Texan Mosaic

by MATT MOLINAR//Associate Editor

[Editor’s note: This story is the fifth part of the multi-part series “Risque Business,” examining the dangers of prostitution that begins with Issue #7 and concludes in Issue #12. Several staff members took it upon themselves to interview, take photographs, and conduct research. The result of their combined efforts follow.]

[Be advised: In order to protect his identity, the subject’s name has been changed to “Adam.”]

For one Texas Tech University graduate, a job in the sex industry wasn’t his first choice.

But after years of dedication, he’s discovered just how profitable a double life can be.

Upon first impression, it is clear that Adam is studious, hard working and maintains a proper diet and exercise routine.

Known online as “TexasBull,” Adam is most well known for his film work. He has earned the no. 4 spot in the Adult Entertainment Broadcast Network ‘s top 10 male performers. On top of his film work, Adam works as an escort in the Lubbock area.

“I do many things, really,” Adam said. “I provide sexual services, I offer a masseuse service, and I model. I started acting and escorting when I started college, which helped cover some of the tuition. I’ve got a few top-selling DVD’s with my face on the cover.”

Adam has been been a part of the sex industry for four years. During the four years, he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in chemistry from TTU. He says that while his job schedule and school schedule often clashed, he doesn’t regret any of the decisions he has made.

“I really enjoy what I do,” Adam said. “It was hard to balance my new job and school.  You have to plan your schedule out very carefully. It’s important to take into consideration when you have exams and classes in order to plan when you do your job. Sometimes, there is a certain season for filming that gets in the way.”

Adam says he began thinking about the possibility of a career in the sex industry while he was in high school. He says that during the years leading up to college, he was sexually oppressed and described himself as a “prude.”

“The first time I ever had to change in front of other people in a locker room, my peers began pointing out certain attributes that I had,” he said. “They would jokingly say, ‘You should do porn.’ As the years went on and I heard it more and more and as I made the transition into college, it just kind of happened.”

Adam says he spends much of his free time eating, exercising, and doing independent study in chemistry. He also spends time studying the languages of French and Mandarin.

“Somewhere along the line, I’d like to get a job as a lab technician,” Adam explained. “Learning French and Mandarin are just something I have been interested in recently.”

Adam says that a large amount of effort is required to be an escort, or adult film actor.  He says that actual enjoyment of the job is crucial in the sex industry as well as a certain skill set.

“If you’re doing it for the money, don’t do it,” he said. “This job requires you to be comfortable with expressing yourself. The sex industry isn’t some get-rich-quick scheme. It’s just like any other job in any other industry. You have to work hard for it. You have to maintain your successes.”

Adam says that the cash he earns is spent on personal expenses, developing his portfolio and occasionally spent on his siblings. He says if his siblings, who are currently going through college, need financial help, he is happy to contribute.

For an hour of service, Adam says he charges $300. The reason he has a high price point is due to the notoriety he has received from doing film work. He says his clients come from all different walks of life, including some who hold high-profile jobs.

“I’ve worked with a philanthropist, as well as the head of a company that caters to football players, politicians, and massive parties,” Adam said. “There are cons, of course. People can be pushy and try to force their friendship on me. Some can even be dangerous. But here, in Lubbock, there’s nobody who is really too dangerous.”

Adam says that while there may be a higher request for female escorts, there is a higher risk of danger for women in the industry than there is for men.

“I’ve been doing this for about four years now,” he said. “I’ve never once truly feared for myself. I’m a big man, and not many people would try something like that with someone like me.”

Websites such as Backpages.com are where escorts and prostitutes would normally advertise their services, but due to the increase in human trafficking, the site has taken down its “adult services” page.

“It’s a big epidemic,” Adam said. “Underage boys and girls are brought from overseas where they are sold to traffickers against their will for the sake of their families having the ability to afford a green card.”

Adam says that, on average, clients will contact him around nine times a week. However, due to his price point, actual business calls only happen about four times a week. He says that many of the requests he gets are non-sexual.

“There are a lot of times where people will call and pay for me to just sit down and have a chat with them,” Adam said. “When you’re an escort, as opposed to a prostitute, you’re catering to a lot of different needs and interests. There is a distinct difference between an escort and a prostitute. Sometimes, I’ll get a call from a couple who are just asking for a massage – nothing sexual.”

Adam says that there is a stereotype that people who find jobs in the sex industry are “mindless and stupid.” He says that, on the contrary, many of the people he has worked with in the industry are educated and respectable.

“I work with somebody who currently holds a master’s degree and continuing on to do doctoral work,” Adam explained. “He loves this job. You hear about it all the time – professional athletes getting caught doing porn and Ivy League students holding escort services to pay for school. It’s the oldest living profession.”

Adam says he has learned many life lessons from his job, as well as how much he enjoys the notoriety.

“I’ve learned from this job that life shouldn’t be taken that seriously,” he said. “I can do this, and I can enjoy it. And it doesn’t stop me from doing anything else.”

[Photo by BRANDI ORTIZ/PLAINSMAN PRESS]