Mr. Sean Duran is one of the most interesting, charismatic and forthright people in the world of porn. With a work ethic that does not quit, he's worked with all of the major studios and is on the cutting edge of what it means to be a gay man in a profession that betrays the fact that you can actually have it all. His views on escorting, kink and erotica are common-sensical, along with a sense of humor. With husband, Fabio Bernadino, the married duo are in the vanguard of 21st century personalities. Once again, The Nob Hill Theater knocks it out of the park, and The Bay Area Reporter gets the scoop.
Cornelius Washington: This is your second engagement at The Nob Hill Theater. What about this particular audience are you most looking forward to exploring this time around?
Sean Duran: The first time, I was much more nervous because I didn't understand the entire set up. I'm much more fearless now, with far fewer inhibitions.
With whom will you perform your live sex shows, what do most love about working with them and what will you, collectively, bring to the NHT stage that will be explosive?
I have been paired with a couple of the house cast guys. I requested cute, "twinkish" guys to work with, and after having their pictures sent to me, I'm pretty excited to wreck their holes. They are definitely my type of boys.
When and how did you decide to become a porn model?
Honesty, I don't remember all the steps that happened in the beginning, but, I'm sure a financial issue and an application was involved. I just remember my first time in my agent (now best friend) Howard's office telling me about all the opportunities, videos, and photo shoots he had lined up for me. It was quite a whirlwind.
Please describe your first porn shoot.
I believe I was 24, and it was for menover30.com which was, at the time, located in South Beach Miami. I was really nervous, just anxious for it to be over. I don't recall the name of my scene partner (he's long retired now) and I think he was straight!
What has most surprised you about the industry, its leaders and stars?
The most surprising and fun thing about this industry is how much it resembles high school. There are cliques, feuds, strong friendships, drama, but always a sense of camaraderie that I love.
Are there any scenes that you wish you could re-shoot, and why?
Anything pre-2015. I was so skinny, I can't even look at the stills of myself; ha!
With what porn stars would you love to film a scene, or film more scenes?
I have yet to film a scene with Gabriel Cross or Dorian Ferro. They are both perfectly my type; short and muscular, but, not too muscular.
Your bareback work is pretty prolific. What aspects of filming bareback scenes led you to it?
A lot of factors led me to start my bareback career, but, the reasons I fell in love with this part of the industry are its simplicity and realistic aspect. The scenes are much quicker and feel more realistic. Most people don't just keep a condom in their shoe, in case their doctor or pizza boy makes a move on them. The bareback industry helps showcase what normal people in the real world would do in such situations.
Describe your first kink scene, and how you felt afterwards.
The earliest kinky scene that comes to mind is one where I had tied up Drake Jaden, and was using a variety of torture devices on him. I honestly had to be coached the entire time because, and I disclose to all prospective "kinky clients", I don't like hurting people. I simply don't understand it, so I really feel no desire to hit anyone with a flogger or tie their balls to their chin. That disappoints people, but, it's the truth.
What's your take on the recent success of mainstream films like 50 Shades of Grey and it sequel? Do you see a real acceptance of BDSM lifestyles, or just watered-down novelty for shock value and financial gain?
I think the 50 Shades brand is such a success because straight people find what would be mundane to the LGBT community to be exciting and kinky.
Regarding escorting, what motivated your decision to do it?
I decided to escort because a regular 9-5 job or even bartending, wouldn't coexist with my travel and filming schedule. I would love to have a regular job, but I would ask for too much time off to be able to be employed.
Describe the best and worst types of clients.
Awesome! Now, for some education for would-be clients:
The best type of client makes a request a few hours in advance and lets me know exactly what they want to do, i.e., they are a top/bottom and they want to fuck/get fucked.
The type of client I do my best to avoid would be someone who may be coming to town in a week or two and wants to know what I want to do, what I like, what I suggest we do, hotel recommendations, etc.
Congratulations on your recent marriage to Mr. Fabio Bernadino! When did you meet and how long have you been together?
Thank you so much! We met on July 3 at a hotel pool party. He stalked me around the pool and spilled my drink which, of course, prompted me to pull him into a utility closet and offer up some booty! At the time he spoke no English, and this was our way of communicating.
How and when did you know that he was "the one," and did the realization surprise you?
On our first date, which was supposed to just be a continuation of what went on in the utility closet, we decided to go to McDonald's in a very bad neighborhood in West Miami. I knew he was someone worth pursuing when he fearlessly held my hand the entire time. Nothing gives me butterflies more than holding his hand.
What's your husband's reaction to your videos?
I've taken him on set of a few shoots, just to show him it's not all fun and games. He definitely understands it's hard work and he never gets jealous.
Do you have any advice for others seeking the kind of love that you've found with your husband?
Grindr and partying are all fine to meet guys, but once you find one worth getting to know, stop the games. Everyone is always looking for the next best thing. Take what you've got, run with it, and keep your eye on the prize.
Moving on to fitness, your physique has undergone a tremendous change in recent years. What inspired it? How do you maintain it?
On my Twitter feed, there is a constant barrage of pictures of myself. In the earlier days, it was a nightmare for me because of how disgusted I was with my skinny frame. I refused to even watch the clips of my videos and, to this day, I have barely seen any of my scenes from before I was 26 years old. I knew I had to find a way to gain weight so, as most of you are aware, I started my love affair with steroids. My first cycle was testosterone and Trenbolone. It was nothing short of a miracle for me. I train at least six days a week, with heavy weights while trying to find new ways to cram more calories into my body.
If you could have anyone's physique, past or present, living or dead, whose would you have, and why?
Pro bodybuilder Sadik Hadzovik has the body I long for. Also, (fellow porn actor) Sean Zevran's body haunts my dreams and I pray I can catch up to that bitch one day!
On your Twitter feed, you've stated how much you hate training arms. What body parts do you look forward to train?
I love leg day. It took me a while to learn to love it, but it really pays to work legs harder than anything else. If you're looking to gain weight, having strong legs really helps the rest of the body grow. Most of men's testosterone is actually stored in our upper legs (quads), and working them hard releases it to benefit the rest of the body.
What are your ultimate fitness goals?
To look like a Dragon Ball Z character.
Please describe your personal sense of style.
Gym shorts or jeans (usually Old Navy) and gym tanks. I live in Miami. It's hot and I drive a motorcycle, so I have no room for nice outfits that will just be soaked in sweat as soon as I come to a sun-drenched stop light.
What item of clothing makes you feel the most sensual?
My favorite pair of grey gym shorts. They are basically underwear and I only wear them for leg day with a jock strap underneath. When my legs get a good pump, the fabric folds right into the crack of my ass and I prance around like a show pony.
What look did you love when you did it, but now you look back on with horror?
Not that I hate them, but I just wish that I'd had the body I have now when I had them. I would have to say my two-foot-long cornrows I used to sport when I was a twink growing up in Charlotte, North Carolina. They really weren't a bad look. They just needed to be trimmed and I needed to have the body to back them up. I wish I had the patience to grow my hair out again, because now, I would look like the Predator!
What clothing item do you wish that men would stop wearing?
Any type of sandals with straps on them. I gag when I see them. Actually, add flip -lops to that too.
What are your ultimate professional and personal goals?
For my adult career, I hope to one day win a Grabby or Cybersocket Award. Outside of my adult career, I would like to restart my nail tech career with my own nail salon. Strange, yes, but that has always been my lifelong goal. In my personal life, I hope to get pregnant within the next five years. My gynecologist doesn't have high hopes but, I believe in miracles!
Sean Duran performs solo shows (8pm) and threeway sex shows withj J and Andre (10pm) at the Nob Hill Theatre. $25. Also Sat 11. 729 Bush St. at Powell. 397-6758. www.thenobhilltheatre.com
Follow Sean Duran at twitter.com/seanduranxxx