The adult entertainment world hit the pause button this week after the Performer Availability Scheduling Service (PASS), the industry’s central health and safety watchdog, called for an immediate production hold. The reason? A confirmed positive HIV test within the performer pool.
In a statement released Tuesday, PASS announced it was asking all industry professionals—from major studios to independent creators—to halt any and all work involving the exchange of bodily fluids. The move is a critical, albeit temporary, measure to prevent any potential transmission while the organization conducts contact tracing.
The Official Word
PASS is moving quickly to manage the situation, working with its testing partners to get any potentially exposed performers re-tested as soon as possible. The organization was clear about its primary goal and the path forward.
“Once we are able to confirm that these individuals have been retested and cleared, PASS will lift the production hold,” a PASS official stated, emphasizing that the health and safety of performers is the top priority.
In their detailed announcement, PASS reiterated the importance of these holds, explaining they are a normal and essential part of the industry’s safety protocols. While they can create a financial burden, they are the most effective tool for containment.
“The goal of a production hold is to reduce risk to the health and safety of the performer pool by containing potential exposures before transmission can occur; all other considerations… are secondary to this aim.”
So, What Can Performers Film?
For creators and fans wondering what this means for new content, PASS laid out specific guidelines. The hold strictly applies to activities with a risk of STI transmission. This means any scenes involving potential exposure to semen, vaginal fluid, or blood are off-limits for now.
However, creativity doesn’t have to stop completely. Production is still allowed for:
- Solo content
- Shoots involving only toy use on a single person
- Partnered masturbation
- Kissing
- BDSM scenes that don’t involve fluid exchange
PASS advises that all talent should be informed of the hold, even for “safe” shoots, and that any performer who wishes not to work must have their request respected. On social media, performers and producers largely echoed this sentiment, with many sharing the official notice and stressing the importance of following the protocol.
A Vital Safety Net
While a production shutdown might sound alarming, it’s actually a sign of the industry’s robust self-regulation system working exactly as intended. Unlike many other industries, the adult business has developed sophisticated systems like PASS to protect its workforce. These temporary holds, though disruptive, are a testament to the community’s commitment to safety.
Most holds are resolved within a few days once contact tracing and re-testing are complete. In more complex situations, a hold could last up to 14 days to align with testing window periods, ensuring accuracy and safety before the cameras start rolling again.
PASS has promised to provide daily updates until the situation is resolved. For now, the industry waits, proving once again that when it comes to performer health, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
* Thumbnail from asnhub.com
