PORN STAR INTERVIEW: SEAN ZEVRAN
As smart as he is sexy – and he’s pretty smart!
DNA: Where are you from and what brought you to porn?
Sean Zevran: I’m originally from East Texas. I did eight years in the United States Marine Corps Reserve and have of Bachelor Of Arts Degree in Philosophy from Stephen F Austin State University. During my senior year of college, I met porn star Brandon Wilde, who sent some of my pics to Randy Blue and they reached out to me soon afterwards. Two weeks after graduating from SFASU in the summer of 2011, I was on a plane to Los Angeles to film my first porn scene.
In 2017, you won XBIZ Awards’ Gay Performer Of The Year. How did that feel?
It was unexpected. My boyfriend at the time and I attended to have a few drinks and enjoy the event. I recall glancing at the nominees and there were quite a few industry veterans nominated for the award so I assumed one of them would be walking away with the honour that evening. When XBIZ called my name I was shocked. I hadn’t prepared a speech and I think that was pretty obvious when I accepted the award on stage. Nevertheless, I couldn’t have been more grateful. It’s one of the highest honours of my industry.
Then you won Performer Of The Year in
2018 at the GayVN Awards.
Winning the second year was also unexpected. There was some controversy leading up to the 2018 GayVN Awards. I had temporarily withdrawn my nomination to make a statement about race in the porn industry and the wider LGBTQ+ community. However, I agreed to let my nomination stand in exchange for being given the privilege to speak about race in our industry and the
LGBTQ+ community and start an important conversation. To my surprise, I received the highest award in our industry that night. To be honoured in such a way after all that had happened was special, and words alone cannot express how grateful I was and continue to be.
Tell us about your life in LA. Are you out all the time or are you more of a homebody? I’m definitely a homebody. My ex-boyfriend, my roommate, and the few true friends I have can attest to this. I’m strongly introverted so I spend most of my time reading, playing video games and tinkering with tech. For the first half of my time in the industry I was heavily involved in the circuit as a go-go dancer because I enjoy music and dancing but, even then, I mostly kept to myself aside from a few professional relationships. I think this gave the impression on social media
that I was living life like a rock star but in reality that was hardly the case. In some ways, I liked giving that impression for the sake of branding but, as with all things, moderation is key.
Do you get to travel a lot working in porn?
I used to travel quite a bit in the early days but I’m a stickler for routine so too much travel after a given amount of time starts to wear on me mentally. After going so long without my usual routine, I start getting some pretty bad anxiety and depression. I still travel, but less. How do you feel about the fan sites where porn performers create and manage your own content?
Though I doubt many studios would agree with me, I think it’s the best thing to ever happen to the industry. Firstly, it puts the power back in the hands of performers. We are no longer dependent on studios for work. It gives us more leverage in negotiating scene rates and contracts, and it makes working with studios more of a collaboration than being merely contracted for a scene. Secondly, it affords more opportunity to performers of colour, transgender performers, and those who may not fit the mainstream, white gay standard of beauty. It also allows performers to take risks and be creative on their own in ways that a studio would never allow. All of these things, I think, will lead to better porn for all of us.
Who is your favourite kind of fan?
I love all my fans as without them I wouldn’t be who I am today. But I always appreciate the fan who realises that we, porn stars, are just as human as anyone else; that what people see of us doesn’t necessarily reflect everything that’s going on in our life, that we make mistakes, and that we’re along for this journey just like everyone else.
Barebacking is now the norm in the industry. Do the studios test for STIs?
It’s always a concern for anyone working in the sex industry. We tend to be much more aware of our sexual health than the average person. Not all studios test, but PrEP has been a gamechanger. It’s only one tool of protection against HIV transmission, and rising rates of STIs of all types are a concern, but the LGBTQ+ community has a dark history with this sort of thing and most of us in the industry tend to be pretty knowledgeable about that.
What are the best parts of the porn industry and what parts of it bother you?
Porn represents both the best and worst of human nature. On the one hand, it’s a beautiful expression of human sexuality; but on the other hand, porn can be a manifestation of humanity’s darkest impulses. Now, there’s a lot to untangle there and I’m not going to bore everyone by writing a thesis. With technology, and the new ways performers are able to take control of their craft these days, it’ll be fascinating to see the direction the industry takes. I’m very excited from a creative perspective.
The US government is taking actions that restrict the rights of women and LGBTQ+ people: how do you feel about this?
Elections have consequences. Nationalism and totalitarian attitudes are on the rise the world over. We’re dealing with new technologies and struggling with the impact it’s having on us politically, socially and economically. I oppose any attempt at limiting the rights of women and the LGBTQ+ community. Anyone who follows me knows I’ve been very vocal about this and the need for people to become more familiar with information technology and cybersecurity best practices. I’m currently working on a second degree in cybersecurity and plan to use my platform to do more in this area in future. What is the biggest assumption people make about you?
I’ve lost track of all the assumptions people have about me. It may sound arrogant but I’ve reached a certain level of success where I no longer care. Truthfully, I have my loyal fans who know most of what’s true and know that I’m human just like everyone else. Because of them, I’ve received the highest honours in this industry, and I’m financially stable enough to support myself and help support my family. As long as I can continue to do this I don’t give a shit what assumptions people make.
How is dating life as a porn performer? Being a public figure makes it difficult to establish meaningful connections. Being a public figure known for sex probably even more so. Add being a gay man to that and I think it’s a pretty frustrating endeavour to make meaningful connections. Ever since my last and only relationship, however, I’ve found myself a lot less concerned with such things. What do you do to relax and decompress?
I play video games, go to the gym, write, suck dick and get fucked.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Hopefully I’ll be a cybersecurity contractor or working at a cybersecurity firm of some sort. At the pointy end of the interview, can we get some basic stats please?
I’m 30 years old, 82kg [180lbs], 173cm [5’8”] and 8-inches uncut.
Fan sites put the power back into the hands of performers.