Over a span of six years, Joshua Broome produced more than 1,000 adult films using the alias Rocco Reed. However, his fortunes took a downturn when he entered into a 'self-destructive' six-month contract with a studio.

A former adult film performer, renowned for his roles in over 1,000 explicit films, has unveiled the grim realities of the industry, prompting his departure and transition to a pastoral role.

Joshua Broome, now fully committed to his Christian ministry and advocating against pornography, once graced screens as Rocco Reed, a prominent figure in adult entertainment during the 2000s. Reflecting on his journey, he described his entry into the industry as a "slippery slope," leading him to engage in activities he never imagined.

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Speaking on the Mighty Pursuit podcast, Broome admitted to his initial naivety when embarking on his first adult film, rationalizing it as mere paid intimacy with no repercussions. However, as with any performer accustomed to the stage, he gradually became desensitized to the peculiarities of his work, simply pushing through the motions.

He stated, "However, what sets [porn] apart is the act of intimacy, typically private, performed in public. This creates a disassociation from reality. To make a compelling scene, one must detach from the present moment because the performance isn't for oneself or the partner; it's for the camera."

During his prime, Joshua was shooting 20 to 25 scenes monthly, bearing significant pressure. "For a male performer, failure in a scene marks the end. Inability to sustain an erection or reach climax on cue means you're out," he elaborated.

Joshua's personal sex life was nearly decimated by his involvement in the porn industry. For seven years, he was romantically involved with another porn star. Reflecting on their unorthodox careers within the relationship, he remarked, “Most people wouldn't simply label it as an open relationship, where both partners are comfortable with each other engaging in sexual activities outside the relationship. Instead, we portrayed it as a monogamous commitment despite our work.”

However, complications arose when they socialized with others in the industry. Joshua elaborated, “Imagine us, along with another couple, having dinner. The likelihood of my partner having sexual encounters with someone else that week, or me with someone else that day, was incredibly high. Yet, we remained in a state of denial.”

The true challenge emerged when Joshua's girlfriend returned home from work, eager to discuss her day. “She wanted to share, hoping it would strengthen our bond,” he recalled. “She found it thrilling to recount her on-set experiences to me, but I couldn't bear to listen.”

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Joshua found his personal boundaries increasingly blurred as directors pushed him to create more extreme content. As he explained, compromising on what he would accept undermined the integrity of his refusals, leading him to feel constrained to accept whatever was asked of him. Not only did his industry values start to overshadow his personal ones, but he also realized that delving deeper into this world eroded his resistance to actions he once deemed unacceptable.

Soon, he faced mounting pressure to star in a gay porn film, a common proposition for attractive straight performers as the industry believed it would boost sales significantly.

Entering the realm of gay pornography as a heterosexual man back then felt like venturing down a one-way street. According to Joshua, if a man had previously participated in gay adult films and then attempted to transition into straight adult entertainment, most female performers would refuse to collaborate with them.

Joshua further asserted that a significant portion of individuals involved in gay pornography weren't genuinely gay; instead, they relied on chemical aids to simulate arousal for the camera.

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During this period, Joshua was grappling with mental health challenges stemming from personal pressures. Contemplating his future beyond the adult film industry, he reflected on his options. "I was trying to devise an exit strategy... I've never shared this before, but I even explored the possibility of joining the military."

At that juncture, he made the decision to embrace the offer for gay pornography. He reflected, "In my mind, it seemed logical... I believed I was going to ruin my life. I reasoned, 'If I engage in a gay scene, I'll be unable to continue my current path, effectively isolating myself from everyone and everything... because there would be no turning back.'"