We were thrilled when 20-year industry veteran Reese Rideout took to the stage to perform his single, "Biceps," for our Los Angeles Fleshbot Award celebration. He's got the moves, the muscles, the bulge, and that great ass that has made him a constant fan favorite. We were even more thrilled to announce him as the 2023 Fleshbot Gay Legacy Award Winner for his work in the industry. Truth be told, he was one of the first porn stars I ever jerked off too...and I haven't stopped. LOL.
Reese Rideout has seen and been a part of the the evolution of the industry, the start of Fan sites, and the inclusion of trans and bi content in gay porn. If you've had the opportunity to meet him in person, you know he is a sweetheart, well-mannered, and kind. His personal content for Twitter and IG is so diverse and fun — he is extremely talented as a producer and creator. We chatted with him right after the awards as he reflected on his win.
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What does it mean to you the most to have won this year's Fleshbot Legacy Award?
What I think it means is that my fans are strong and loyal. With it being a fan-voted award, it really shows how much love my fans still have over almost 20 years. This award says so much about who has been around me and behind me along my journey. From being found at a bodybuilding show by Ron Lloyd, then skyrocketed during the peek of the websites reign with Randy Blue in the mid-2000s. Also, my agent Howard with Fabscout has always had my back and kept me working. I am eternally grateful for being a part of the wonderful LGBTQIA+ community.
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You have been in the industry for almost two decades! How has the industry changed the most since you started?
The biggest change has been from physical products like magazines and DVDs to the blowing up of the internet. And more recently the introduction of Fans sites. I like the ability to be able to own, produce, write, act, and market your content. So it is up to you how hard you want to work and how far you want to go. Who knows what digital program or trend will disrupt the industry next?
How have you changed the most since you've started?
I’m definitely a different person from when I started, more level-headed, grounded, and future-driven. Back in the day, it was instant gratification from a big paycheck at Randy Blue, or an exclusive contract, to a party every trip to LA. Now I’m focused on business and being able to be on both sides of the fence in the industry. I’m happy to be accepted by so many fans out there, so many people that get me and don’t put me in a box.
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Do you miss anything about the early days of porn?
I do miss some aspects of the early days of porn, mostly how it was when just half a dozen websites controlled the market. It was like 6 channels and the reach to the world was far and wide. Now with 200,000 content creators and self-marketing machines, you can easily get lost in the sea of all the amateur adult films.
What was a career-changing moment for you?
Some career-changing moments for me were… Signing with Randy Blue, being on the cover of Playgirl, Winning Men Magazine's “Man of the Year”, being in the I’m Married to a… Series on VH1, and now winning the Fleshbot Legacy Award. Who knows what is in store for me next?
You produce so much content! How do you maintain your mental health when you are so busy all the time?
The way I feel best mentally and physically is when I abstain from alcohol so I can be calm, cool, and collected. As well as the gym, it is my sanctuary plus my brand is being fit and has been since the beginning. On top of that, I also meditate and often do infrared sauna sessions to cleanse my body of daily toxins along with proper hydration and liver cleanse supplements.
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You have expanded your brand to include scenes with women. Have you received any pushback from your gay fans?
Yes, I have proudly entered deeper into the adult side where pussies dance on screen. I’ve got a little pushback but I feel most fans are accepting. I believe it hurts the world as a whole if you have to be 100% gay to be allowed in the industry. Sometimes I like things up my ass but not all the time, and just because my thoughts of arousal are not the exact same as yours does not make them invalid. All in all, if anyone is critical of my sexual orientation then they might not be as comfortable as they think they are within their own skin, and I hope one day soon they will be.
What do you love most about your fan base?
I love the support, the banter, the acceptance, and when I meet a fan in person, I love the glow in their eyes. Especially I love being able to help give them a fantasy and a path to a good hard climax. Helping others reach the peak of sexual satisfaction is of utmost importance to me.
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What are your favorite kinds of scenes to film nowadays?
My favorite kinds of scenes are ones that have a story and dialogue. Films that are more produced with a sparkle of Hollywood movie magic inside of them. It was so much fun to film NakedSword's “Final Cut” — I helped choreograph a fight scene with Roman Todd that Marc MacNamara directed. I can’t wait to do more films that are focused predominately on a story.
Do you have any interest in working behind the camera in the industry?
Yes, I very much like working behind the camera. I like writing, filming, directing, and editing. Now I make the most money, however at the moment, when I’m in front of the camera as Reese Rideout. I also act in my personal life, mostly in low-budget films. We have an action horror film coming out soon called Crystal — you can see the trailer at NickDent.com.
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Where do you see your career in the future?
I would like to produce films that are adult but so good if you cut the sex scenes they would be box office hits across the globe.
What is your message to your fans?
Thank you from the bottom of my heart and the depths of my balls. You all have been here for the long haul and I’m excited for more decades to pass with you by my side.
Reese Rideout Takes the Stage at 2023 Fleshbot Award Party at Heart in West Hollywood:
Follow everything Reese Rideout!
Fleshbot: Plug In Get Off.
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