Published August 8, 2002 in issue #27 of The Hook

BY COURTENEY STUART

Following their years at UVA, one of America's most prestigious universities, many students grab the brass ring and enter the adult world. But one former Wahoo didn't just grab the brass ring; he slipped it on and entered the adult entertainment world.

That former student is up-and-coming gay porn star "DC Chandler," who granted this interview on condition that his real name not be used in the interest of protecting his family.

At age 22, he has already acted in three porn feature films including starring roles in Supercharge and The Scout Club and has been nominated for a GayVideoNews award.

The Hook caught up with DC to learn the ins and outs of making it in the world of adult films.

Name: DC Chandler

Age: 22

Current place of residence: Washington, DC

How did your time at UVA help you in your career? Well, I got some practice on my sexual technique, but-- alas, alack-- not as much as one could hope for. In hindsight, maybe an acting class or two wouldn't have hurt.

We understand not all actors in gay adult movies are actually gay. Are you? Yes, I'm gay.

What was it like being gay at UVA? It was pretty lousy, to say the least. The student body is largely dominated by an incredibly conservative, upper-class Southern culture combined with an equally conservative pre-Yuppie business culture. But on the plus side, both the University faculty and local Charlottesville culture tend to be much more intelligent, enlightened, and culturally open.

Is there a significant gay or alternative community at UVA that defies the khaki and pearls stereotype? There are alternative communities around, including a very small gay community on grounds. There is also a local C'ville gay community-- which is very friendly and includes a lot of good people.

As for the khakis and pearls-- ironically, the nationwide American gay community (closeted and "out") includes many of the strongest upholders and imitators of the "khaki and pearls" ultra-homophobic aesthetic. Unfortunately, I think gays will continue to vacillate between aping the behavior and dress of straight men and straight women until they come to terms with their own unique identities as gay men and women.

What do you think of the "not gay" chant at UVA football games? Researchers at the University of Georgia found that men who expressed homophobic views displayed the highest rates of penile tumescence when viewing videos of gay sex. I therefore find the "not gay" chant not only highly offensive, but highly ironic.

When you were at UVA, your red mesh shorts, gold medallion, and unusual strut attracted some attention. Comment? Gee, thanks.

How did you get into the industry? A porn actor saw me dancing, saw my [penis], and suggested I try making erotic movies. The idea intrigued me, so eventually I sent some photos to an agent and got myself a booking in a scene. It turned out to be a vignette in Bedtime Stories 1 with Drew Larson.

How would the Rugby Road frat crowd react to your career? I have no idea. But if they want to buy my movies, they are available on DCChandler.com.

What's an audition for a porn movie like? There are no auditions per se-- and no "casting couches" at all, in my experience, in stark contrast to what I've heard of the non-sexual modeling and acting industry. Nude photos, including clear shots of face, body, and erect [penis], are sent to the studios, and the "audition" is actually a real sex scene for a movie!

Is there any opening night/premiere? Sometimes there are opening night parties to promote new movies, but they are usually held at bars, not movie houses.

Growing up, did you envision this as your career? When I was a teenager, friends would sometimes say I had a "porno dick," but I didn't take that especially seriously.

What does your family think of your career choice? Well, as far as I know, my parents were never really into gay porn. Too expensive!

Has anybody recognized you? The only times people have approached me or mentioned DC Chandler have been in gay bars or video stores that carry adult movies. It was cool; people were nice-- I always like hearing what people like and dislike about my movies. One big plus of doing movies is that I occasionally get a very candid window into people's sexual fantasies.

Are safe sex practices followed during films? In the mainstream of gay porn, safe sex practices are strictly adhered to, which I think is important. Many gay men learn about gay sex from movies, so it's important that they learn safe, positive, enjoyable ways of having sex. One thing I really like about my studio, Studio 2000, is that they portray sex as something fun, pleasurable, and safe. Straight porn movies do not use condoms.

Do you worry about disease? Of course I worry about disease. Having gay sex, in front of a camera or not, is risky. Infection rates among gay men for all diseases, including HIV, are alarmingly high. The suicidal trend of "bare backing" among young gay men is reflected in a dangerous resurgence of HIV and other STDs. I'm afraid that the gay community is going to experience another wave of premature deaths in the next decade, because I have no faith that a vaccine for HIV or a cure for AIDS will ever be found in my lifetime.

How do you pick your material? Since I'm signed with Studio 2000, I work in their movies, so I don't have to sort through scripts right now.

What's the most bizarre thing you've ever done in a movie? Well, once I had to wear a blazer and tie. Oh, the humanity!

Is there anything you wouldn't do on film? Bareback.

Did Boogie Nights accurately portray the industry? In many ways, yes. The people I've worked with are very cool, and there is a lot of fun on the sets. It's work, but it's also a fun job.

What's the biggest misconception about a porn star's life? That they eat, sleep, and breathe sex, or that they are sexual compulsives or addicts. People don't assume that all mail carriers spend their leisure hours collecting stamps.

How's the money? The job pays well in terms of wages per hour, but I don't exactly fly home from L.A. in my private jet. I also have a regular job.

How separate your professional and personal lives? Well, a thick pair of glasses and mustache never hurt. Red shorts also help.

How long will you stay in this line of work? Careers for porn performers typically last only a few years, so I expect mine will follow a similar pattern.

Will your porn career morph into a mainstream films? A lot of mainstream performers in the entertainment industry started out doing adult entertainment of one kind or another: Milton Berle, Red Foxx, Sylvester Stallone. I don't have a later career plan in the entertainment industry, but I'm open to possibilities.

What would you tell other UVA students considering your career? Practice, practice, practice!

­Research assistance provided by Jim Meyerle and Laurie Ripper

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