User:Duane Walton/Tony Buff

Tony Buff is an Italian-American activist, educator, performance artist and player in the international BDSM scene.

Biography
Tony Buff is an Italian-American activist, educator, performance artist and player in the international BDSM scene. While he considers himself a power switch, it is his skill set as a top that brought him to the attention of the folks at Titan Media and success as a performer and director in the adult video industry.

Born in Pittsburg, PA in 1970, Buff was raised in southern California and joined the Marine Corps at age 17 after graduating high school; he then studied philosophy and political science at California State University, Long Beach.

Buff now lives in Seattle, WA where he works as a Trainer, frequently traveling to demonstrate and teach BDSM skills throughout the United States and Canada in addition to being a regular contributor to Instigator Magazine. He has been a praised presenter at Chicago Hellfire's Inferno, Thunder in the Mountains, CLAW, Great Lakes Leather Alliance, International Mr. Leather, ShibariCon, Kink Fest and Tribal Fire.

He began performing in what he refers to as 'Art Films' with the production of "Soldiers of Misfortune", directed by GayVN Hall of Fame Director and leather/Sm community legend, Daddy Zeus. His debut performance, however, came in the September 2007 release of Titan Media's "Fear", part of the 'Titan/Folsom' co-branded line of Leather/Sm features in association with Folsom Street Fair. As an exclusive performer with Titan Media, Buff quickly distinguished himself within the industry, earning in 2009 a GayVN Award nomination for Best Fetish Performer, a Grabby Award nomination for Best Newcomer, and Best Actor ("Home Invasion") nominations from both organizations. With less than two years in the industry Buff was tapped by Titan to continue his exclusive contract through the launch of a new line of R.A.C.K. (Risk Aware Consensual Kink) inspired videos in which he performs and co-directs with GayVN award winning videographer, Paul Wilde. Shot documentary style, the Rough line surveys contemporary play in the men's BDSM community by capturing the essence and intensity of fetish sex and BDSM with real players in real scenes while strongly advocating safer sex and risk mitigation. In 2010 Buff's work in the industry earned him a Grabby nomination for Best Supporting Actor ("Battle Creek Breakdown") and Grabby wins for both Hottest Cock (Cut) and Performer of the Year.

But it's his passion for the Sadomasochistic arts that has made him a recognized activist and leader in his local community. In addition to teaching workshops, performing demos and helping out with various fundraising events, Buff served as Washington State Mr Leather in 2002. He now serves as Chaplain to the Board of Generic Leather Productions of Washington and as a Board Member and Producer for the Washington State Mr|Ms Leather Organization. He is also a member of Seattle Men in Leather and an associate member of both the Chicago Hellfire Club and the Men of Discipline - San Francisco. Buff's deepest connections, however, are with the members of his leather family, the Dragon Clan and his collared boys.

For his involvement, Buff has received the Leather Emerald Award in 2003; has been sainted by the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Abbey of St Joan; adopted by Sandy "Mama" Reinhardt into Mama's Family as "Mama's Big Screen;" and was most recently recognized as Generic Leather Productions of Washington's Person of the Year for 2009.

Titan Media and the Rough Line
When Tony Buff began performing in what he refers to as 'art films', he said it was on a whim. Buff had been approached on two previous occasions and had turned down both prospects.16 A budding relationship with veteran fetish performer and Chicago Hellfire Club (CHC) member, Derek Da Silva, changed all that. The two had met at Inferno, the club's annual run, and quickly developed an intense connection forged through some of the heaviest BDSM play imaginable. When Da Silva suggested the two allow Daddy Zeus to capture their play for posterity, Buff agreed. The two performed in "Soldiers of Misfortune" for Zeus Studios in Palm Springs CA over Mother's Day weekend in 2007. While it was a positive experience for Buff, he didn't expect it would go anywhere. That is until he was tapped by industry giant, Titan Media, for one of their Folsom Street Fair co-branded fetish features.

Creative Attractions
Da Silva had appeared in "Folsom Filth" and was scheduled to perform for Titan in the next Folsom release slated for September 2007. He pitched the studio a scene idea he had fantasized about for years and told them there was only one top he knew who could pull it off. Suddenly, Buff was discussing possible casting and scene requirements with GayVN Hall of Fame director Brian Mills and award winning videographer Paul Wilde. The opportunity to design and drive a real BDSM scene for a major gay studio intrigued him. Buff writes of the occasion...
 * If you look at it, before Titan started releasing the studio's Fallen Angel series in 1999, there wasn’t much real BDSM content produced by any of the contemporary mainstream gay studios. About the only thing that really comes to mind is Falcon Entertainment's Abduction series and even that was 'fetish-lite,' at least by my standards, with some notable exceptions in the Fisting and Pissing genres. For the most part, after Fred Halsted first captured the image of queer, male BDSM and the 'leatherman', the essence was left to be captured by independent directors and niche studios like Roger Earl, Christopher Rage, Daddy Zeus and Shotgun Video. Sure, the iconography of the 'leatherman' was used by mainstream gay studios as an example of iconic masculinity, but the essence of our play wasn’t there. The fantasy of a 'leatherman' was acceptable. The reality of our play, however, was far too extreme and heavy. But that was starting to change and I began my career right in the middle of a dramatic shift in the portrayal of BDSM on screen."17

By the time "Fear" was released over Folsom weekend in September of 2007, Buff was approached by Mills about becoming the 'Face of Fetish' for Titan and had already signed on as an exclusive with the studio.18 Through the course of the year that followed Buff was involved with the production of "Breakers" (GayVN Hall of Fame director Bruce Cam’s final panoramic, triple-x feature and the first Gay Adult video released in Blu-Ray), "Folsom Prison" (named the Best Fetish Film of 2008 at the 11th Annual GayVN Awards and Best Fetish Video at the 2009 Grabby Awards), "Folsom Undercover" (the official release of the 2008 Folsom Street Fair), "Funhouse" (which won the 2009 Grabby for Best Art Direction) and "Home Invasion" (which earned Buff 2009 GayVN and Grabby nominations for Best Actor). Buff was also given the opportunity, with special permission from Titan, to work with CBT legend Roger from Shotgun Video on the production of "Squeeze Play". In all, the body of work for his first full year in the adult film industry earned Buff a 2009 GayVN nomination for Best Fetish Performer of the Year and a surprising level of recognition within both the adult industry and the fetish/Sm community at large.
 * And the more I performed, the more I learned. I devoured books like "Bigger than Life" by Jeffrey Escoffier and anything I could find on the early directors of BDSM porn. I conversed with industry veterans like Chi Chi LaRue, Brian Mills and Steven Scarborough. I came to realize the important educational role pornography plays in the lives of gay/bisexual men and how significant the responsible portrayal of fetish and Sm could be in the development of a healthy sexual identity. By the time we began shooting Folsom Prison my passion and creative desire to capture this thing of ours (as I often refer to BDSM) on screen was solidified."19 Because of the close ties and relationships Buff had developed within the production house over the previous year, after his original contract with Titan came to a close in August of 2008 he continued with the studio as an exclusive out-of-contract, as they discussed the future. During the production of Triage, Buff told Mills he wanted to direct a series of RACK-inspired, documentary style fetish/Sm features that focused on real play with real players. Shortly after pitching his vision for the projects to Mills, Keith Webb and studio head Bruce Cam, they suggested he team up with Paul Wilde to co-direct and make it happen with Titan's support. And the new Rough line was born.

Rough Trade
The Rough line debuted with the nearly concurrent releases of "Fist and Piss" and "Shock Treatment" in June of 2009. "Fist and Piss" is filled with content worthy of its title and a few innovations like Chris Yosef being fisted while in full-suspension Shibari rope bondage in addition to some creative piss play. "Shock Treatment" is a deeper exploration of pleasure and pain through some of the heaviest and most advanced Sm scenes involving electrical stimulation.

"Bound and Beaten" pushes the limits even further with outdoor bondage and intense impact play. From our darkest fantasies of abduction and rape, through brute force, gun play and pain, to the point of ecstasy and release, "Abuse of Power" delivers a unique glimpse into the way men play together on the edge.

The fifth Rough feature, "Pierced" pushes the documentation of contemporary BDSM in the men’s community to the very edge, capturing three of the most extreme scenes that incorporate play piercings as anchor points for bondage in a stunning exhibition of the scope and power of sadomasochistic play. Deemed too rough for DVD, "Pierced" was never released on DVD and was only available via Video on Demand for a short period. Never before has this type of play been so thoroughly, comprehensively and beautifully captured on screen.

"Anal Assault" provides a thorough examination of ass play with a glimpse into the variety this type of play offers with plenty of fucking and fisting, toys, and even a fucking machine. "Filthy Fuckers" gives us yet another glimpse into the sometimes dirty and nasty but always erotically charged experience that is contemporary play in the men’s fetish/Sm scene. "BFF: Bound, Flogged. Fisted" reexamines the rollercoaster ride that is created when a skilled top manipulates the hormonal responses in his or her bottom to create heightening waves of intense euphoria that build to a moment of catharsis. The ninth Rough feature, "Kennel Master" focuses primarily on Puppy Play and the creation of head-space within fetish/Sm scenes.

With the tenth Rough feature (Buff's last under contract) currently in post production, Buff's vision for the Rough line has taken shape and come to fruition. Buff and Wilde have indeed created a documentary series of contemporary BDSM play in the men’s leather community.

A Commitment to Community
His passion for the Sadomasochistic arts has made Tony Buff a recognized activist and leader in not only his local community, but also at the national and international level. In an interview with Ed Wood for Xtra West, Buff explains...
 * My passion definitely lies in the leather community. I’m a kinky bisexual queer so it’s just a good fit for me. I’ve made some really strong ties in my local community in Seattle, and that’s kind of branched out into a regional thing. And now since doing the art film work, it’s branched out into a national and even international thing.20

A Community of Family and Friends
Tony Buff leads what many would describe as a fetish/Sm lifestyle. He maintains polyamorous, D/s relationships with his collared boys Chris, and Gloria and their pup Element in what they refer to as their family. The Buff family is also a part of a larger leather family based primarily in Seattle WA with members throughout North America called the Dragon clan. It is these roots, as Buff describes them, and the close friends with whom he chooses to share and spend his life that define Buff's understanding of community. During the 14th annual Leather Leadership Conference in Detroit MI, Buff advanced the concept of Building Communities that Feed Your Soul which encourages individuals to choose the spheres of influence that defines their personal communities. Buff's affiliation with a broader leather tribe is evident through his service to many organizations and constant advocacy work.

Organizational Ties
The Washington State Mr|Ms Leather Organization (WSMLO) is a federally recognized non-profit organization, registered in the State of Washington. Founded in 1993, WSMLO exists to raise needed funds for other non-profit organizations through various events and to provide educational forums on a variety of related health and social issues that impact the gay and lesbian community. The WSMLO is the sponsor of the Washington State Mr|Ms Leather titles, Washington State Leather Pride Week, Leather Emerald Awards and several annual events. Buff served as Washington State Mr Leather in 2002, currently serves on the WSMLO Board of Directors and is the producer for the Washington State Mr|Ms Leather contest.

Generic Leather Productions of Washington (GLPW) exists to raise monies to support other non-profit human services organizations serving the sexual minority community. Each year, GLPW produces several leather events and other productions which supply funds for our charitable grant programs honouring the first Seattle Mr. Leather, Billy Jefferson, and NW Leatherboy 2005, James Hall. GLPW places special emphasis on charitable organizations that service the health needs of the sexual minority community and individuals who are in dire need. Buff has served as a past Member of the GLPW Board and currently serves as the organization's Chaplain.

Seattle Men in Leather (SML) is a gay men’s social group promoting with power and pride, the Seattle Men’s Leather community. Founded in March 1989, SML takes an active stance in the community and is known as the primary men's leather organization in Seattle. SML sponsors a variety of social and educational events. Buff has been an active member since 2002 often serving as a presenter and emcee for the organization.

The Chicago Hellfire Club (CHC) is a brotherhood of men who share interests in gay male Sm and safer sex. The CHC provides educational and social opportunities for participation in safe, sane and consensual S/m sex among consenting adult men and fosters communication among such individuals. Buff is an associate member of the CHC who frequently teaches or presents demonstrations for the club.

The Men of Discipline – San Francisco (MOD-SF) is an alternative Leather and Uniform Fraternity for gay men who are serious about BDSM, the Leather Lifestyle, and who practice discipline in their daily lives.

The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence (SPI) is an order of 21st Century Nuns established in San Francisco. The Sisters are comprised of men and women dedicated to the support of AIDS and human rights organizations and do all that traditional nuns have done for centuries. They visit the sick, feed the hungry, and generally service the community through outreach and fundraising in the hundreds of thousands. Since its inception in 1979 the order of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence has grown to four orders in the United States and numerous others internationally. On July 14, 1996, the Abby of St. Joan was established in Seattle, Washington to serve our community and to live by the mission of the SPI. Buff has been sainted by the Sisters for his work in the community and continues to work with the Sisters on projects of common interest.

Educational and Advocacy Efforts
In an interview with Thom Seck, the editor of French gay bimonthly magazines Gay Video Star and Gay Video International, Buff revealed the motivation behind much of what he does...
 * This is one of our tribal traditions… this passing of tribal knowledge from one person to another. It is critical to the cohesion of our community and insures the safety of Sm players now and in the future. 21

With this strong belief that the art of BDSM needs to be conveyed safely and responsibly to a wider audience as well as to the next generation, Buff has traveled throughout the United States and Canada to demonstrate and teach BDSM skills. As an experienced and well-respected player, Buff is often sought out for his advanced play and Shibari skills. He has conducted workshops and presented demonstrations at numerous events, including Thunder in the Mountains, Cleveland Leather Awareness Weekend (CLAW), Great Lakes Leather Alliance (GLLA), International Mr. Leather, ShibariCon, Kink Fest, Tribal Fire and the Leather Leadership Conference.

Buff’s advocacy extends beyond his educational efforts. Feeling a strong commitment to the continuing welfare of the BDSM community, Buff has contributed his time, talent, and energy to a number of causes, including the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom, Aid For AIDS Foundation, the Leather Archives and Museum, Gay City Health Project, AIDS Committee of Toronto, Vancouver’s Bute Street Clinic, Seattle's FUK|!TS campaign and many others.

Buff’s philosophy regarding fetish/Sm has been further revealed in both print interviews and podcasts. Significant print interviews have been conducted by GayVN22, Unzipped23, Tetu, Gay Video Star24 and Xtra Canada magazines and the book Rising Starz25. Podcasts of note include the Tim and Roma Show26 and a two part interview with Dr Dick for "Sex Advice with an Edge"27.

Buff has been an outspoken advocate promoting responsible play, Risk Aware Consensual Kink (RACK) and safer sex.

Artistic Expression
On his work in the adult industry, Tony Buff has commented...
 * I call (my films) 'art films' because most of the features I do are more than just skin flicks, and I want to keep that in mind as I help create them. Capturing this thing of ours [BDSM] on screen, creating features like Fear and Folsom Prison… these are not your standard sex films. They capture an aspect of male sexuality that many would rather condemn, censor and deny. They document the kind of radical sexuality that is at the heart of our queer liberation. They spark our sexual imaginations, confront social mores and present new constructs with which we can frame our lives. They engage us in a way that not only gets us off physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. As such they become, in my opinion, a truly artistic medium.

Live Performances and Appearances
In addition to his video work capturing BDSM for the screen, Buff performs live stage demonstrations at a variety of leather events throughout North America including Magnitude, the official dance party of Folsom Street Fair weekend in 2008, 2009 and 2010; Bay of Pigs, the official dance party of Up Your Alley Fair weekend in 2009 and 2010; the IML XXX Victory at the House of Blues in Chicago; CODE events in Washington DC and Chicago; KLUB in Montreal during the Divers/Cite Festival in 2009; and numerous others for audiences in the thousands.

Collaborations
Buff and DaSilva collaborated with the world renowned photographer Joe Oppedisano in New York City in late 2008. The images captured during this session reveal the intensity and the passion of the D/s relationship in a manner that arouses the physical, the mental, and even the spiritual aspects of BDSM.

Buff and DaSilva got also together with Clive Barker, English author, film director and visual artist, to create a project involving Shibari rope suspension and blood art. Barker took over seven hundred photographs from the session. A series of images taken from this shoot entitled 'And he threw his blood against heaven' will be included in Clive’s upcoming book 'Imagining Man'.

Publications
Tony Buff makes frequent written contributions to the understanding of fetish/Sm and his queer sensibilities through blog entries and pieces prepared for print publication. Buff has been a regular contributor, in collaboration with Derek Da Silva, to "Instigator Magazine" co-authoring the "Anatomy of a Scene" series which explored the top and bottom perspectives of various fetish/Sm activities including Blood Sports28, Impact Play29, Bondage30 and Electro Play31. Buff and Da Silva also collaborated on an essay for the anthology, "Rope, Bondage, and Power," edited by Lee Harrington32. Individually, he has penned an introduction to Leather for Men's Magazine33.