All posts tagged with: award

On the main stage in front of thousands of fans, West Hollywood Mayor, Jeffrey Prang, officially welcomed Lil’ Kim to West Hollywood, and thanked her for her support of the LGBT community. It was all part of the LA Pride celebrations on Saturday, June 9 in West Hollywood, California.

Grammy Award winner and actress, Lil’ Kim, is one of the largest female rap artists of her time, with platinum records in 1997 and 2000, two Soul Train / Lady of Soul awards, and was The Source Hip-Hop Music Awardee for Female Artist of the Year in 2003.

The City of West Hollywood recognized Lil’ Kim for her dedication to supporting the LGBT community and for her support of gay marriage. Lil’ Lim performed for thousands of her fans at the 42^nd Annual LA Pride Festival on June 9, 2012.

West Hollywood proudly celebrated their 42^nd annual pride June 8-11. They hosted the world’s first pride parade in the world and are one of the largest pride events in the United States.

Event producer, Tom Whitman, has been putting together high-energy parties across the United States for over a decade. But it’s his philanthropic actions, which have earned him the 2012 LA Pride Berman Schaffer Service Award.

As a producer and entrepreneur, Tom has put together some amazing events in the LGBT community, including ones for HRC, GLAAD, LA Gay & Lesbian Center and LA Pride’s 2012 Community Grand Marshall, The Trevor Project.

One of Tom’s recent initiatives was The Gang of 100; an informal group of friends, 100-people strong, that used their social connections to raise funds for a number of Los Angeles not-for-profit organizations. 100% of the funds raised goes directly to the benefit organizations. Over the past five years, The Gang of 100 has raised $700,000 for The Trevor Project, The Point Foundation and AIDS Project Los Angeles.

For the past five years Tom has served as the Chair of APLA’s Board of Directors. It’s his dedication, influence and philanthropic attitude which has earned him the Berman Schaffer Service Award.

Ian - Mr International Leatherboy 2010

In February 2010, Ian McKechnie was titled, Eastern Canada Leather boy, and just a few months later in July 2010 he was named Mr International Leatherboy.

“Since that time I have been publically stripped naked, tied-up, beaten, flogged, kicked, punched, electrocuted, and set on fire,” said Ian. “It’s been a great freakin year!”

The youngest of seven children, Ian grew up in a blue collar, Roman Catholic family in Hamilton, Ontario. He is proud of his accomplishments as a second-degree black belt.

Thought his involvement in the Hamilton Pride Committee, Ian was introduced to the Golden Horseshoe Leather Association. Here Ian met his two leather mentors, Phil and John, who showed him the many facets of the leather community.

Sadly, his mentors passed away before they could see Ian win his International title.

“It is the memory of their love, boundless energy, and selfless commitment to the leather and bear communities that I take with me throughout this title year, and always,” Ian proudly said.

During his term, Ian shares his duties with Sir Hugh, International Leather SIR, and red warrior, International Community Bootblack 2010.

Ian has attended many Pride events and festivals over the past year as part of his duties, including Toronto Pride 2011.

Ian ended with, “I am proud to say that my name is Ian, and I am a Leather boy.”

Mr International Leatherboy, blogger Brian Webb, and DJ Pierre Fitch at Toronto Pride 2011

America’s first openinly gay late-night talk show hosts, Andy Cohen, has been awarded the Person of the Year by the organizers of LA Pride.

Andy, Emmy and Peabody Award winner, is Bravo’s Executive Vice President of Program and Development and the host of “Watch What Happens: Live”.

In June 2010, Andy was named one of TV Guide’s 25 Most Influential People in Television, and Out Magazine added him on their Out 100 List in 2008 and in 2011.

As Andy continues to put LGBT people in front of the camera and in the middle of America’s living room, he continues to help the community through his ability to make a positive and lasting impact.

At the 2011 LA Pride events in West Hollywood, Califorinia, 42 year-old comedian, activities and humanitarian, Margaret Cho, was presented the Christopher Street West Lifetime Achievement Award for her dedicated and work in the LGBT community.

“This is such a tremendous honor, I am so excited about this,” said Cho. “this is my community, my home and I am very proud of how far we have come in our journey.”

Cho has been an outspoken advocate for equality in the LGBT community.

“I want to fight for equality, to make sure we have equal rights and proper representation in our society,” explained Cho. “I also want to be there to help the younger generation and be a good mentor for them.”

How does a seemingly innocent 23 year old guy, named Jayden Grey, who was going to university with dreams of digital photography and make-up artist all the sudden become an overnight gay porn sensation and winner of the “Best Boyfriend Fantasy” award at the 2011 The Hookies International Escort Awards?

According to Jayden, “I needed the money to pay off fines that I got for smoking pot and speeding tickets. I had to give the government a lot of money.”

Money is often the driving force for many young guys and girls to get into adult entertainment, especially when they are physically attractive and they know they can make a quick buck.

Telling family and friends is never easy. And Jayden’s story isn’t much different when he had to tell his parents.

“They were shocked, but they didn’t judge,” said Jayden.

Jayden and his father aren’t very close leaving him to wonder what his dad really thinks.

“I don’t talk to him much.” Explained Jayden, referring to his relationship with this father. “I do love him but we just butt heads and don’t see eye-to-eye.”

Jayden was direct and honest with one of his aunts.

“I have one aunt that I can’t lie to. Never have. Never will. She doesn’t judge. She accepts and loves everyone.”

Comforting to know that Jayden has family members that love and care for him regardless of his career choices.

Jadyen’s friends from his home town in Iowa had mixed reactions.

“I flat out told them, ‘Hey, I am gong to do porn’,” said Jayden. “Some wished me luck and some tried beating me down with shit talk and what not.”

Now that Jayden has made a good name for himself he finds that many of those not-so-close friends from back home are crawling out of the wood-work and wanting him to pay attention to them.

Being a fair guy, Jayden has gave his friends back home the opportunity to apologize and to talk to them. He’s opened the door for forgiveness, but it won’t be open forever.

“When I go back I have no problem ignoring them if I see them or they try to talk to me,” said Jayden.

Brent and his family, July 2010

Brent Everett is more than just male porn start with a pretty face and a hot body. He is a genuine, caring individual who has a warm heart and a solid foundation built on strong family values.

It is evident Brent is proud of his family. His signature smile present the entire time he shared personal stories about his family.

The award-winning 26 year old gay adult entertainer was recently in Canada and attended a family reunion near his home town of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. For Brent, this was an opportunity to visit his parents, brother, aunts & uncles, and cousins. This family reunion was special to Brent because he was able to see his entire family together, including his 93 year old grandpa.

Brent is close with his family, especially his parents and his brother , whom he looks up to. When Brent was just a teenager he didn’t have any problems telling his parents he was gay, but explained it was extremely difficult to tell his family he had decided to pursue a career in adult entertainment.

“As parents we were absolutely shocked when we learned that Brent was making porno movies,” said Brent’s mom. “When you stand back and look at it from outside the box, it is a legal business and profession.”

Brent’s mom is proud of both her sons accomplishments. Inside the family home, Brent’s brother’s athletic achievements are recognized by the many trophies and awards on display. But Brent’s achievements do not go unnoticed. His mom has erected a shrine honouring his career in the adult entertainment industry – which includes his entire collection of DVD’s he has either starred in or produced.

Brent’s family lives by this motto, “Love is unconditional, because if love was conditional, then it is not love.”

“Since we believe in unconditional love, our choice was very easy, and we are having the time of our lives with our boys,” said Brent’s dad.

Clearly, Brent’s family is very supportive of his career and all his life’s decisions. But it’s just not Brent’s career choice that the family has embraced. They also supported Brent in his decision to marry Steve Pena. On October 3, 2008, in San Diego, California, Brent and Steve were married in front of a group of close friends and family.

“We are so proud of Brent’s and Steve’s accomplishments and there dedication to everything that they do,” commented Brent’s mom. “They are truly two amazing people, who are loved very much.”

Brent and Steve now live in San Diego, California. As a Canadian citizen Brent is required to return to Canada every 90 days. He says it’s difficult traveling back and forth and each time it is always a concern going through customs. Brent and Steve are both legally married in both Canada and in California; they bring copies of marriage certificates from each country as part of their travel documents. Brent is currently in the process of getting his dual citizenship.

Brent keeps in close contact with his family and will continue to return home on a regular basis.

For more information visit Brent’s website at www.brenteverett.com or read his blog.

Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter at @br_webb, and please leave a comment on this post!

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