Derek Bolt is that perfect mixture of adorable and handsome all wrapped up in one very impressive package.
The muscle-bound D.C. resident is a fascinating triple threat in his real life. He is known for his work in the adult industry, has become a presence in the bodybuilding world and works full time as an architect. You know that saying get someone who can do both? He exceeds that and then some.
Derek appears to be doing all of that really well at one time while maintaining a cheerful persona that is seen throughout his growing social media presence.
He chatted with me at Instinct Magazine about his desires to enter the adult and bodybuilding industries, who his favorite scene partner has been, biggest misconceptions he faces as a porn star and which of his three professions he prefers the most (if any).
What inspired you to want to enter the adult film industry?
I started working in the adult film industry in April 2016. Essentially, I was bored, so I decided why not?
I was living in Marathon, Florida at the time, working as an architect on luxury houses. I loved the work, but I was so bored in my life outside of the office. I had no friends, and my boyfriend of 3 years was living in DC. I’d basically go to work, go to the gym, eat, sleep, repeat. And on the weekends, I basically didn’t do anything. To top it off, I had some hefty student loan payments keeping me from being able to save very much or go up to DC as often as I’d like.
So, after talking it over with my boyfriend, I took some pics and applied to a couple of studios. Eventually I got some call backs, and then before I knew it, I was flying to Vegas to shoot my first porn.
Furthermore, seeing as you appear to be a jack of all trades lately, what about the bodybuilding industry?
I’ve always been an active person. I did all the little league sports when I was a kid, then started doing Tae-Kwon-Do at 10 and earned my Black Belt when I was 16. I played lacrosse in high school.
But I guess bodybuilding really began when I did the PE requirement for high school and they had us do a segment on weightlifting. I really enjoyed it, and I’ve been lifting ever since. There’s something about it that just speaks to me. The ability to track your progress so concretely, the individual nature of weightlifting, the singular focus on the relationship between you and the bar. These things are what keep weightlifting resonating in my life.
When I was 20, I came out to myself and all my friends and family. Being free with my sexuality also let me be freer with the type of body I wanted for myself – and I realized I wanted to be bigger and more muscular. Until then I’d focused on strength instead of size. When I came out, I slowly began a transition that would lead to bodybuilding.
When I was in Florida and extremely bored, I was spending a lot more time in the gym. And I made a lot of progress. Enough that when I moved back to DC, I had a bunch of friends suggest competing in a local bodybuilding competition. I prepared for a long time (November to late April) in order to be ready for that first show. I bombed, 4th out of 6, but I was hooked. It’s a grueling commitment, but I’ve always enjoyed testing my limits. Since then, I’ve competed in 4 competitions total, culminating in USA Championships in July 2019.
Which are you more focused on now and do you plan on staying in both for the foreseeable future?
I like to say I’ve got a full-time job (architecture), a part-time job (porn), and a hobby (bodybuilding). They’re all major focuses in my life. The common thread between all three is the element of creation. Architecture is about shaping the built world for human habitation, porn is creating a lens through which to interact with sexuality, and bodybuilding is the very act of molding your body to fit your ideal form.
Now, I’m equally focused with no plans to leave any of them. But with porn, and competitive bodybuilding, I’ve always intended to keep doing them so long as they feel fulfilling to me. Once they start being more work than fun, I intend to bow out.
You just competed in a major bodybuilding championship. How did that go?
I just competed in the NPC USA Championships, billed as the most competitive amateur bodybuilding competition in the world. It’s a pro qualifier, which means that winners become professional bodybuilders.
I placed towards the bottom of the rankings for my weight class, but I’m not disappointed – if anything, I’m inspired to keep pushing. I brought the best physique I’ve ever had to the stage, and while I may not have won, I looked at home competing with the guys up there. I’ve got plenty of time and motivation to keep pushing forward so that next time I compete at this level, I will be competitive with the top guys. I’m currently taking a week or two break, after which I’ll sit down and plan out my road to a competitive placing at a national show, and hopefully a pro card eventually.
Who has been your favorite scene partner you’ve shot with and why?
Gabriel Cross, 100%. He’s the guy I’ve connected with the strongest out of all the people I’ve worked with. He’s amazing: gorgeous, smart, passionate, and kind. We met on my second shoot ever and bonded extremely well. Since then, we’ve made it a point to visit each other at least a few times a year, despite living on different continents. I was fortunate enough to travel to London this year and spend a week with him there and in Barcelona.
What’s the biggest misconception gay porn stars still get in 2019?
For me, it’s the idea that all we are is porn stars. I’ve often gotten told online “you’re just a porn star, what do you know?”
Almost every porn star I know is a lot more well-rounded than that. Many of us have extremely interesting and demanding day jobs. Even those of us that don’t have crazy hobbies. We’re educated, interesting, well rounded people. And due to our line of work, we have a unique understanding of human sexuality. So as porn stars, we know quite a lot.
Has the adult industry been a positive one for you so far?
It has. Being a porn star has given me so many opportunities I would never have had otherwise. I get to travel all over the world to shoot. I meet amazing and interesting people, both in my fellow stars and the talented people behind the camera. I’ve been introduced to photographers that work with me to create true art. I’ve even been able to save money while paying off my student loans.
But some of the things I’m most thankful to have from porn are more intangible. I’m more comfortable in my sexuality than I’ve ever been. I’m also more comfortable being me and not worrying about what other people think of me. My relationship is stronger because I’ve learned to communicate in a more open and vulnerable way.
Are you dating anyone? If single, what do you look for in a guy?
I’ve been married to my husband Dylan for a year and a half, and we’ve been together for seven and a half years. We met in college, and he was the first, and only, guy I’ve dated. We have an open relationship though, so I keep an eye out for guys who catch my interest. I don’t have a specific type I’m looking for, but based on past hookups, I definitely have a thing for shorter muscular guys.
For more information on Derek, click here.