The rise of home video technology in the 1980s and 1990s made it possible for gay films and videos to reach a wider audience. Popular videos like "The Adventures of Buck Angel" (1986) and "Killing Me Softly" (1987) showcased explicit gay content, sparking controversy and debate. While some argued that these videos were prurient and exploitative, others saw them as a means of promoting gay visibility and empowerment.