleshbot?

"I love you guys, and vote NO on Prop 60!"

All of the images and video here appear courtesy of Dark X and are from her scene with Mandingo in Dark X's "Interracial Anal 2" directed by Mason. Be sure to follow Calvert on Twitter to keep up with her world and you can follow the Free Speech Coalition on Twitter to learn about how you can help protect the people who make the porn that you enjoy watching.

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