Kelly Shibari is named “Person of the Year” by The Sexposé. The confidence advocate’s work, and recent news naming her as the first plus size model in Penthouse Magazine, are recognized by the independent sexuality media outlet, in their inaugural celebration on influencers.

“For nearly 10 years, Kelly Shibari has been known for being one of the most incredible adult entertainers this industry has ever seen,” says Founder and General Manager of The Sexposé, Chris Hall. “Her appearance in the 2016 issue of Penthouse is not only a crowning achievement of her hard work, but a watershed moment for all plus size entertainers, whom are becoming accepted more than ever in the mainstream pornographic world. The Sexposé wishes to recognize Kelly as a wonderful ambassador of plus size entertainers, and the adult industry at large. Her work and advocacy which has culminated to her historic appearance in Penthouse, and the doors it will open to plus size adult models everywhere, is the reason why we named her one of our inaugural Persons of the Year.”

Founded by Chris Hall in January 2015, The Sexposé (http://thesexpose.com/) is a groundbreaking online magazine, blog, and web channel dedicated to covering and exploring the adult entertainment industry and human sexuality as an independent voice. With thoughtful articles, engaging content, and creative web shows, The Sexposé aims to be most desired and most admired destination for independent adult entertainment fans and professionals alike.

“I’m so incredibly humbled to receive this recognition, and what a wonderful one to wake up to!” says Kelly. “There is still so much more to do in the field of confidence advocacy, especially for people of size – and to receive acknowledgments like this certainly prompts me to keep going, both on and off camera. Increased positive visual examples of people of size have shown to increase confidence for plus size men and women everywhere, and I’m proud to be part of that movement. Thank you, The Sexposé; you’ve definitely put the proverbial cherry on the top of an amazing year!”

To view The Sexpose’s Persons of the Year 2015, visit http://thesexpose.com/daily/2015-persons-of-the-year/.

In a gorgeous multi-page pictorial for Penthouse Magazine’s Pop Shots project, the circus-themed images were shot by world renowned photographer Tommy O and art directed by pop culture icon Jim Rose. Shibari initially made history in June 2014, as the first plus size model ever to appear in a mainstream gentlemen’s magazine, when she was featured on the cover of Penthouse offshoot Penthouse Forum. Both issues have been met with resounding positive attention from both adult and global mainstream media. The January 2016 issue hit stands nationwide December 22; signed copies are available at http://kellyshibarixxx.com/penthouse-jan-2016-issue-limited-edition/.

For more information, fans may follow the highly accessible Kelly’s social media accounts on Twitter and Facebook.