How did you create your porn name?
I wanted a name that was sexy and powerful at the same time. I've always liked the name Alessandro and I picked 'Del Toro' because of the power and virility it represents.
How do you feel about working at the legendary Nob Hill Theater?
I think it is a great honor. The theater has such a rich history, not just in San Francisco, but in the history of the sex industry as well. I'm looking forward to the experience.
Your porn versus private sexuality; what do you do onscreen that you don't do privately, and vice versa?
I can be much more mellow in my private life. There is not as much bondage, pissing, or fisting. Sex in my private life is now more about connecting to the individual; that's something I've been learning recently.
How do you prepare for a scene, on all levels?
I spend the most time preparing physically. I want to look my best, so the week before a shoot, I hit the gym harder, I get proper rest, and make sure every part of me is camera-ready. I also hold off on having sex so that my sexual energy is at its peak for the scene.
How do you like your porn career so far?
There's a part of me that thinks I haven't done enough yet, like I should do more. At this stage, I am not as interested in filming or doing appearances, though. I want to focus on advocacy and outreach.
Who would you like to be your next scene partner, and what would you do with them?
I'd love to do something with Jake Deckard. An outdoors scene would be hot.
What was the very first porn film you ever saw?
I think it was Conquered starring Billly Herrington and Colton Ford, two of my favorites.
Whom, in the porn industry, do you admire?
I admire people that have had long careers and adapted to change throughout the years. One of the people I admire the most in that sense is Chi Chi LaRue.
What do you think will be the next big gay porn trend?
I see everything in the industry moving towards more reality. People want to see real people having real sex.
Barebacking; pro or con?
This is such a controversial issue, and this is the first time that I get to speak publicly about it. Barebacking is such a hot-button issue because it is so closely tied to our health and our responsibility to each other as a community. When condoms were first introduced into the porn world, it was to make a statement about responsible sex, and mitigate the impact that the AIDS crisis was having on our community. I think it is important to uphold that same message as time goes by. Bareback sex is hot. Most men gay or straight seem to think so. How do we uphold that message of health that is ever so important, as we start to see more and more studios going condomless?
We've come a long way when it comes to HIV. Times are changing and we need to look at the issue realistically. I am still an advocate for safe sex. I am definitely an advocate for taking care of your body. The landscape for safe sex is changing, though. Regular testing, "undetectable" status, pre- and post-exposure therapy, and the possibility of a new vaccine are all important new factors that are being introduced into our community that influence the way we look at ourselves and each other. I believe in having a more balanced way of looking at things. Bareback sex no longer means "unsafe" sex. Condom sex is still the only option for some people, and I respect that, but we no longer have to demonize the idea of bareback sex.
What do you want people to see when they watch your films?
I want them to see a great performance with elements of real sex. I don't want it to be overproduced.
When you watch porn, what gets you hard?
I like powerful sexual energy. I like to see two or more powerful men just going at it.
What's your favorite guilty pleasure?
Eating McDonald's French fries. I eat them by myself in the car and then throw away the bag and wrapper in someone else's trash. I'm a total fatty at heart.
Who is your fantasy celebrity fuck?
Joe Mangianello.
What is your favorite body part on yourself?
My butt.
What is your favorite body part on other men?
Butts. I'm obsessed with butts.
Since you're performing at The Nob Hill Theater during Dore Alley weekend, do you have any fetishes or kinks?
I'm really into fisting these days. But I've always enjoyed the leather/bondage scene.
What is your relationship status (single, married, taken)?
I'm taken., for the first time in about five years.
What are your professional goals in porn?
I admire longevity in any career. At the end of this year I would like to take a hiatus and concentrate on other areas of my life. I'd like to come back to this when I'm a few years older with a new look and different type of sexual energy.
What are your personal goals?
I'm starting my Doctorate in Psychology in January. I would eventually like to get licensed as a sex therapist. I want to use both parts of my life to make an impact in people's lives.
Alessandro del Toro performs with Drew Sumrok at the Nob Hill Theatre in special Up your Alley weekend shows July 25 & 26; Sumrock strips for a sexy solo show (8pm), then a live sex show with del Torro (10pm). $25. 729 Bush St. at Powell. 397-6758. www.thenobhilltheatre.com