Chicago, IL -- Derek and I arrived and made our entrance at the Grabbys with the crew from Titan. Sister Roma was there with NakedSword on the red carpet and we stopped for a quick interview with the paparazzo's cameras flashing away. Once inside we had an opportunity to reconnect with some of our friends in the industry before settling into our seats with the guys from Titan and LeatherPost.
Early into the show, Brian Mills was inducted into the Grabby Wall of Fame. I was happy for him. Brian is one of my favorite people in the business and has become a trusted friend. His work is among the very best in the industry and the honor is well deserved. Congratulations.
Not long afterward the nominees for Best Fetish Video (Extreme) were read. Fear had been nominated in this category and it would be dishonest of me not to admit Derek and I had high hopes for Titan taking home this particular award. We had worked hard, along with many others, on Fear to bring content that resonated with the leather/Sm community and we were looking for that effort (and the market) to be recognized at this level. As the nominees were read, Brian turned to me and said, "You know, if we win, you and Derek need to come up with me." The picture (captured by fellow TitanMen Exclusive Dillon Buck) above shows the three of us accepting the award on behalf of Titan.
During the second half of the show, Derek and I were slated to present a couple of awards with our friend Ago Viara. While I didn't know it prior to the show, it became clear that each set of presenters had a bit of shtick, so I rigged a couple of matching Shibari harnesses on the boys before we went on stage (photo Left). Derek and Ago looked so good I wished we were in a dungeon instead of at an awards show. Mr Pam had made a shout out to Derek and I earlier in the evening talking about how her hand hurt from punching Derek in the nuts the night before so I encouraged her to come up and repeat the experience for the audience. It was definitely a blast if not a little over the top.
Some quick shout outs: Steven Sarborough and Hot House, congratulations; Braxton Bond, it was great to see you again and I'd love to see you in LA sometime soon; Josh Vaughn, wish we could do a scene together... I'll bet you cry real pretty; Ago Viara, you are so fucking hot if I don't get to do a scene with you I'll go crazy; Steve Cruz, keep up all the good work buddy; and Mr Pam, keep up the training 'cause you pack a punch.
