Safer Sex Advocates To Protest Larry Flynt's 'Industry Icon Award' During Tonight's XBIZ Awards

Tonight's XBIZ Awards attracts not only fans of the adult entertainment industry, but also critics of porn mogul Larry Flynt. Barker Hangar in Santa Monica will serve as the chaotic scene of the awards show and a protest staged by AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF).

The foundation may sound familiar from its condoms in porn ballot initiative, which was favored by the L.A. City Council in a vote today. So why is AHF targeting Flynt, besides the fact that he is a powerful porn force? According to an AHF release, "Safer sex advocates will protest Flynt over his complete disregard for his adult film performers' safety and his repeated defiance about following California worker health and safety laws."

Flynt will receive the first-ever "Industry Icon Award" at tonight's 10th annual ceremony. XBIZ says, "Flynt exemplifies the spirit, global infamy both within and outside of the industry, and has set the bar for all who aspire to excellence." XBIZ President and publisher Alec Helmy also commented on the porn publisher's merits.

Few individuals ascend to the status of ‘icon’ in any industry, and it is with the utmost respect and gratitude that XBIZ bestows this honor on Larry Flynt, a true pioneer, visionary and relentless crusader for First Amendment rights. His incredible accomplishments and invaluable contributions in every area of the adult entertainment industry have made him not only a hero to those within adult, but also a larger-than-life global celebrity.

Protesters will award Flynt with their own "Larry 'SkinFlynt' Award." Armed with six-foot "SkinFlynt" banners reading, "Money by any means, porn performers without protection," protesters will descend on the industry gala from 6pm to 8pm.