Since entering the world of gay porn four years ago, Manuel Scalco has amassed plenty of fans.
The 35-year-old has starred in films for some of the biggest studios, and now he runs one of his own, Dirty Minds Media.
But while you might think his fanbase would consist solely of gay men, Manuel insists this isn't the case. In fact, it is often 'straight' men who stop him in the street, apparently.
The Italian told LADbible: "A lot of straight guys tell me, 'Oh my god, I know you. You are a porno actor, right?'
"[I reply] 'Yes, a gay porno actor.' Sometimes they tell me they watched with their girlfriend, sometimes they say it was only curiosity.
"Sometimes straight people tell me, 'Yes I am fascinated, maybe I want to enter into this world too and I started searching for those movies.'"
He added: "It's really interesting for me because a lot of my friends or gay people ask me, 'Hey, where can I find your movies?', but actually the straight guys already know."
Manuel admitted he finds it 'strange' when he is recognised by straight men, but reckons it's a testament to how people are becoming more open-minded when it comes to sexuality.
He explained: "I think today it's really normal, probably. Maybe some years ago sex was a taboo.
"I think day by day we are really more open to talking about sexuality: gay experience, bisexual experience, straight experience, everything.
"So I think people are feeling more comfortable now."
Manuel used to be a carpenter, but is now much happier working with a very different kind of wood, creating porn films with his studio based on his own fantasies.
Many of his movies revolve around fetishes, such as feet and fisting, but there is one item of clothing which his audience insists upon.
"White socks is a must, like for example when women wear high heels," he said.
"Gay guys also love sneakers, sports wear. A lot of the situations I propose in my movies, some is flight of fantasy, some is based on real experience in my life.
"I think that is the secret of my movies, because it is real. We need to be attached to a material, because guys love it when you are acting spontaneously."
As for those thinking about getting into gay porn, Manuel advises that they take their time before rushing into it and understand that it is a 'real job', not just a bit of fun.
He added: "My family know my work - my mum, my dad, my grandparents, my brother and actually my husband. All people know I am a porno actor and I'm proud."
Topics: Sex and Relationships, Weird
Jake Massey