Gay Porn Actor Jacen Zhu Wants to Take Down Meth in Queer Black Communities
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“I’m Jacen Zhu (zü) and I have something to say!”
Jacen Zhu, one of the most promising porn actors of his generation, begins his email to us with a Jasmine Masters reference, proving that he definitely has a good sense of humor. However, what he has to say is anything but funny. We reached out to him after reading two intriguing tweets about meth, also know as “Tina.”
Save our black brothers from meth. Speaking from experience it’s not worth the life changes. #BlackLivesMatter #NoMeth #Loveyourself
— Jacen Zhu (ˈzü) Sensei (@jacen_zhu) March 6, 2018
Jacen Zhu started his erotic film career in 2016 with Lucas Entertainment. He is now a Cockyboys exclusive and currently resides in rural Pennsylvania.
In a very candid and powerful interview, he talks about his addiction, his HIV status, why black queer communities are vulnerable to meth and how he wants to be a part of the solution.
What prompted those tweets about meth?
My tweets about meth stem from my addiction and recovery to the drug, which is referred to as “Tina” in queer communities. I believe that sharing my journey can help continue the path of healing for myself and potentially someone else, especially within communities of color.
An article from the New York Times in 2015 stated that meth was on the rise among gay black and hispanic men in New York. Is that something that you’ve witnessed (in NYC or other cities)?
I agree with the article in the New York Times. In my opinion, I do believe that meth has now taken over queer communities of color and the time to reach out is NOW! I’ve struggled with my addiction and recovery for the past four years. In that time I’ve seen more and more people of color (POC) online with “ParTy, Trouble, PNP, and my favorite (insert sarcasm) the Diamond emoji. I’ve experience my own downwards spiral and those of others, it’s not worth the lifestyle change.
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Many reasons explain why black men are particularly exposed to meth. What is your opinion about it?
In my opinion, black men in particular are exposed to meth through casual sex. What happens next is extremely important, but men of color aren’t talking about their experiences. I believe men of color have a beautiful sense of pride, which is great, but could lead to a life of isolation. In my experience, being socially awkward, but extremely sexually active. I felt desired at these parties/gathering where other men used meth.
In society, men of color — especially those of darker skin tones — aren’t desirable in a world that caters to fair and/or lighter skin tones. Secondly, when men of color are desired it usually for the size of their male anatomy. I believe the culture of uninhibited sexual acts leads to primarily white men to seducing and including men of color in these “chemsex parties”. Queer black/brown communities aren’t inundated with campaigns such as #killmeth, due to lack of inclusion. This leaves the queer POC community uninformed, ill-informed and vulnerable to the dangers of meth.
I would like to add the stigma of HIV/AIDS contributes to the silence of many including myself. Being an HIV-positive individual living undetectably, I’ve struggled with the reality of my status, which led to living in isolation afraid of the unknown.
From what you’ve seen has this hit the adult film industry and the sex workers?
I’m not the first in erotic films to deal with an addiction to meth. What I can say is I’ve been a part of problem and now I want to be a part of the solution. The industry has the reputation for its connection to drugs and other problematic issues. I would like to build a bridge of freedom and acceptance, which can end the destruction of meth in the queer POC communities.
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What can we do as a community to alert about the risks of doing meth?
First and foremost, we must shift our thinking towards those would are addicted to meth. I know it’s easier to ignore and/or shame than it is to help, but the issue is expanding and we need to revive those affected by “Tina’s Tea”.
It’s all about loving the person not the addiction. We have to create spaces where people can be able to fall down, but be held up by a community of love, real compassion and hope. I want those queer POC to know I see you, I love you and you won’t find shame here. Let’s walk together on the road to recovery.
If you’re willing to walk with me, tweet #takedowntina and let’s revive our community.
