LAS VEGAS—AVN Media Network is pleased to announce Alec Mapa and Kylie Sonique Love will co-host the 2023 GayVN Awards Show, presented by Chaturbate.
The first live in-person GayVN show since 2020 is scheduled begin at 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 5 on the world famous Strip in Las Vegas. The show also will be live-streamed on GayVNAwards.com.
“We’re thrilled to have the sensational Kylie Sonique Love and the legendary Alec Mapa co-host this historic edition of the GayVN Awards Show,” said AVN Media Network CEO Tony Rios. “We can’t wait to celebrate the most outstanding achievements in gay porn with our amazing community and these two gifted entertainers at the helm.”
An actress, singer, model and writer, Kylie Sonique Love burst onto the scene in 2010 as a contestant on the second season of RuPaul’s Drag Race, where she placed 9th. Kylie returned in 2021 to compete on All Stars 6, which she won, making history as the first transgender contestant to win an American series of RuPaul's Drag Race.
In 2020, Kylie co-hosted Translation Season 1, the first talk show on a major network hosted by an all-trans cast. She released her first single, “Santa, Please Come Home” in 2018.
She’ll join one of the all-time greats on the GayVN stage as this year will mark the fifth straight that Mapa brings his vivacious personality to gay porn’s biggest night. Mapa also hosted the show in 2010 and 2009.
“I love Alec and we have history, so I’m excited to share emceeing with him,” Kylie said. “I’ve kind of been in hiding since mid-August. I’ve had a lot of personal changes in my life, so it will be good to get out and see everyone again.
“I miss the stage so much but most importantly, I do miss my fans. I hope they’re there to have a good time because that’s what I intend to do. I feel like I’ll forever be evolving so hopefully they can see and feel that.
“I also want them to know there is more to me than just being a Ru-girl (which I am very proud of). Good luck to all the nominees, I hope everyone turns a fierce look!”
Mapa, whom Variety called “a freak and no one should be this talented,” needs no introduction.
Known throughout the world as a superb live performer, Alec also is a seasoned actor and comedian whose distinctive stage presence transcends entertainment mediums.
It’s why Ellen Degeneres has called Mapa “smart, hilarious and funny.” His comedy special Alec Mapa: Baby Daddy premiered on Showtime in 2015. He rose to prominence on Broadway in the Tony Award-winning production of M. Butterfly and went on to guest star on more than 40 television series, including Alias, Friends, Roseanne, Seinfeld, and NYPD Blue.
“I’m thrilled that we get to have the event live and in person after two long years,” said Mapa, who also has been a prominent voice promoting equal rights for the LGBT community, receiving the prestigious Davidson Valentini GLAAD Award in 2005.
“The pandemic left us all feeling isolated and depressed so I’m beyond excited to see everyone live and in person!”
Alec and Kylie will preside over a ceremony in which 32 award-winners will be announced—17 of which are being voted on by the fans.
“My favorite part about hosting the GayVNs is the joyously unabashed celebration of all things sensual and sexy,” Alec said. “The GayVNs never takes itself too seriously so the vibe is always a loving, hilarious and judgement free.
“For one night we all get to shed our inhibitions and jettison our baggage. If we could all have one night where we celebrate our sexuality and liberate ourselves from shame the world would be a better place.”
To see the nominees, click here. To cast your vote in the Fan-Voted GayVN Awards, click here.
Fans can purchase tickets here.
Photo of Kylie Sonique Love by @fenix.photo.graphy
