Page 112 - AVN January 2018

GAYVN
“I don’t think GayVN had any ill intent behind having a Best Ethnic
Scene awards category. On the contrary, I believe GayVN sought a
way for gay porn actors of color to be recognized in an industry in
which our talents often go unrecognized and under-appreciated.
However, in so doing, what GayVN failed to take into account is that
POC are too often fetishized and set apart from the mainstream.
This feeling of ‘otherness’ is both dehumanizing and demoralizing.
Unfortunately, I’m not sure what the best solution to this is right
now. GayVN has since removed the category of Best Ethnic Scene.
However, I now fear that it will become more challenging for actors
of color to be recognized at all. As it stands, the playing field simply
isn’t level, so we’ll have to set out to find more creative solutions to
this problem.”
—Sean Zevran (@seanzevran)
iWantEmpire Signs Brand Ambassadors, Consultants
GAYVN
AMBASSADORS: Marc MacNamara, Wesley Woods and Diego Sans
iWantEmpire, a co-sponsor of the
leading filmmaker will also serve
GayVN Awards with CAM4, has
to enhance iWantEmpire’s name
signed three high-profile figures
recognition and brand awareness
in gay adult porn to serve as brand
during personal appearances,
ambassadors.
marketing campaigns, promotions
One is prominent filmmaker
and special events aimed at
Marc MacNamara, who will
furthering the brand.
serve as brand ambassador and
“I am looking forward to
consultant for iWantEmpire as
working with the iWantEmpire
part of an effort to expand into the
team to help increase brand
gay market.
awareness while creating some
“Marc has been a major
exciting unique content,”
creative and innovative figure in
MacNamara said. “I’m especially
the gay adult market and we are
thrilled to be a part of a team that
extremely pleased to add his skill
is committed to creating quality
and expertise to iWantEmpire,”
adult content, fostering a positive
said Jay Phillips, vice president
environment, and abundance for
of iWantEmpire. “Our expansion
its models and providing support
into the gay segment will be
for gay and LGBT rights.”
greatly enhanced by Marc’s
In addition, iWantClips brought
considerable talents as an artist,
on two gay adult stars to assist in
visionary and entrepreneur. His
promoting the brand.
success in mainstream and adult
Wesley Woods is a gay adult
worlds provides us with a unique
performer and stand-up comedian
perspective and expertise that
from East Texas who now resides
will greatly add to iWantEmpire’s
in Los Angeles. He has since
position in the market.”
racked up numerous gay porn
As a brand ambassador,
nominations, winning the 2017
consultant and creative
Grabbys Performer of the Year.
visionary, MacNamara will
“We’re excited to bring Wesley
provide iWantEmpire with his
Woods and his talents into the
unique ability to develop, create
iWantEmpire family,” said Phillips
and market content to a dedicated
of iWantEmpire. “He will play a
adult gay audience. His status as a
pivotal role as brand ambassador
and consultant as we expand into
the gay market. His popularity,
growing fan base and unique
perspective will enhance our
efforts as we grow our brand and
move further in this extremely
important segment.”
The third brand ambassador
is Diego Sans, a Brazil-born
performer has been among the
most popular stars in the industry
since his arrival in 2010. Sans
also boasts a large following in
his homeland, which puts his
social media reach well into the
hundreds of thousands, and is the
recipient of three Grabby Awards.
“Diego is a passionate
performer and advocate for
the gay community, so we’re
extremely proud to have him join
iWantEmpire,” said Phillips.
As a contract star, Sans will star
in all-new clips available only from
iWantEmpire. Moreover, in his
new role as a brand ambassador
and consultant, Sans will help
develop content and marketing
strategies.
iWantEmpire operates a number
of sites, including the clip site
iWantClips. Its other sites are
iWantCustomClips and the new
mobile chat service iWantPhone.
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