Exposing the Stars

The Scene: X film star Amber Lynn’s 28th birthday party to benefit the Youth AIDS Foundation, an organization that provides social services, case management, buddy programs and support groups for HIV-positive teens and young adults.

The event, held Wednesday at the Bel Age hotel in West Hollywood, marked the first AIDS fund-raiser mounted by the adult-entertainment industry.

Asked why the sex film industry was getting involved in a charity that works with young people, Lynn said, “All of us could take a moment and look within ourselves and reach out and do anything that we can regardless of who we are or what our occupation is. . . . Not only can we raise awareness, we could make people responsible.”

The Fashion: Form-fitting sequins and lame a la Las Vegas, wrapped around plenty of exposed flesh. Lots of peroxide.

The Chow: A buffet that was impressive not only for its variety and quality but also for how it sensibly proceeded up the food chain--starting with fruit and salad, then the cheeses, fish, poultry before ending up at the carved meats.

Who Was There: Lynn, Hypatia Lee, Victoria Paris, Jamie Summers and a host of other past and present celebrities known to those who have journeyed beyond the Action/Adventure section of their local video stores.

There were plenty of skin trade business types, the paparazzi and pornparazzi, AIDS activists and dozens of looky-loos. Publisher and one-time presidential candidate Larry Flynt also put in a brief appearance.

Who Wasn’t There: Many bona fide PG-13-and-under Hollywood celebrities.

The Big Issue: Safe sex in X-rated films. Everyone mentioned the need to see more condoms used in porno movies. “It’s something that’s been neglected for a long time,” said X-film star Jamie Summers.

Quoted: Robert H. Levy, founder and director of Youth AIDS Foundation, told the crowd, “I’ve been HIV-positive since I was 16. I’m 24 now and still healthy.”

“I have everything I need in life,” said Lynn, decked out in a black fishnet suit. “I don’t need a party and presents, but if we can do something for somebody who’s in need, then let’s do it.”

Money Matters: About 400 people paid $75 each. Also, some donations were collected.