Digging Deeper with Dillon Diaz: Wall of Fame for the Sex Game

June 15, 2023
DILLON DIAZ

Digging Deeper with Dillon Diaz: Wall of Fame for the Sex Game

I am Dillon Diaz and this is Digging Deeper, my bi-monthly column where we will discuss everything porn.

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On May 27th, 2023, my husband, Jake Waters, and I were added to the Grabby’s America Wall of Fame. It was unexpected, to say the least. Usually, that is an honor saved for those who have been in the industry for many years and have made a noteworthy impact. We didn’t expect to be included in that esteemed group of people at this point in our careers so we were incredibly humbled, flattered, and honored.

Dillon Diaz and Jake Waters Inducted Into Grabby Awards Wall of Fame

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It went like this. Stacy Bridges, owner, and Chi Chi LaRue, host, took the stage to present the Wall of Fame inductees with their plaques. It was heartwarming to see the surprised recipients climb up the stairs to the stage to accept and say a few words of gratitude. Everyone was genuinely surprised and honored. Steve Ponce’s voice cracked as he was making his speech and no one cries alone when I’m around so I got teary-eyed too. Then Chi Chi starts describing the next two recipients whose story sounded a lot like ours. Jake and I looked at each other in disbelief because surely we could not be receiving this honor but it became abundantly clear that it in fact was us when our names were called.

We were shocked! The time it took for us to stand up and approach the stage felt like an eternity but I know from attending many awards shows that one should move quickly, say thank you, and get oﬀ the stage so the next award can be presented and then we can all go to the after parties. I got to the mic first and said something quick and forgettable. My husband on the other hand was very emotional but pulled himself together fast enough to give a very heartfelt speech that may be the best acceptance speech of the night.

“To all of the melanated people who came before me, who are in the room now, and will come after us, keep your hopes up, dreams come true. You will find love and you will be accepted no matter where you are. If your family doesn’t love you - you will find your chosen family out there.”

As we moved around the auditorium returning to our seats and leaving after the show the number of people thanking him for his words was remarkable. I was/am so proud of him for taking advantage of the opportunity to say something so relevant and impactful. I was too shocked and nervous to speak but he represented us beautifully. I’m more of a writer than a speaker unless you give me some lines to memorize but he can talk to anyone at any time.

Why were we chosen to receive this honor? I pondered this question a few times before coming to a conclusion. Simply, the Grabby’s America wanted to acknowledge and celebrate our love. We aren’t the only couple in gay porn but we have been very open about our relationship, we have continued to work and we are unmistakably happy. That is worth celebrating.

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Relationships between adult entertainers can be problematic but so far we got this under control and don’t anticipate that changing. So thank you Stacy Bridges, Chi Chi LaRue, anyone who had anything to do with selecting us, and of course the fans who have been incredibly supportive of our careers and our love.

Dillon Diaz and Jake Waters Win Grabby Awards Wall of Fame

Photo Courtesy of Dillon Diaz

With diversity and representation being paramount to me, some of the other noteworthy moments of the night were Rhyheim Shabazz winning the JUSTFOR.FANS Fan Favorite Award, Steve Ponce being added to the Wall of Fame for his many contributions, Tony Genius for his amazing job co-hosting with Chi Chi LaRue, Honey West, Drew Valentino, and Beau Butler. Tony brought so much style and energy to the night and I’m so proud of him. Lastly the rousing speech on Monkeypox prevention from the presenter of the Steamworks Fan Favorite Movie. Please forgive me for not being able to remember his name but he inspired us to be vigilant and vocal on behalf of our community and his message was heard.

I really want to take one more opportunity to say thank you to the Grabby’s. As a person of color, I often feel overlooked, undervalued, and disregarded. To be perfectly honest, it makes me angry and as I get older it’s harder and harder for me to hide that anger. Therefore, when I do receive acknowledgment or praise, it means a lot to me. More than words can express but I will try my best to express my deep gratitude. Thank you for not overlooking me or my husband and taking this opportunity to celebrate the love that we have found in each other and have been happy to share with anyone who cares to see it.

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So many of my colleagues and friends who are also people of color have spent years working in this industry and have never been nominated or awarded for any of their work. I hear from them every time I am acknowledged and it reminds me that I am one of the lucky ones.

Regardless of whether I win or lose, I am acknowledged and that meant a lot. So thank you again to everyone who has followed my work, commented on it, voted for me, or even just hit like on my posts. I notice and I am grateful.