Circuit parties were first developed in connection with the early tea dances attended by a subset of gay men, and infamous parties held on Fire Island, New York before the HIV/AIDS health crisis hit the headlines. Circuit parties are professionally produced and publicised, catering to a wide age range and attracting partygoers from further afield making them some of the best parties the globe has to offer. The White Party in Palm Springs (USA), the Black and Blue Party in Montreal (Canada) and the Winter Party in Miami (USA) attracts crowds up to tens of thousands – with the White Party held in Miami being not only the longest running but also considered the best of all circuit parties.

But we mustn’t forget that many of these parties are successfully run with the full intention of keeping things not just fun and care-free, but also safe and responsible with many giving a certain percentage of the takings towards gay charities and using the events as platforms to raise awareness for AIDS concern and other reputable charities relevant to the community.

Circuit parties attract controversy and create obscured perceptions of the entire gay community from outsiders. Even within the gay community some groups believe that these parties give everyone the wrong impression of what gay lifestyles are like due to the amount of promiscuous sex and drug use that many people believe go on at these parties. For me, I love all types of parties as long as there’s good music and great company, circuit parties can be a celebration of freedom and freedom of expression as long as there is a modicum of responsibility involved in regards of playing SAFE!

In Hong Kong there are a few gay party organisers that have built up a loyal following of revellers including Cocktails whose successful parties can run for 2 consecutive days for those with the stamina! A new party organiser to the Hong Kong scene is Hot Boyz Party (HBP) brought to us by founder Francisco Montes and has produced parties internationally including China, Bangkok, London and Sydney and Fort Lauderdale (USA). Determined to leave a lasting and supportive impression in Hong Kong, Francisco kindly answered a few of our questions:

DS: What is the secret of the success of Hot Boyz Parties?

Francisco: There is no secret, I started HBP because I was bored of going to the same place all the time with the same music etc. In creating this party I considered what I would want as a guest to a party and it was simple, when I go out I want good music, fun, surprises, a laugh, a drink or two (or more), see some hot guys and sharing this with good friends and/or a boyfriend. I don’t want to go to a party that over-charges for the event so that it discriminates for those on lower incomes who also want to enjoy themselves, so that’s why I’ve kept the price for my party at a reasonable level (in Hong Kong, the ticket price is HK$160 which can admit 2 people if you before 11.30pm).

DS: What entertainment do you provide at your parties?

Francsisco: I like to enhance my parties with great visuals including lighting effects, Go-Go dancers, and of course some great music. Additionally I like the guests to know that I and my team are approachable and open for requests even as specific as doing something a little special on the night for a good friend or loved one (for their birthday, to declare your undying devotion to them etc!).

DS: What other goals are you hoping to achieve in Hong Kong?

Francisco: I want to organise a Mega party for the Hong Kong Gay Pride, the idea is to involve all bar owners to set-up their own bar inside Western Market during the party. With a large event like this Hong Kong can attract overseas visitors and place Hong Kong on the map as a place with well-organised Mega (circuit) parties and who knows we could eventually build a first Asia Gay Pride uniting the GLBT communities throughout Asia.

For more information on the first Hot Boyz Party see DS News section