Marius Rohde earns his money where many people merely stare: on adult platforms like OnlyFans and BestFans. Yet the 24-year-old Berliner doesn’t want to be reduced to his physique. In addition to his work as a creator, he has built his own company—a photography and video agency and the PowerPoint dating concept “Stellmichvor.”
In this interview, Rohde speaks frankly about self-determination, about criticism from within his own circle, and about a question that often gets pushed aside in the scene: What happens if your body stops selling?
Seit wie vielen Jahren bist du Creator? Wie viel Geld verdienst du bzw. kannst du gut davon leben?
I’ve been a creator for several years and I’ve made it my full-time job. I can live very well from it, which allowed me to build my own company. In addition to my work as a creator, I also started my photo and video agency and the PowerPoint-dating format “Stellmichvor.” It was always important to me not to rely on a single path.
Macht es queere Menschen sichtbarer, wenn schwule Körper auf einer Bezahlplattform als sexuelles Produkt angeboten werden oder reduziert es schwule Männer genau auf das Klischee, gegen das die Bewegung jahrzehntelang gekämpft hat?
I think both things can coexist. Just because I create erotic content doesn’t define the entire community. Queer people are incredibly diverse. I believe it’s important that everyone can decide how they present themselves. As long as it’s voluntary, I don’t see a problem.
Manche Kritiker*innen aus der Community werfen Creators wie dir vor, ein hypersexualisiertes Bild schwuler Männer zu zementieren. Was entgegnest du jemandem, der sagt: “Du schadest dem, wofür wir kämpfen”?
I get where that criticism comes from, but I see it differently. I represent myself, not all gay men. True acceptance means embracing different life paths—even if they don’t please everyone. No one should dictate to others how to live their sexuality or their body.
Was passiert, wenn sich dein Körper nicht mehr “verkauft”? Hast du einen Plan für das, was nach dieser Karriere kommt oder ist das ein Thema, das in der Szene verdrängt wird?
That’s something I actually think about. I believe you should never count on something lasting forever. That’s why I invest in other projects and build multiple pillars. My goal was never to live my entire life solely based on my looks.
Die CSD-Saison ist in vollem Gange. Was bedeutet Pride ganz persönlich für dich?
For me, Pride is primarily a reminder of how many people fought for us to be able to live more freely today. It’s also a time to celebrate the community, to be visible, and to support one another.
Hat sich die Bedeutung von Pride für dich im Laufe der Jahre verändert?
Yes, definitely. In the past, I saw Pride mostly as a big party. Today, I more clearly perceive the political backdrop and how important visibility and solidarity remain. When you see that discrimination and anti-queer violence still exist, Pride continues to matter.
Pride ist heute auch ein kommerzielles Großereignis. Wie stehst du zu dieser Entwicklung?
I generally think it’s good when companies take a stand. But it shouldn’t stop at Pride. Real credibility comes when they support the community year-round—through donations, fair working conditions, or real engagement—not just marketing.
Reicht Sichtbarkeit allein, oder was muss aus deiner Sicht der nächste Schritt sein?
Visibility is important, but it isn’t enough. We need real acceptance in daily life, more education, and spaces where people can meet. That’s exactly why I enjoy my dating format “Stellmichvor.” It brings people together, helps them get to know each other, and often naturally breaks down stereotypes. Such encounters are, in my view, just as important as online visibility.
Welche Rolle können Creator-Plattformen wie OnlyFans und BestFans in Bezug auf queere Sichtbarkeit spielen?
They give many people the chance to earn money independently and express themselves as they are. Queer creators often have more freedom there than on traditional platforms. At the same time, I think it’s important to show that we’re more than our content. I’m a creator, an entrepreneur, and an organizer—that’s all part of me.
Du bewegst dich gleich an zwei Fronten, an denen es Vorurteile gibt als schwuler Mann und als Sex-Content-Creator. Wo begegnen sie dir am stärksten?
Most often online. People judge you without really knowing you. But in real life, you also notice that some people try to reduce you to your job and don’t see everything you do on the side.
Erlebst du auch innerhalb der queeren Community selbst Ablehnung gegenüber dem, was du tust? Wie gehst du mit Hass, Kommentaren oder Anfeindungen um?
Yes, it happens. Criticism is everywhere, even within the community. I take constructive criticism seriously, but I’ve learned not to take every comment personally. You can’t please everyone, and you don’t have to.
Hast du das Gefühl, dass es für queere Creator gerade besser oder eher schwieriger wird?
I think it’s a bit of both. There are more opportunities and more acceptance than in the past. At the same time, competition is tougher, platforms are stricter, and online hate remains a major issue. Today you need more than just great photos—you have to build a brand.
Du wohnst in Berlin. Immer wieder ist auch auf TheColu.mn von queerfeindlichen Straftaten zu lesen. Wie ist dein Eindruck: Ist das Leben in der Großstadt für queere Personen eher sicherer oder unsicherer geworden?
Berlin is still among the most open cities I know. Still, I notice queer-hate incidents are more frequent or at least more visible. I generally feel comfortable in Berlin, but there are situations where you think twice about holding your partner’s hand. That shouldn’t be necessary.
Würdest du anderen jungen, schwulen Männern heute noch dazu raten, OF-/BF-Creator zu werden?
I wouldn’t give a blanket yes or no. People should know that the internet forgets nothing and that this job comes with responsibility and mental strain, not just money. If you decide to do it, do it because you believe in it, not because you think you’ll get rich quickly. At the same time, I’d encourage everyone to build something of their own on the side—whether it’s a company, a brand, or a personal passion project. For me, my agency and “Stellmichvor” provide long-term security and bring me as much joy as the creator work itself.
