From Mainstream Porn to Kink Empowerment: How Florian Kunze-Forrest Reclaimed His Sexual Identity
- Filip
- May 18
- 3 min read
Former adult film actor, kink educator, and podcaster Florian Kunze-Forrest joins the Playful Podcast to talk about reclaiming autonomy, navigating the adult entertainment industry, and finding freedom in Berlin’s vibrant sex-positive community.
Florian’s journey into the world of adult entertainment was never about seeking fame or attention — it was about exploration. “I was curious,” he says. “It wasn’t really a strategic decision to get into porn… it just happened, like, okay, this could be interesting, and I had a safe way to try it out.”
But after several years working in mainstream porn, Florian started questioning the authenticity of the performances — and his role in them. “You become a product,” he reflects. “It becomes more about performing and less about actually enjoying what you’re doing. It’s work — and I realized I didn’t want to just perform. I wanted to feel.”
Shifting Away From Mainstream Porn: “I didn’t want to fake it anymore.”
For Florian, one of the biggest issues with the traditional porn industry was its lack of personal freedom. “I started to feel boxed in. I was always typecast — always playing this one kind of character,” he explains. “At some point, I was like… ‘Whose fantasy is this even?’ Because it’s definitely not mine.”
This realization led him to transition away from mainstream porn and toward platforms like OnlyFans, where he could take back control of his image and output. “Now I get to produce everything myself. I decide what to show, how to show it, and when. That’s empowering.”
This shift also allowed Florian to begin incorporating his authentic kinks and desires into his work. “I’m really into fetish,” he says with a smile. “But in traditional porn, fetish is often either exaggerated or misunderstood. I wanted to show it as something personal, emotional, even beautiful.”
Discovering the Power of Kink: “For me, it’s deeply emotional.”
Kink, for Florian, is not just about aesthetics or play — it’s about connection. “It’s not about pain or dominance for the sake of it,” he says. “It’s about vulnerability, trust, and self-expression. Kink can be a language.”
Florian’s work now includes not just sexual content, but educational resources about kink, boundaries, and communication. “One of my goals is to normalize conversations around kink. There’s still so much shame and misinformation — especially around things like power dynamics. But if you approach it consciously, it can be a powerful tool for self-understanding.”
Berlin’s Queer and Kink Scene: “This city gave me the space to grow.”
Florian speaks lovingly about Berlin, a city he says gave him the freedom to be himself. “I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for Berlin,” he shares. “The openness here, the clubs, the queer spaces — they allow you to explore without judgment. There’s a real respect for privacy and individuality. People aren’t trying to put you in a box.”
He especially highlights Berlin’s club culture as a place of acceptance. “You don’t have to wear a mask. Whether you’re into techno or kink or both — you can be your whole self.”
Advice for Anyone Exploring Kink or Sexual Identity
Florian encourages anyone curious about kink to start with introspection. “Ask yourself: what do I actually like? Not what I think I’m supposed to like, or what’s trendy — but what turns me on, emotionally and physically.”
He also emphasizes the importance of communication. “Whether it’s a hookup, a scene, or a long-term partner, you need to talk. Set boundaries, express desires. That’s the sexiest thing to me — honest, open communication.”
What’s Next: “I want to create something lasting.”
As for what the future holds, Florian is clear: “I want to build something meaningful — a space where people can learn, feel safe, and explore their sexuality without shame. Maybe it’s through podcasting, maybe it’s through workshops, maybe it’s through film. But I know I’m just getting started.”
Florian is currently working on expanding his creative platforms, and dreams of working with artists and brands that prioritize authenticity, queerness, and ethical collaboration. “I want to work with people who get it. Who understand that kink and art and sex are all connected.”
