Hands Off My Porn: Why America's adult film industry has picked a side in election campaign

As the 2024 US presidential election gets closer, a surprising new player has entered the political scene: the adult film industry. Seventeen adult film actors have started the Hands Off My Porn campaign, adding urgency to discussions about Project 2025. This plan, proposed by the Heritage Foundation and supported by key conservative figures, seeks to make producing and consuming pornography illegal, likening it to a serious social problem, similar to illegal drugs.

Project 2025: A threat to personal freedoms

Project 2025 proposes a stringent set of measures targeting the adult film industry, as well as LGBTQ+ content, categorising both as harmful and addictive. The plan outlines severe penalties for producers and distributors, including imprisonment and designation as sex offenders. Critics argue that these measures are not just an attack on pornography but also part of a broader conservative agenda that seeks to suppress civil liberties and reinforce traditional social values. According to the National Coalition Against Censorship, the Supreme Court has consistently upheld the legality of pornography as long as it does not involve minors.

The campaign by adult film actors brings attention to an important issue in American society: the conflict between conservative values and personal freedoms. Their ads will be shown in seven key swing states of Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, North Carolina, Georgia, Arizona and Nevada to inform people about how Project 2025 could limit individual rights. Many polls show that a large number of Americans do not support this conservative plan, so the campaign may connect with younger voters who are increasingly unhappy about these issues.

Engaging younger voters

The timing of the Hands Off My Porn campaign is crucial. Younger men, particularly those aged 18-29, are among the largest consumers of adult content, with studies showing that 44 per cent of men in this age group have viewed porn within the last month, a New York Times piece said referring to a quote from Survey Center on American Life by the people behind the campaign. As Vice President Kamala Harris faces challenges in connecting with younger male voters—who are increasingly leaning toward Donald Trump—this campaign offers a unique opportunity for Democrats to re-engage this demographic.

By framing the conversation around personal choice and government overreach, Democrats can reposition their message to resonate with younger voters who may not traditionally align with progressive values. The provocative nature of the campaign, leveraging the visibility of adult film actors, could also generate significant media attention, drawing more eyes to the underlying issues at stake.

Intersection of pornography, politics and gender

Beyond engaging younger voters, the Hands Off My Porn campaign also intersects with broader discussions about gender and sexual freedom. The anti-pornography stance embedded within Project 2025 can be seen as part of a larger cultural battle against the rights of women and LGBTQ+ individuals. As Casey Calvert, a spokesperson for the campaign, pointed out to The Hill, this movement is rooted in a conservative agenda that seeks to curtail freedoms under the guise of protecting societal morals.

The campaign focuses on the rights of sex workers and the importance of free expression, highlighting the need for open discussions about sexual freedom. By opposing Project 2025, these actors are not only standing up for their industry but also supporting marginalised groups that are often hurt by conservative policies. This connection may appeal to voters who care about social justice and equality, making the election even more complex.

Potential for shifting electoral dynamics

As the 2024 election season heats up, the Hands Off My Porn campaign serves as a bellwether for the changing political atmosphere in the US. The initiative is not just a defence of the adult film industry but also a rallying cry for personal freedom in the face of increasing governmental encroachment on individual rights. With Project 2025 threatening to reshape the cultural landscape, this campaign has the potential to galvanise voters, particularly younger men, around issues of privacy, personal choice and the importance of free expression.

The rise of adult film actors as political advocates could change the usual political stories and reach a wider audience. As the election approaches, both parties should pay attention to the voices speaking out against censorship and for personal freedom. Ignoring this campaign could be a mistake, as it focusses on protecting the basic rights of individuals in a democracy.