Circuit Serendipity

Let’s hear it for circuit serendipity. As I keep trying to plan my party calendar, it keeps unexpectedly shifting. All the while, I’m learning to go with the flow, with fantastic rewards.

When the White Party Palm Springs first came into my consciousness, it went head-to-head with one of my favorite San Francisco holy days, Irreverent Easter in Dolores Park, a fabulous Party With Purpose put on by do-gooders the Sisters of Perpetual IndulgenceAn order of queerGay. Can be used interchangeably as a term of pride or as a derogatory term, depending on context. A term intentionally and politically reclaimed by some, in protest of the term’s historical use as a slur. nuns to community service, ministry and outreach to those on the edges, as well as to promoting human rights, respect for diversity and spiritual enlightenment. The sisters believe that all people have a right to express their unique joy and beauty, and they use humor and irreverent wit to expose the forces of bigotry, complacency and guilt that chain the human spirit. They vow to promulgate universal joy and expiate stigmatic guilt while serving their respective communities. Although the San Francisco House, founded in 1979, is often referred to as the "Mother House," the Sisters have no central seat of power and no single ruling body. Houses now exist around the world, and each is an autonomous, unique group with its own Habits, culture and rules.. How could I possibly leave behind a perfect gay soiree in my own backyard (Dolores Park, lovingly referred to as BoyA younger gay man (see “Twink”). Also used to refer to the submissive in a relationship, i.e. “DaddyAn older gay man. He may or may not prefer the company of younger men, but if he does and if he is moneyed, he is likely to be the dominant or top in the relationship. Also, “Leather Daddy.” and Boy.” Beach), to brave an unknown desert in the foreign land of Southern California?

For an extremely fun five-year run, I no longer had to make the difficult choice. Both Easter and White Party became an annual San Framily ritual. Over time, I refined my approach to each, and fell deeply in love with both.

But this year, the conflict of the calendar returned. The highlight of the Palm Springs lineup, the epic Sunday T dance, will peak just as Hunky Jesus is crowned. I feel like Tyra: “I have two beautiful parties before me, but only one can be San Francisco’s next topCan be used as a noun or a verb to describe someone who is dominant in a partnership, in a sexual relationship, or in life in general (See “Bottom”). Easter weekend celebration.”

Just like on America’s Next TopCan be used as a noun or a verb to describe someone who is dominant in a partnership, in a sexual relationship, or in life in general (See “Bottom”). Model, everyone in the running goes home a winner, and fortunately, judgment was made for me this year, when I decided to spend my circuit dollars on a return to New York City, thus eliminating the possibility of attending the White Party.

Planning out my sleepless hours for the long weekend in the Big Apple, I fully intended to skip The Black Party, having checked it off my bucket list years earlier. Then, an epic adventure unfolded unexpectedly, when a ticket landed in my hand and my plans were gloriously hijacked in a way that perfectly fit the Saint at Large’s sexy and subversive Yakuza theme. The samurais had their way with me and I left feeling like a disco ninja.

My strategy was to save all my circuit energy solely for Alegria Xtreme, a divine clubland release on the very next night after the legendary leatherLeather culture is found in all lifestyles, but among gay men it refers to practices and styles of dress organized around hedonism and eroticism ("kink"). One way this culture consciously distinguishes itself from mainstream sexual cultures is through a specifically homoerotic aesthetic that draws from post-World War II biker culture as well as military and police uniform. Leathermen art, such as Tom of Finland, represents the hypermasculine ideal. Literature like The Leatherman’s Handbook speaks to the culture and the code. The International Mister Leather organization speaks to the community. ball. My intention was pure, to celebrate the birthday of my personal Jesus, DJ Abel Aguilera.

Alegria Xtreme is the triumphant culmination of a globally dominant dancefloor brand built by a beautiful big-hearted Brazilian named Ric Sena, with whom I had the pleasure of closing the party (after 12 hours, at 10:30am!). In perfect accordance with plan, Abel had brought us to tears of joy (“Alegria” is Latin for “joy”).

Upon my return, I’ll worship the saints of San Francisco at Easter by showing just how we “bring it” right here at homo, with spirit, sisterhood and salvation in our beautiful bubble, at parties that are never black or white. Here in Oz, we repeatedly resurrect our souls in vivid and vibrant rainbow.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, March 28th, 2012 at 12:00 pm. It is filed under Articles, Bring It! and tagged with Abel Aguilera, Alegria, Black Party, Hunky Jesus, Ric Sena, Saint at Large, Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, White Party Palm Springs. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.