GAYVN Awards Appropriately Held on Martin Luther King Day
Ken Owens - Celebritalks
By Ken Owens
Each year in January, Las Vegas hosts the AVN Adult Entertainment Expo and Award Shows, which is the largest pornography convention and trade show in the World. I had my first experience to the expo a few years ago when I worked in a friend's booth who was selling erotic artwork. I have staffed trade show booths all over the world in many different industries, and this was no different. However, instead of hawking computer software or resort souvenirs; these exhibitors were selling their movies, artwork, and anatomically correct 'toys' of their body parts.
This was my first year attending one of the two award shows. I was asked to cover the gay porn awards ceremony held at the Joint inside Hard Rock Casino Resort on Martin Luther King Day. The red carpet was large and all of us in the media had a spot to stand; for both still photography and video interviews. While snapping a few pictures of the award nominees on the red carpet, it occurred to me that these actors are probably not use to wearing any clothes in front of all these cameras!
Photogs gather for the red carpet arrivals - Photo credit: Ken Owens
This event would rival the Golden Globes or any other Hollywood style awards show; except this award show has categories like Best Three-Way Sex Scene and Best Fetish Sex Scene, along with the more traditional Best Actor. The stage was set with a beautiful high-tech backdrop and we all were treated to complimentary cocktails. Several television cameras were in the theatre to webcast the ceremony live worldwide; a truly professional and expensive operation.
As I was reading the program book of award categories and nominees while waiting for the show to begin; a statement in the welcome paragraph really stood out, "This award show is a no-holds-barred celebration of sexuality, erotica and freedom…". With the divisiveness currently happening in our country, and the rise in bullying against others for their differences of race, religion, and sexual orientation; it was truly symbolic to be attending this event on Martin Luther King Day. AVN and the LGBTQ community should be proud of the love, acceptance, and respect shown to everyone at this event; a fitting tribute to Dr. King on this day!
"Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy to a friend." – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.