Well, the White Party kicks off next week in Las Vegas.
To gay men, it's comparable to the super bowl for straight guys.
From October 10th thru 13th - the exotic desert oasis will be inundated with a truckload or two of biceps and studly bods hailing from all corners of the civilized planet - Miami, Paris, New York, and Los Angeles.
Uh-huh!
DJ Brett Henrichsen will rev up the dance floor at Friday's "BEACH BALL" event which will feature the hottest models in AUSSIEBUM swimwear.Saturday's WHITE PARTY (DJ ABEL spinning) will take off at the trendy-setting HOUSE OF BLUES where a state-of-the-art concert sound and sizzling light show is sure to dazzle.
At press time - special appearances by LADY GAGA and Sagiv and Max (Cher Returns) - were firmed up.
While a number of the bodacious boys will kow-tow to tradition and dress to the nines in all-manner of chic outerwear in pristine shades of white (with a strong display of tats and raw flesh) - a rebellious handful may go for the gusto in sultry black to thumb their noses at the crowd.Upstarts!
The POOL PARTY at Mandalay Bay on Sunday promises to be the biggest splash of the year, though, with DJ Morningstar stirring up the senses.
But, the party-hearty, will still be dancing away the 'til the wee hours at Sunday Night's Studio 54 Bash, in a backdrop that will feature wall-walkers, sensual videos, live dancers, and a spectacular light and sound show.
A pride of beauteous boys will no doubt be schmoozing, sashaying, strutting - and likewise - stroking away the night with caution thrown to the cool night breezes fluttering in off the desert.
When I asked a couple of pals if they planned to zip down to the desert hot spot this week, they shrugged.
"We're not into circuit parties."
Yes - the annual event is known to be part of the "circuit" - a high-profile boy-toy weekend out with a naughty reputation, to boot.
The phenomenon first sprang from early tea dances (wild rainbow-themed parties) tossed on Fire Island in the heady days of gay liberation a couple of decades ago.
The circuit soirees came on the heels of underground rave parties, and were run by savvy multi-sexual trend-setters, who publicized and professionally produced 'em with a lot pizzazz.
As a result, the must-attend parties attracted a scintillating social mix.
Show-biz music headliners were also booked to lure in the trendy jet-set.
While the parties are open to anyone these days, the circuit events are generally perceived as social hubs for the active gay man.
A big attraction?
The highly-touted offerings are typically lavish, prestigious affairs - with elaborate lighting, music, and decor with widespread appeal to the A-list man - held in venues that can accommodate their all-encompassing circle of friends.
But, the events are costly.
Even the most far-reaching party-goers don't attend all the events; after all, there are too many calendared across a wide expanse to afford a catch-all for most.
If a die-hard circuit officionado manages to pull off the stunt, then he's truly a golden circuit boy, by any stretch of the imagination.
Circuit parties are known to attract a broad demographic - from shy young dudes just out - to totally liberated gays in their mid-twenties and up active in the rainbow hub.
Expect to spy a handful of well-tooled silver-haired "daddies" in their 50s, too.
Couples in long-term relationships are still inclined to savor the events also.
In essence, the parties are a tribal cultural event.
Some say, circuit parties are analogous to a ritual holiday for the gay/lesbian/transgender community and a "celebration" of gay life, liberated sexuality, and freedom of expression.
In sum, the white party experience is a war cry that calls attention to the power, strength, and unity of the gay community.
Critics allege that circuit parties are a breeding ground for illicit drug abuse, though.Throngs of young vibrant men, bent on partying all night - and enhancing each glorious sensual moment - are known to use the addictive booster "Tina" (known as meth and crystal).
For this reason, there has been a concerted effort by responsible members of the community to curb an outbreak of addiction, which has proven to be costly for many participants.
Some have lost their jobs, lovers, vibrant health, self-esteem - and a capacity to thirst for precious life - due to chronic addiction.
Many outreach programs have raised concerns about the underpinnings of circuit parties; particularly, with regard to the misuse of drugs (including alcohol, marijuana, methamphetamine, and ecstasy.
The warnings about potential overdose, dehydration, and impaired judgment (leading to unsafe sex and transmission of sexually transmitted diseases) have been underscored, but often fall on deaf ears.
In fact, circuit parties have been blamed for crystal addiction and the rampant transmission of a handful of virulent sexually-transmitted diseases - such as HIV and Hepatitis - among gay men within the borders of North America.
Notwithstanding, the circuit parties have been bad-mouthed on the grounds that they are superficial, too.
The whole emphasis, for example, appears to be on looks, sexual appeal, and being with the "in" crowd.
If you feel embarrassed about taking your shirt off, then you may feel uncomfortable at the Las Vegas weekend blast.
After all, guys around the country have been working out for months to sculpt the perfect body to show off at the extravaganza next weekend.
When these dudes toss off their "T's", to reveal perfect pecs and rippling abs, heads will swoon.
An adrenalin rush for everyone, no doubt.
But, the cries of hedonism are not unfounded.
Just flip through any major gay lifestyle magazine. Half the ads are for plastic surgery, nose jobs, and teeth whitening. The other fifty percent are blurbs for lawyers who specialize in DUI's and lewd conduct in public places.
Does this reflect the underbelly of the gay culture, warts and all?
No matter, just because a handful of revelers are inclined to overindulge, doesn't mean you can't get away for a zesty day or two of fun in the desert with your "brothers and sisters".
The VIP high-profile events have been orchestrated by pro party person - affable Jeffrey Sanker - the undisputed "King of White".
A few years ago, as I was munching on a salad at the front counter at the ever-popular French Marketplace, Sanker and I engaged in idle chit-chat.
Of course, I didn't have a clue who the young hottie was.
In the course of the conversation, I guess I dropped a bombshell, when I innocently batted my eyelashes and quipped.
"And, what do you do?"
"I throw parties," he responded without hesitation.
Later, I learned that was quite an understatement, if ever there was one.
But, you don't have to attend all the scintillating events, or haul your a** into the dark starry night 24/7.
Or fall prey to peer pressure, either.
Just drop down on the sidelines at the pool party, sip on an exotic cocktail or two, and quietly take in a few rays.
Or, top off a day of sight-seeing with an energy-boosting appearance at one of the party extravaganzas later in the evening, before heading home.
Say "no" to Tina, though!
