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The White Party Does it Again
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By Zac Hall
It was a big time cultural mix, something of a surprise. I hadn't expected to see elderly straight
Jewish couples or a big band rocker accompanied by a Baywatch babe. The party was held at
Vizcaya, a paradise palace on the water that found me wandering through garden paths where
there were statuesque bodies situated like works of art.
On the waterfront were yachts where a wedding party was in progress. The bride and groom were both wearing white, fitting into the larger celebration. I watched in awe as a butt-naked female pranced about brandishing what appeared to be a horse's tail. She was an anomaly, however, as the majority of her fellow guests wore at least a smidgen of white—from tuxes and tails to sequined gowns. And, of course, there were shirtless muscled men in white briefs and a brigade of gender shock troops, high heeled and buffed, tipping about the premises. The evening began at the main gate where a stellar welcoming committee directed us toward a night filled with glitz, glamour, fun and festivities. As I walked toward the mansion itself I was awed by its inviting beauty.
“Why aren't you wearing white?” I asked. “This party needs some color,” he replied, “My socks are white.” Sure enough they were. He seemed slightly overwhelmed and I sensed he felt a bit out of place. “So how did you get in?” “I hopped the fence,” he smiled. “Do you hop fences regularly?” “Only when I feel the need to see how the other half lives.” He offered me a dip of tobacco. “It's Copenhagan,” he beamed. “Do you chew that stuff?”
“Nope, just let it sit inside your lip. After that, you spit. ”
“Do you spit?” “Does a bear?…I'm a country boy.” “Oh my,” I said, “Boys are too young. I like men.” Luckily, the famed photographer David Morgan, escorted by his niece, approached. I threw myself into his path, hoping he'd respond appropriately and rescue me from this handsome fence-hopping red neck. “How did your book signing go?” I asked, recalling how his latest collection of photos, Beach, had been favorably reviewed in GayToday. “Great,” he replied. “Will you be doing any photo shoots while you're here?” “I'm waiting to hear something from k.d. lang. She's performing in Miami.”
We walked a few steps farther where I stopped at one of the many bars
to cash in my drink tickets purchased from Care Resource, the Miami-
based AIDS agency which was merging with Ft. Lauderdale's
Center One to create the largest HIV/AIDS organization in the
Southeastern United States.
Care Resource is Miami-Dade County's primary HIV/AIDS Organization. It represents the merger of two former agencies, which came together in 1998. Care Resource has a track record of many years of service to Dade County's HIV community. Dating back to the earliest days of the epidemic, it has served tens of thousands of clients, offering primary medical care, research, professional training, education, targeted community outreach and prevention programs, adherence counseling, psychological counseling, substance abuse counseling, care (case) management, transportation and other supportive services. Founded in 1984, Center One is Broward County's oldest and largest community-based AIDS service and education organization. Center One provides services to over 3,500 Broward County residents annually. T.L. Brown, Chairman of the Board of Care Resource explained, “This is a unique and important core of unity between the two agencies.” No specific plans have yet been made regarding a name or organization structure for the consolidation. There are also no current plans to eliminate or reduce services. “On the contrary, our hope will be to expand services especially in Broward County, explained Rick Siclari, who has long advocated the idea. “We are all looking forward to joining with our Broward colleagues…and we will remain committed and attentive to our first and most important priority, our clients.” I thought about these matters as I sipped on Barcardi Silk. Words can't describe how this social gathering of the year was affecting me. I listened intently to the voice of the talented Kim English which signaled the beginning of the end of the White Party.
Two lines wrapped around the building, but they moved rapidly as my anticipation grew. Ah! I got frisked. Always love this part. Security was outstanding. As I walked through black curtains—I noted the huge spiral staircase to the right. Adorning the walls were physique photos by David Morgan. The night became a whirl of unforgettable music, lighting, and dance. Did I meet Mr. Right? No. I'd already found him. He'd been waiting for me--asleep in my hotel room, dreaming of me, I hope. On the flight back home I couldn't help but thinking of the warm and caring faces I'd met. There was Flavia Llizo who'd arranged through Care Resource for me to attend. Courtney, at the Eden Rock hotel went out of her way to make my visit a lasting memory. There were other weekend events I missed but that I hope to attend next year. The three morning parties come to mind. I had managed to make it to a Saturday night affair presented by Johnny Chisholm and Oz, ICON, attracting more revelers than had the White Party itself. I realized, strangely, that I was feeling truly thankful at Thanksgiving. I hadn't had to wait for Santa to experience this holiday mood, a happy-go-lucky feeling that rekindled childhood's dreams. |
Author Zac Hall 
© 1997-2000 BEI