Tyler Wu has held a spot in the top 10 Model rankings on PornhubGay since joining the Model Program over 3 years ago. Since then, he won last year's Pornhub Award for Top Twink Performer, and Top Anal Performer this year. With May being Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage month, we caught up with Tyler to chat about the progression of his career, and Asian representation in pop culture.
How did you get your start in the adult industry?
I started off on cam sites. After finishing my undergrad in French and business, I found myself with some free time before starting my new job. I was a professional ice skater for a few years, doing touring shows as well as a show in Germany. I started off posting videos and filming with others, then the pandemic hit. As a skater, I was always very active, so sitting at home doing nothing was not an option. I used all my newfound free time to livestream religiously and post videos regularly. That's when my adult industry gig became a serious thing. I have the pandemic to thank!
You’re definitely in your star era! Tell us more about your last year being on top.
I have enjoyed amazing opportunities this past year, not only in terms of work, but meeting some good people outside of the porn industry. There are people I never would have met otherwise, but thanks to the places my work has taken me, I am glad to call them friends. I think I have changed a lot as a person, and I am sure this will continue. I am grateful to everyone who has made this journey a reality, including colleagues, friends, family, and of course, the fans who support our work!
How do you tackle issues like fetishizing or micro-aggressions in your everyday life?
Micro-aggressions may happen in daily life, and I may well be the 'victim' of such, but so what? It doesn't affect me unless I choose to let it affect me, and I cannot say that I can quickly recall an instance of such. Equally, I may well be fetishized, but life goes on regardless.
Some will hate me for saying this (and that's perfectly fine), others will celebrate the frankness. I think the whole wokeness thing has gone too far. Perhaps this is my British/Asian sides showing, I think being politically correct in the US has got to ridiculous levels where people are stepping on eggshells, in fear they hurt someone's feelings or get cancelled. My best friend and I often have very differing views and will disagree on controversial issues. We lived very happily together over the pandemic and are still very loyal friends. It's OK if someone doesn't think like you, as long as you treat each other with respect and human decency.
Where would you like to see the adult industry go in terms of Asian representation? What’s the blind spot that production companies and studios are missing?
I think that in the West, Asians in porn are still a niche as far as studios go. A friend of mine who is an operations manager at a studio told me that their audience still wants more white models.
In terms of a blind spot, I think it's simply hard for a large company (with big overheads) to effectively deploy resources in niche markets, rather than them being blind to the demand. Large organizations are generally less agile, have legacy systems/ cultures that take time to change, or their brand may be ingrained within a certain market segment that is impossible to diversify under the same name. I am sure they see the potential, but as a large organization, they are unable to effectively target the niche.
At the end of the day, it just means Asians (in the West) in the porn industry must work things out on their own, but equally, that gives us creative and personal control, as well as a bigger slice of the pie. In my opinion, it's a blessing in disguise and opens bigger opportunities.
The search results for Pornhub’s 2022 Year in Review showed “Hentai” was the #1 most searched term! "Japanese," "Pinay" and "Asian" all ranked in the top 10 too! What do you make of this significant interest in Asian search results?
I was just thinking about this today. Not Pornhub's search rankings, but the proliferation of Asian culture in general. I think Korea especially have done well in marketing themselves and have led the way for other East Asian cultures. They have achieved what could be considered a parallel of what Hollywood achieved in its golden years.
Even when I am in South America, I see the influence of Asian culture and to some degree, their obsession with it. Here in Colombia (where I am right now), teen girls swoon over K-pop stars, not Hollywood stars. Recently, a driver asked if I would record a video saying hi to her daughter because 'she loves BTS,' while a mom at a store asked for a photo so that her daughter could print it and put it on her bedroom wall along with her other Asian photos/posters. It's quite a phenomenon, and they are also very sweet people!
Ironically, as a kid I just wanted to fit in. I hated speaking Cantonese in public, I tried to erase my heritage. As a teen, I could never see myself dating an Asian guy. It goes without saying that all that has changed nowadays (shoutout to the cute Asian boys in NYC), and I revel in the mishmash of cultures/identities/ languages I am and may be in the future.
What advice do you have for new models, who want to be a rising star just like you?
Don't be like me, be yourself. Play on your strengths, make the most of your assets. Do a SWOT analysis (usually used to assess a company's competitive position but easily applicable to a single person). Align yourself with the opportunities available to you, they are out there.
You've been on fire this year and we have no doubt your future is bright. What's next for you and your career?
I take it year by year. I see myself diversifying my work outside of porn, but the journey is often unpredictable. Only a fortune teller could tell you what's next!
Are there any Asian-American artists in general that you think people are sleeping on?
Yes, Cody Seiya. He is the most artsy Asian-American artist I know and is obviously passionate about his work. His passion, dedication and workmanship shine through his art and I look forward to seeing the big things to come for him!
Any parting words?
Thanks to everyone who has been a part of this journey. I wouldn't be who I am today without it. I look forward to the future, whatever may be in store!
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