Naked Men Talking: Adam Tyrant
In the conversation we talk confidence, personas, and how Tom of Finland continues to influence him.
For our podcast, Naked Men Talking, I caught up with Grabby Award winner, Adam Tyrant.
In the conversation we talk confidence, personas, and how Tom of Finland continues to influence him.
What was your relationship with your body like growing up? Have you always been comfortable getting your clothes off in front of others?
Not really - I had insecurities, like everyone else. I've become much more comfortable with my body over the years.
I've always had an exhibitionist side. I liked performing, being on stage, being in front of a camera. Once I started exploring that side of myself, being naked just felt natural for me.
How did that lead to the world of adult entertainment?
Curiosity was probably the biggest thing. I wanted to explore a side of myself that I hadn't allowed myself to explore before.
When I'm performing, I go into character. My alter-ego gives me extra confidence - that enables me to express myself in a way that I might not do in my private life.
You've said that you take inspiration from the work of Tom of Finland. What is it about the men of Tom of Finland that appeals to you?
It's definitely the confidence. They're incredibly masculine and sexual, but there's no shame in it. They just look like they have a good time together. I also love that it's so exaggerated and playful.
That world influenced my interest in fetishes and kins - obviously my moustache as well.
When I have sex on camera - when I'm performing - I am very keen on always showing that I'm having a good time. I think that's very important. That is something that I've borrowed from the Tom of Finland world. I'm having this kinky gay sex and I'm enjoying it. That's very liberating.
Last time we spoke, you'd just collected the trophy for Submissive Fetish Actor of the Year at the Grabbys Europe. Was being an award-winning performer always part of the plan?
Not at all. I walked into this industry with curiosity and lust. So far, I've won three awards - it's mind-blowing.
Obviously, I would be very happy to have another trophy, but it's not something that I'm focused on. For me, it's more important to have fun. I like to do the things I find interesting - live performances and collaborations.
What is it about live performances that appeals to you?
I just love being on stage - it's where I feel very confident and my persona comes alive.
I always dreamt of being an actor when I was younger, so I get to live that fantasy on stage.
How has your work in adult entertainment shaped your relationship with your body?
It's made me much more comfortable with myself.
Before, I used to overthink a lot. Now, I'm much more like - it's a body, it's sex, it's supposed to be enjoyable, you don't have to be perfect all the time.
I'm very much into kinks and fetishes nowadays - I used to be very afraid of that, holding back a lot because it's been so taboo.
This industry has been liberating for me and I really hope that my work can also be liberating to people who watch it. I'd be so happy if someone's sees what I'm doing and feels inspired to try it.
Sex should just be fun, and we should be curious and explore.
How has your work shaped your relationship with intimacy?
I've become quite good at separating performance and private life. On camera, I'm working, I'm performing, I'm creating something. In private, I'm just myself, and I can allow myself to be shy or insecure. As my private self, I focus on the moment.
What's on your vision-board for the months ahead?
More travel, more performances, more fetish events, and hopefully some more fun collaborations.
I've also been curious about in exploring more of the creative side of what I do. I really enjoy photography, video, and live performances.
Given the journey that you've been on and the work that you do, are there any insights or lessons that maybe you wish that you'd learned earlier? Anything that you wish that you could tell your younger-self?
Just not to be so afraid of being curious - be a little less worried about what other people would think and try to be more free and liberated in what you like and what you want to do.
Gareth Johnson