GAYLETTER

We often get asked at events “do you go out every night of the week?” The truth is, we don’t, but this Pride week, we have no choice, there’s too much on. You’ve probably already heard about our PRIDE BALL that we’ve been planning for the last 3 months. After that’s over we figured we should still do something on the official Pride day, which is why we’re hosting this popular “pansexual” party from Los Angeles. The creators have decided to bring it to NYC for this special week and of course we are so ready for a bi-coastal experience. The party is all about “fearless self expression and revelry.” As far as we’re concerned, the next few days is really a demonstration of how to survive Pride without collapsing — we are living in a post Britney/Lohan world. We are probably going to look like messes by Sunday, but who cares, as long as we make it there alive... Make us proud and come say hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii.  —Abi

As you may have noticed, this Pride is all about partying in nice hotels (see Friday). Who cares if you can’t afford the room, there’s still fun to be had in the lobby. The Ace Hotel has gone all out for Pride this year by creating a party titled ‘Everyone’ in 4 of their hotels. It’s the first time any of the Ace events have travelled “from city to city — an international roadshow in four cities: Los Angeles, London, New York and Palm Springs.” The hotel has teamed up with the adorable JD Samson to curate a party in each city, “All of my parties are Free, which means they are for ‘Everyone.’ Each party will be an amazing combination of humans and music that define exactly what Pride Month is about, being together and enjoying ‘Everyone.’” The NYC party is hosted by Melissa Burns, with music by DJs: W. Jeremy, Amber Valentine, Lauren Flax, Sveta, D’hana Perry, Roze Royce, and Alexis Blair Penny. I’m telling you, it’s for Everyone!  —Abi

Last year we held our first pride celebration at the Wythe Hotel in Brooklyn. It was so much fun, and filled with so many cute people, that we when we were asked to do it again we had to say yes! This time we figured let’s be a little bolder, make it a little bigger, so we’re throwing a Ball, as in strike a pose, shantay you stay. We’ve called in the cavalry and put together a line up we’re really proud of (honestly, the decorations alone are worth the cost of entry.) Leo Gugu and Frankie Sharp are helping us host, and Juliana Huxtable, Amber Martin, Casey Spooner, Abi Benitez and Tom Jackson (that’s me, how bout that!) are DJing. There’s also performances by The House of Mugler, House of LaBeija, Tyra A. Ross and Nicki Ninja. Downstairs in the hotel’s screening room is an installation on Ballroom history and culture curated by Lee Soulja and moderated by Michael Roberson. From 7-8PM drinks are FREE, FREE, FREE, thanks to Milagro Tequila. Throw on your dancing shoes and be prepared for plenty of pageantry, prancing and pride. This only happens once a year, we’re not holding anything back!  —tom

Let’s be honest, there’s nowhere else you should be on Wednesday night during Pride week than at The Cock. WestGay's Frankie Sharp is renaming it 'The Cunt' this week as he brings back his “filthy messy WestGay workshop” for one night only. The Cock/Cunt is a real classic and we should all be thankful that the health department is clearly run by gay sluts because that place violates every rule in the book. That’s not a complaint — I wish all gay bars could be such messy fun. This Wednesday music will be provided by DJs Dicap (Anthony DiCapua), Frankie Sharp and Martin Luther Queen (Timmy Dowling). Hosted by Sam Banks, Nashom and Thomas Haskett will be "slinging cock & tail" for the night. There’s going to be $3 shots and $3 beers and according to Frankie “A bunch of actual agreeable and awesome sluts.” Oh fuck you honey, it’s Gay Pride at The Cock!  —tom

Here we go again, SHADE is back and this time around it’s “pre-Pride-themed.” They also added to the title the word “SHAME” just in case you have any concerns, no one is judging — let out your messy self. The underground party series created by the uber Cunt Ladyfag and Seva Granik is coming back stronger, taking place at an abandoned factory in Bushwick with a celebration of “American gay club culture.” To make things even bigger and better they have decided to invite famous parties from around the U.S. to join them. The large group includes XTAPUSSY, GAG, Shock Value, Dizzyland, Bathsaltz, Misster, Club YES, Good Kids, Ova The Rainbow, Witches Of Bushwick, VFILES, Lady’s own 11:11 and more. “Beats to turn your pussy out” will be provided by Fatherhood, Jackie House & Josh Cheon, Harry & Jpeg and Ryan Smith. All sets for that night will be live recorded then you’ll be able to listen to them on RBMA Radio. Expect an “eclectic mix of New York nightlife personalities, and who’s-who of fashion, artists and die-hard music heads.” We are warned it’s gonna be the “shade-iest shade...” Ok, we’re ready!.  —Abi