December 28, 2011 | The Biz

Sean Cody goes bareback

Now what do we do?

BananaGuide has been online since 2000. Back then HIV treatments were not nearly as effective as they are now, nor was testing as accurate. In the past year we have seen research published that demonstrated that someone on antiviral treatment has an extremely low chance of passing on the HIV virus. And just last week there was news of progress in the search for an AIDS vaccine.

In the past couple of years some major gay porn companies that had used condoms exclusively started introducing condomless scenes. Bel Ami now releases bareback scenes regularly; Chaos Men stopped using condoms in all their hardcore scenes some time ago. Corbin Fisher has been flirting with bareback over the past year, though we don't understand why they never labelled their bareback scenes as such. In the case of these studios, rigorous testing takes place to prevent HIV and other STDs from being spread on set.

Sean Cody has until now kept the lid on bareback and -- because of their professional filmwork and careful use of tight-fitting and correctly colored condoms --  it really did not get in the way of incredibly hot performances. But the market is changing and more and more consumers are demanding condomless scenes.

Sean Cody makes their screening policy very clear at the beginning of the video: "Our models underwent strict screening for HIV and other STDs. Our studio used the RNA by PCR test, which is the most effective test available. Unprotected sex is not something we recommend or endorse, even if you're in a relationship."

One thing that concerns us is that bareback porn is becoming so pervasive that it contributes to complacency about safer sex practices, especially in younger men. Even if a porn site includes information about its testing policies, is that enough to counter the message that bareback sex is preferable to condom sex?

BananaGuide has not published a bareback gallery until today (which is below). If a site that we review has bareback content, we have published only solo or condom scenes for that site.