BluMedia (BrokeStraightBoys) Bareback Statement:

[tampa24]

Mark, Sha, I believe in you and your commitment to the models who work for you. I believe you go into this with eyes wide open and the personal safety of the models first and foremost in your thoughts. You are caring and intelligent men who have proven yourselves worthy of my trust time and again. I know this is not a step you take lightly. I thank you for your statement, your careful consideration, and, above all, your care in the "keeping" of the boys.

You said that so well LL. I agree with all of it.

 

[BenBen]

Sha I think you for your explanations and I really do appreciate your response.

I feel that the sense of family does come across in the interview sections of many of the videos and especially in the behind the scenes videos. For many of us in the gay community our real families don't give us that sense of trust, love and togetherness so we go out and create our own family. I know the people in my life that I consider my true family members are not related to me by blood. I have also seen this outside of the gay community with people who don't feel a strong connection to their real family. Even in the adult entertainment field I believe a family environment can happen.

 

[Sha]

Sha I think you for your explanations and I really do appreciate your response.

I feel that the sense of family does come across in the interview sections of many of the videos and especially in the behind the scenes videos. For many of us in the gay community our real families don't give us that sense of trust, love and togetherness so we go out and create our own family. I know the people in my life that I consider my true family members are not related to me by blood. I have also seen this outside of the gay community with people who don't feel a strong connection to their real family. Even in the adult entertainment field I believe a family environment can happen.

You are so right BenBen. It was stated in one of the threads recently that I must be one of the luckiest guys because of the job I have. Well I can tell you that I really do feel blessed every single day. Not because of what I do for my job as sometimes that can be pretty stressful and very overwhelming but for those that I have had the pleasure to get to know both employed by the company and those consumers and members that I have met over the years. There are many even on this site that actively participate on the forum whom I have established relationships with and although I may only get to see them once per year when I am in their city I think about them often. You see they have also become a part of the extended family in which I am so happy to be a part of. So Yes it is much more than just PORN......

 

[another1]

sha wrote:
'For those of you who have met us on tour or in other ways there is no need for explanation as our actions speak much louder than words.'

i goes to events where the tour visits and do so for the sole purpose of spending time with/watching sha and the boys.
i sure the boys are glad when the day ends, because finally i will go home. but i return the next day. lol

my choice whether to stay or to go has nothing to do with my respect and love for sha and mark. it's a personal decision, it's a financial decision, it's a difficult decision. it's something i would have rather kept between me and blu; pm'd my friends with my concerns.

 

[Sha]

sha wrote:
'For those of you who have met us on tour or in other ways there is no need for explanation as our actions speak much louder than words.'

i goes to events where the tour visits and do so for the sole purpose of spending time with/watching sha and the boys.
i sure the boys are glad when the day ends, because finally i will go home. but i return the next day. lol

my choice whether to stay or to go has nothing to do with my respect and love for sha and mark. it's a personal decision, it's a financial decision, it's a difficult decision. it's something i would have rather kept between me and blu; pm'd my friends with my concerns.

I am sure that you know that you are one of the members I referred to in my previous post. I remember the first year that we met and each opportunity that we had to visit with one another at the events. I am also sure you know how much I admire you. Hell you know more about some of the models in the industry better than I do. Remember that first year in Long Beach when you showed up with your list of models and their scenes? The point I am getting at is that you will always have a special place in my heart. You are an absolutely amazing and loving man whom I am so happy that I have had the opportunity to meet and am honored to call a friend. I do hope that I get to see you this year on the tour.

 

[rrhill]

I have over the years watched bareback sex. i have not joined any new sites and would never join a site that promoted unsafe sex as a way to stay competitive. for that reason when my current membership expires, i will no longer be a member of bsb.

My choice whether to stay or to go has nothing to do with my respect and love for sha and mark. it's a personal decision, it's a financial decision, it's a difficult decision. it's something i would have rather kept between me and blu; pm'd my friends with my concerns.

If I can't make you stay, I hope that you do will return Another1...

 

[stowe1]

A FEW MORE COMMENTS IN COLOR:

Of course they have the power of choice. What I question is their judgment. Have you forgotten what it's like to be that age? I actually attended Harvard and I made plenty of stupid choices. This is not a choice they should be asked to make. Racing fans do not ask to see drivers race without seat belts, helmets etc – even though that might make it more exciting. Bareback merely serves a fantasy, but the risk is real. Deliberately exposing someone to risk is unethical.

For someone studying to become a doctor, you should be the first to acknowledge this. All these comments about treating the models "like family" is hypocritical and sanctimonious talk.

What I find hypocritical, sanctimonious and especially condescending is the thought that these guys are not capable of informing their intellects and making free will choices just because they are young. Moreover no one is deliberately exposing anyone to a risk. People are being educated as to the situation and deciding what they want to do free of any coercion.

My dear friend, im a third year med student at university college dublin(ucd), and I wish that you would read my comment again, many don't Realise how dangerous unprotected sex can be, specially the anal bareback sex, you can pass anything, I can state specifics and go for hours with this discussion , but I'm sure most know them already, and it can also be a habit as most models are young and broke and some are willing to do anything for money as one of the honorable members mentioned.

First of all your making judgements about people whom you don't know as to whether or not they can realize and understand how dangerous unprotected sex can and can't be. My comments stand as to the testing and prevention progress made over the years. I lived it. And was doctored and counselled and educated by doctors who have spent their lives dealing with HIV/AIDS. Also see Sha's comments below for a brief tutorial on testing methods.

I want to first address the "family oriented" comment. For those of you who have met us on tour or in other ways there is no need for explanation as our actions speak much louder than words. For those members that we have not had the pleasure to meet then I will tell you that the BluMedia team has always been a family and each and every one of the guys that come in to our lives become part of that family. We have laughed together, cried together and everything in between. These guys have touched my life more than anyone could have known. When I was going thru things in my life they were there for me. I have been blessed to have helped past and present models thru rough times that they were going thru. After all this is what you do when you are family.

In over 15 years in the industry we have never been quick to making important decisions. We always do our research and try to make the best choice for the company and those involved. We know that not every decision made will be welcomed with open arms by all but be assured that before any decision is made it is thoroughly thought out as well as discussed with our team, our family. It is important to understand that any sexual activity, condom use or bareback, puts a person at risk of contracting HIV or an STD. I personally feel that many of our models will now be safer with the new testing implementation. I have had two models that have told me that this was their first time getting tested and that they were relieved to have the opportunity to test.

The safety of our boys is very important to us, and we will always take the necessary precautions to make sure they stay free of HIV and other STDs. Broke Straight Boys who have decided to participate in our bareback scenes are tested immediately prior to their performances each set of shoots, receiving a full blood panel test by the leading testing company in the industry. The test is comprehensive and covers a range of infections including HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, and Chlamydia. We have opted to use the most sensitive test available for HIV, the PCR test (Polymerase Chain Reaction test), that can detect the genetic material of HIV rather than the antibodies to the virus, and so can identify HIV in the blood almost immediately after infection.


Some info on different types of testing:

1. What are the different types of HIV Testing Methodologies and what do they mean?

ELISA Methodology

The ELISA (Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay), or EIA, is the most commonly used HIV antibody test. It is a highly sensitive test, meaning that all (or nearly all) infected people will test positive.

Western Blot Methodology

The Western Blot test is most commonly used to confirm a positive ELISA test. It is more specific than the ELISA test, so all or nearly all people who are not infected will test negative. The two tests combined result in nearly 100% accuracy.

PCR Methodology

PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) detects the virus before the body produces antibodies, and viral culture, where a culture of the virus is produced from a blood sample. Additional tests may be used to assess the functioning of the immune system as a measure of the progression of HIV disease.

This is very well stated, Sha! You have given a clear and concise summary of some various testing methods and how BSB will be using the best and most effective. Again, as I said in my earlier post, I hope a summary of the testing methods used is given prior to each BB scene, so everyone who views them knows about the testing and not just forumites.




\

sha wrote:
'For those of you who have met us on tour or in other ways there is no need for explanation as our actions speak much louder than words.'

i goes to events where the tour visits and do so for the sole purpose of spending time with/watching sha and the boys.
i sure the boys are glad when the day ends, because finally i will go home. but i return the next day. lol

my choice whether to stay or to go has nothing to do with my respect and love for sha and mark. it's a personal decision, it's a financial decision, it's a difficult decision. it's something i would have rather kept between me and blu; pm'd my friends with my concerns.

I appreciate your reasons for leaving and wish you well, but with all due respect, and I mean that sincerely another1, if you wanted your decision to leave and the reason(s) behind it to be between you and blu, then you should not have posted anything about it on the forum, a public domain.



-

 

[another1]

that year in long beach. you, austin and diesal. he's got a list!? a refined verison of that list helps me more easily find austin. long beach pride was my first time ever, i met austin , we talked and the world got smaller. then he introducted me to you. people who are meant to meet do! hope to see you in may, in long beach.

 

[another1]

@stowe1, mistakes where made! if i had it all to do over again, then i probably wouldn't be wonder what i would do if i had it all to do over again. exiting like a roman candle. couldn't find the do over button after pushing the post button. the hand was quicker than the brain.

 

[Sha]

that year in long beach. you, austin and diesal. he's got a list!? a refined verison of that list helps me more easily find austin. long beach pride was my first time ever, i met austin , we talked and the world got smaller. then he introducted me to you. people who are meant to meet do! hope to see you in may, in long beach.

You are so right. God (or the higher power) that one believes always finds a way to put people in our lives when we need that. You will certainly see me in Long Beach. It wouldn't be the same without you.

 

[lovelumps]

Another1, your delightful commentary, your insight, will be missed. It saddens me to lose a member, for whatever reason. Having been a deserter myself, understanding the different reasons this happens, I'll just say that I hope you will find your way back to us soon.

P.S. I came back to find out who the models were that were touring last summer. It left me at a distinct disadvantage to not really have a sense of who they were when I met them. But then, I got to see Rob and Cole, and Sha and Mark and Chuck. That was all that really mattered to me. The new guys were just the frosting on my favorite flavor of cupcake!

P.P.S. Well, except for Chad, of course He was a second cupcake!

 

[juanjo]

First of all I appreciate the statements form the management of this site. I have done work for some people who produce porn [mainly drafting model releases and the like] and some frankly could care less about the safety of their models or accept questionable test result forms. Everything I have seen in the interactions of the models and staff in the behind the scenes video etc make me believe they do care about safety and will do all they can to continue to ensure the safety of their models.

I know I date myself when I say I remember clearly the start of the AIDS epidemic. But I do and I lost the vast majority of my friends in the early days of that epidemic. I really do not know how I lucked out but such is life. In volunteer work with youth since then I have found that many do not really understand the consequences of their actions. They do engage in unprotected sex for love, for lust and for money. Many think that if they do become infected then some pill will either cure the STD or make the HIV a manageable disease.

All of life is full of risk. We get up in the morning, take a shower, travel by auto, bus, bike etc. There is risk associated with everything we do. We cannot avoid risk. But we can and should reduce unnecessary risk. What we are referring to here is people engaging in actions with increased risks for the sole purpose of sexual gratification of the people paying to watch.

Frankly I am conflicted about this decision and I have not yet made up my mind whether to cancel my subscription or continue. I do appreciate the statement made concerning the decision and it sounds like steps are being taken to ensure the decision is made by the model without any repercussion for deciding not to engage in bareback sex. It also sounds like all necessary steps to ensure the models do so safely will be taken. I assume that the models will be given all relevant facts prior to making their decision. That sounds like responsible management to me and I would expect no less from these folks given what I have seen from them before.

But the other side of the issue is that the people who watch these are not necessarily going to read all the disclaimers etc and just watch two hot young men going at it without condoms. This increases the acceptance of bareback action by people who are not necessarily going to be aware of the precautions taken or bother with those precautions themselves. I am aware that this is a choice they make for themselves. But they do not always necessarily live in places where they have access to that information. Some foolishly believe that having sex with an older man could be hazardous but a young man - not so much. We do not encourage irresponsible behavior in other possibly dangerous behaviors - drunk driving, hang gliding etc.

 

[vicekid]

Before the episode airs I thought I add my 2 cents worth. First, I appreciate and thank both Mark and Sha for speaking up openly and honestly. It does not matter if we agree or disagree, the fact is they provide us insite into the decision making process and how they take care of their models. Everything we see, hear, do, be it here or in our own reality is a matter of choice. That freedom is the most precious of all. All of us within our own lives have made choices, good, bad and indifferent. We then have to live with them whatever consequences that result, sometimes for the rest of our lives. While I read all the arguments here, bottom line ; it is the models choice. While I could live without it, Blue Media is trying to do what we all want: meet our (fans) needs. And it seems they have feedback saying this is.

What does surprise me is the the hot and heavy response. This is not the first time Broke Straight Boys has had bareback. The first one I 'm aware of was Eric and Ross (5/12/07) followed by Tyler and Jacob (2/2/08). If you re-watch them, in both cases I believe David was surprised during the interview concerning bareback. Both he and the models discussed being tested & Tyler even remarked, " isn't that dangerous"? David who took great care with his models would NEVER have film those scenes if he felt there was any question about safety. And I don't think this was all per-arranged. Nor do I think the models were giving Oscar winning performances. Yet, I don't remember any significant discussion amongst the forum.

I do have two question for Mark and Clay that might help us feel perhaps a bit more comfortable, that has not surfaced. First, Clay, will you be discussing in the interviewing process the dangers, etc. to this type of sex? Second, Mark, regarding bareback, what % of future episodes do you see being bareback. Once in a while, over 50% or?

For those of you who will be leaving the site due to this, that is your choice, I will miss reading your words of wisdom and I wish you well.


Live Long and Prosper,

Vicekid

 

[JLipps4u]

Mark, Sha, I believe in you and your commitment to the models who work for you. I believe you go into this with eyes wide open and the personal safety of the models first and foremost in your thoughts. You are caring and intelligent men who have proven yourselves worthy of my trust time and again. I know this is not a step you take lightly. I thank you for your statement, your careful consideration, and, above all, your care in the "keeping" of the boys.

Does this mean you are okay with your two boys have unprotected sex?

 

[BrokeStraightBoys]

I do have two question for Mark and Clay that might help us feel perhaps a bit more comfortable, that has not surfaced. First, Clay, will you be discussing in the interviewing process the dangers, etc. to this type of sex? Second, Mark, regarding bareback, what % of future episodes do you see being bareback. Once in a while, over 50% or?

For those of you who will be leaving the site due to this, that is your choice, I will miss reading your words of wisdom and I wish you well.


Live Long and Prosper,

Vicekid

I can't estimate the percentage of bareback scenes since we give the models the choice to do this. I would guess maybe 50% but don't quote me on that.

 

[JLipps4u]

Well put Mark and thank you Sha for the "family" response. I will continue supporting the decisions the mgmt makes in regards to changing whatever format to the wants of it's customers. I to am in sales and these changes may be necessary for future success of BSB.

I seriously doubt that!

 

[lovelumps]

Does this mean you are okay with your two boys have unprotected sex?

There comes a point in each parent's life when they actually have to sexualize their kids. It's difficult to see our little ones grow up, and up and up, to see them mature into young adults who have hormones and are driven by more than their next Lego set build or their need to get to the next level in Assassin's Creed before bed. When your kids fall in love or lust for the first time and you have to accept that they have parts made for more than just peeing, when you realize that the bed is squeaking late at night and they are more than happy to do their own laundry. It's tough. I love them more than anything or anyone, and I want what's best for them. Sex is terrifying as a parent. It's need, angst inspiring need, determined and pushy and a driving force to be reckoned with. It's babies and STDs and life and death.

As a parent, I have been doing my best to educate my kids about life, sex, love and character. I discuss safe sex regularly with my kids. However, and here I'm at a disadvantage, neither one of them is sexually active, so it's not something I have to deal with in reality yet. Further, I can only help guide them in life, not make their decisions for them. If they choose to have unsafe sex, much as I did as a young woman, I can only hope that they go into it with their thinking head fully engaged, and don't just have unsafe sex on a whim, in the heat of the moment. As a parent, that's about the best I can hope for, since I can't be with them all the time. One day, they will leave the nest, and I hope they will make smart choices for themselves and weigh risks in a thoughtful and considerate way.

 

[another1]

that would work out the be about 3 episodes with and 3 without!
that would be maybe 3 oral and say 3 or 4 manual? out of 13 episodes a month.
it's manual, oral, anal ( well sir be covering himself tonite or not?)
that's MOA, mo ah which becomes more.
a strong maybe.

 

[mikeyank]

Frankly I am conflicted about this decision and I have not yet made up my mind whether to cancel my subscription or continue. I do appreciate the statement made concerning the decision and it sounds like steps are being taken to ensure the decision is made by the model without any repercussion for deciding not to engage in bareback sex. It also sounds like all necessary steps to ensure the models do so safely will be taken. I assume that the models will be given all relevant facts prior to making their decision. That sounds like responsible management to me and I would expect no less from these folks given what I have seen from them before.

But the other side of the issue is that the people who watch these are not necessarily going to read all the disclaimers etc and just watch two hot young men going at it without condoms. This increases the acceptance of bareback action by people who are not necessarily going to be aware of the precautions taken or bother with those precautions themselves. I am aware that this is a choice they make for themselves. But they do not always necessarily live in places where they have access to that information. Some foolishly believe that having sex with an older man could be hazardous but a young man - not so much. We do not encourage irresponsible behavior in other possibly dangerous behaviors - drunk driving, hang gliding etc.

Juanjo, I've often noted how similarly we think about so many things we see here and about the kind of guys we enjoy watching on Broke Straight Boys While I am not even contemplating leaving this site at this time, I must once again agree with all that you have said and I too am extremely "conflicted" about this latest turn of events here. Something in my gut tells me it is wrong, but I am a very loyal person and have invested too many years and have too many friends here to "abandon ship" at this time. But I am indeed rather conflicted over this latest turn of events.

 

[joninliverton]

There comes a point in each parent's life when they actually have to sexualize their kids. It's difficult to see our little ones grow up, and up and up, to see them mature into young adults who have hormones and are driven by more than their next Lego set build or their need to get to the next level in Assassin's Creed before bed. When your kids fall in love or lust for the first time and you have to accept that they have parts made for more than just peeing, when you realize that the bed is squeaking late at night and they are more than happy to do their own laundry. It's tough. I love them more than anything or anyone, and I want what's best for them. Sex is terrifying as a parent. It's need, angst inspiring need, determined and pushy and a driving force to be reckoned with. It's babies and STDs and life and death.

As a parent, I have been doing my best to educate my kids about life, sex, love and character. I discuss safe sex regularly with my kids. However, and here I'm at a disadvantage, neither one of them is sexually active, so it's not something I have to deal with in reality yet. Further, I can only help guide them in life, not make their decisions for them. If they choose to have unsafe sex, much as I did as a young woman, I can only hope that they go into it with their thinking head fully engaged, and don't just have unsafe sex on a whim, in the heat of the moment. As a parent, that's about the best I can hope for, since I can't be with them all the time. One day, they will leave the nest, and I hope they will make smart choices for themselves and weigh risks in a thoughtful and considerate way.

If I could have a second mom it would be you dearest xxx.. But not from the film Mommy Dearest lol.