Porn stud Jessie Colter is the perfect combination of brains, beauty and brawn. As one of today's premiere erotic performers, the Nob Hill Theatre has finally gotten the man who truly represents what a 21st-century San Francisco stud is all about. He'll be at the famous strip club on January 12 and 13 in shows with local talent Dylan Strokes.
Colter took time out of his very busy schedule to talk to the Bay Area Reporter about his passions, from cosplay to horticulture to porn to Kink.com.
Cornelius Washington: Welcome to The Nob Hill Theatre! You're finally here! How do you see yourself adding to the great legacy of this historic venue?
Jessie Colter: I've always wanted to perform at The Nob Hill Theatre. They've offered many times to have me. It just never worked out. I've been fortunate enough to have had a long career in this industry. Knowing that I'll be performing at a venue that so many other great performers have worked at is truly an honor.
When and why did you begin performing live, and what do live sex shows do for you, since you're so intense?
I guess the first show I did was in Montreal, almost nine years ago. Being a sex worker, it seemed so natural and was very easy for me to do.
You've worked with your performance partner, Dylan Strokes, numerous times, live and on film. How do you keep your chemistry fresh, and where do you see live performances going in the 21st century?
There's a very big difference between work life and real life. You learn how to draw a line in the sand and separate the two. The sex industry will always be around.
Did growing up on a 22-acre spread in Kentucky add to the isolation already felt by so many LGBT youth, or did it inspire/inform your sexuality?
It never made me feel isolated or inspired. It was a time in my life that I honestly didn't know much about my sexuality or myself. I left when I was 18.
Your mother is one of your biggest fans, personally and professionally. Describe coming out to her, on both levels, and how you've maintained that relationship.
I never got to come out. It was something that was known, expressed as normal and accepted. She was the only person I somewhat asked permission from to pursue this career. She was very supportive and always has been.
Your altruism is well-known. What drives your desire to help others in the community?
I've been fortunate enough to have had an incredible life, one that's been carefree and very easy. Unfortunately, so many have not. I feel like it's selfish to not want to give back and honestly help others for the sake of contributing to their well being. I've always had a soft spot for LGBT youth, especially transgendered individuals. We need more outreach and understanding on so many of these issues. It makes me proud to know that I've done and will continue to do what I can to make a difference.
I understand that your 'green thumb' led to a Master's Degree in Horticulture and Plant Biology. Please describe your love of nature, and does it translate to your sensuality?
My love of nature comes from growing up in the forest and fields on my mother's property. Everything around me was alive and beaming with energy. I couldn't help but feel it throughout my whole being. It was a part of my everyday life while growing up. I've always had a way with plants and insects. Getting the degree was a very simple choice to make. As for translating to my sensuality, I guess it helps me understand how to be gentle and how to experience my senses fully... if that makes sense.
What were your expectations when you first entered the porn world?
I honestly thought I'd do a couple of scenes and make some quick cash. Man, was I wrong and had no idea what life had planned for me!
With what type of studio do you most enjoy working?
Honestly, the bareback studios are great! They're super easy and take no time to film. Outside of that, I'd have to say Kink.com. Why Kink, you might ask? Because it's so different than the boring same old stuff all the other studios do. They never do anything different than the same things they've been doing for decades. With Kink, it's always something new that will push me to the limit. I learned so much being a dom and a sub that I would never have experienced anywhere else. My heart belongs to Kink.
You're very versatile. How do you feel about the industry and fans' embrace of versatility?
It's great! I'm a believer in 'You have to take what you can give!' How else are you going to know if you're on top of your game? If you're a top, how will you know if you're pleasing your bottom and giving him what he needs, and vice versa?
Describe your most pleasurable porn experience.
This is secret I will not share in print. Only in person. So, if you run into me on the street, or wherever, I'll be more than happy to tell you.
Describe your ideal scene, that you haven't performed yet.
Not possible, because I've filmed every scene and fantasy I've ever wanted, in some cases, numerous times.
What made you decide to perform bareback, after being against it for so long?
I was never against bareback. What concerned me was not getting work if I performed bareback. You see, there was a time that if you did bareback work, no mainstream studio would ever hire you again. Thanks to the rise of PREP, that's no longer an issue.
What led you to kink?
It was all by chance. I did the first ever Men On Edge shoot. They instantly wanted to shoot me as much as possible. After having awesome experiences with kink and getting to learn a few things, I was hooked.
What are some of the biggest misconceptions about kink and its fans?
That we're crazy sex fiends who hurt each other. Kink is made up of so many wonderful, kind and caring people. It's very safe and quite enjoyable.
What fetish gear have you not yet worn that you'd love to, and why?
Hmmm... have you ever seen the full gimp suits that have the inflatable breasts? You know, the ones with the basketball airports used to inflate them. Those would be so fun to play around in.
You seem to really enjoy fetish cosplay, and you look great in the outfits, catsuits, especially. What do they do for you? Who creates your gear?
I love catsuits! They look so good on my physique and quite honestly enhance it as well. They feel incredible and make you feel like a different person. I especially love the ones from Slick-It-Up. They're so comfortable and look badass!
What was it like to appear in James Franco's 2013 Kink documentary? Are there any aspects of kink that you think the film missed?
It was incredible and such an honor. It put me in the world's face, and they had no choice but to look. It made me proud to know that my friends and family got an insider's look at what I do. I think there was some stuff they missed, but nothing serious.
Does The Armory hold a special place in your heart? Please describe some of your favorite memories in that amazing venue and your feelings about Kink.com's leaving it.
It definitely does. It's a place I'll remember for the rest of my life. No studio could ever compare to the beauty, detail and truly amazing creature that building was. As for memories, I remember the first time I was there and how much in awe I was of its presence. Now, knowing that I was a part of something so amazing makes me proud, but all good things come to an end. Nothing lasts forever.
Please describe your exhibitionism, as captured by your amazing Twitter feed.
I love to push limits and show what I'm made of. I'm extremely unapologetic for who I am and enjoying seeing others' reactions to things that I honestly find very easy and normal to do. I've been told I'm brave for being me. I like to think I'm just being me, bravery has nothing to do with it. Loving yourself is what it really takes.
Has producing your own fetish porn evolved your view about being directed by others?
Not really. You have to respect every director's different takes on filming, as well as their vision when it comes to their work. I learned a long time ago that when something is different, it doesn't make it right or wrong... it just makes it different. You have to respect that.
Porn director Laura D has directed more than 50 of your scenes, more than any other director. Not many people are aware of the number of female gay porn directors. What's it like working with them, as opposed to their male colleagues?
There's no difference, really. It's all business as usual.
You're a very popular escort. What services do your clients request most?
It runs the gamut, from foot domination to basic vanilla services and everything in between. It honestly makes no difference to me. I'm an equal-opportunity kind of guy.
What has surprised you most about your clientele?
How excited they get when I show up. I see a lot of fans.
What led to the creation of your new photo book, "Naughty Bits: Photos of A Call Boy," and how you did get the job done?
I wanted to tell my story in a photographic biography. I'm a huge art nerd and have so much respect for all the artist and photographers that I've worked for. It's a way of giving back to them, while at the same time showing where I started and how I've arrived at this point.
This past August, you fought off two attackers (in San Francisco for a White Supremacist rally) who posed as clients, during an outcall. How are you healing from/dealing with the incident?
I take it day by day. I'm medicated and see a psychiatrist and therapist to help me cope. Just know that I'm doing great.
Switching gears entirely, how do you maintain your luscious ass and the rest of your physique?
I work out, eat right and do my best to stay healthy and active. The ass is mainly genetics (Thanks, Mom!).
You're a scientist, marketer, porn star, producer, escort and published author. What's next?
Who the hell knows? (laughs) It's always been that way. I let life happen and follow whatever path it lays before me.
If you could change anything about your careers, what would it be?
Nothing! I'm grateful for all of my successes and failures.
What do you consider your greatest professional and personal accomplishments, so far?
Defying the odds ... and staying alive! But, honestly, I'd have to say, maintaining longevity in my career. Most adult models never make it past a few scenes or a couple of months. I've managed to stay in it almost nine years, successfully. As for personal accomplishments, learning to love myself and be true to who I am.
You've seen all aspects of gay male culture. What do you see gay men getting right and wrong, socially?
I feel gay men are doing right by pushing the boundaries of acceptance in a world that used to shun us. They're doing wrong by forgetting where we come from and how so many before us paved the way so we can live our lives the way we do now.
You're the Nob Hill Theatre's first performer of the year! What are your professional and personal New Year's resolutions?
To do the best and be the best I can possibly be; to grow and learn as much as possible and to strive for greatness, because if you don't fight and try to make your life what you want it to be, it never will.
Jessie Colter's Official Website (A division of http://pervout.com http://jessiecolterxxx.com/