Joey Mills, at 27, is facing a unique existential crisis: “twink death.” In the world of gay adult entertainment, the fading of youth – the loss of that perfectly slim, hairless physique – is a very real concern. It’s a transition many queer men experience, finding themselves looking 23 while technically being 32, and wryly labeling the first signs of maturity a “beard.”
Despite approaching this perceived decline, Mills remains remarkably in demand. A recent Zoom call reveals an admirable beard and, behind him, a Grindr award easily twice the size of his head – a testament to being named ‘Porn Star of the Year’ by the app’s users. He’s undeniably still a star, but a shift is underway.
This year marks a decade in the industry, and Mills is deliberately moving “from twinky to kinky.” 2021 was a career peak, culminating in his fourth Gay VN Award (he’s now collected six). While he acknowledges nothing may surpass the viral sensation of a certain elevator video, he’s determined to explore new territory.
Mills enjoys a level of fame he carefully curates. He prefers recognition within West Hollywood’s gay bars to unwanted attention while grocery shopping. That desire for privacy was recently challenged by a late-night visitor staring at his house, a chilling reminder of the industry’s darker side.
His foray into kink isn’t sudden; it’s been a gradual evolution, recently earning him the ‘Best Fetish Video’ award. It’s driven by a need to constantly reinvent, to avoid stagnation. For Mills, “switching things up” doesn’t involve a new hobby – it means building a full-blown BDSM sex dungeon in his basement.
And he didn’t do it alone. His mother, Bridget, step-father Steve, and friend, dominatrix Fantasia Royale Gaga, all lent a hand, and a camera crew documented the entire chaotic process for a new docuseries, DIY Dungeon. He readily admits it was one of the most stressful weeks of his life.
The series is a fascinating blend of sex education, home renovation, and reality TV drama, anchored by a surprisingly heartwarming LGBTQ+ family story. Fantasia Royale Gaga injects playful tension, but Mills reveals their dynamic is more sibling-like, fueled by the added pressure of a film crew and a house in disarray.
Bridget and Steve approached the project with a remarkable level of calm, offering support without judgment. They were initially skeptical when Mills announced his career path, initially dismissing it as a prank. Their concern stemmed from a parent’s natural worry, fearing the dangers he might face.
Their relationship is exceptionally close, with Bridget living just two doors down. She’s deeply involved in the business side of things, though Mills is careful to maintain boundaries regarding the explicit details of his work. She’s a regular at the GayVN Awards, enjoying the open bar and celebrating his success.
Transparency, he believes, is key. It’s far better to be upfront with family than to have them discover his work through a co-worker’s forwarded link. He’s heard that story countless times, and actively avoids that scenario.
The first episode of DIY Dungeon features a particularly iconic moment: Bridget gifting him a sponge cake iced with the words “Twink Death.” It’s a playful jab at the industry’s obsession with youth, a constant pressure felt by those in the “twink” category.
While he hasn’t been directly told his “twink years” are over, he’s acutely aware of the conversations happening behind his back. But Mills seems unfazed, even embracing the idea of “twink death” and the opportunities it presents.
If every transition involved the creation of a personalized sex dungeon, perhaps the prospect wouldn’t be so daunting. The dungeon is already seeing frequent use, with new videos on the horizon. His favorite feature? A surprisingly practical choice: the side table and lamp, along with a new sex sling.
DIY Dungeon is a raw, honest, and unexpectedly touching look at a man navigating a unique career and a changing body image, all with the unwavering support of his family.
