Chi Chi LaRue has been named by Out Magazine as one of the 50 most-powerful gays in America. The Top 50 list appears in the May issue of Out, on newsstands now.
According to Out, the criteria for making the list include being gay, American or working primarily in the United States, and having a significant presence in the culture at large.
Power rankings were based on political clout, pop-culture resonance, individual wealth, and "personal profile." LaRue is ranked number 36. Out goes on to say that all 50 of the power gays have "exerted considerable sway over the way we think, look, and act."
"It's a little mind blowing – and it came out of left field – but I am pleasantly surprised," LaRue said in reaction to the news. "I think it's fabulous that someone in the adult industry can make such a prestigious list. It's an honor to be named among people that I am a fan of, like Rosie O'Donnell, Ellen DeGeneres, Tom Ford, Bryan Singer, Perez Hilton, and Marc Jacobs. It's pretty exciting."
The article describes LaRue as, "The drag Martha Stewart of gay smut, directing videos and running Rascal Video, Channel 1 Releasing, and now All Worlds Video. Named Best Director at the 2006 GAYVN Awards, LaRue decries the "condom-optional" policy of other companies while simultaneously setting the tone for queer sex appeal."
LaRue has used his fame and appeal in the gay community to launch several successful awareness campaigns. His "Wrap It Up" PSA that can be seen on all of Channel 1 Releasing's titles advocates safer sex and safer sex role models. This past year, LaRue was invited to speak at Johns Hopkins University on "creating a culture of safer sex within the gay community." He also launched the "Protect Your Porn" voter registration and education campaign that urged consumers to vote and protect their First Amendment rights.
LaRue's recent titles include Vivid Entertainment's Where the Boys Aren't 18.
"I think a lot of this recognition is because of my strong stance on safer sex and the fact that I am such an advocate for freedom of speech and freedom of expression," LaRue notes. "I reach people with this message not only through my art, which is directing adult films, but also because I bring a little bit of naughty fun and comedic entertainment through my drag persona."
The complete list of Out Magazine's "Power 50" can be seen online at www.out.com. To find out more about Chi Chi LaRue visit ChiChiLaRue.com.
