We've Gotta Fight... for our Right... to Party

Last weekend, I attended part of the annual Winter Party Festival in Miami Beach. The event has been a mainstay on the “circuit” for many years, but since the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force assumed responsibility for its production three years ago, it has been transformed from simply a beach party into a multi-day extravaganza featuring myriad events appealing to every sector of our diverse lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

For those unfamiliar with the party lexicon, the “circuit” is basically a series of worldwide events that are big ole gay parties where mainly shirtless men dance into the wee hours of the morning. Circuit parties have a mixed reputation in our community, and some point to incidents of drug abuse and unsafe sexual behavior as reasons to call for their demise.

I would be lying if I said those things didn’t happen at these parties, but in my mind it is no different from the same thing occurring at gay bars, concerts and other entertainment venues. Responsible party producers take every precaution to minimize such incidents and to monitor partygoers’ actions. The Task Force works with the South Beach AIDS Project to provide safer-sex materials and with MedEvent to have medical professionals monitoring the parties.

The Task Force has transformed Winter Party into a festival of events for a cross-section of our community. There are sporting events, a family picnic and events for young people, women, people of faith and the trans community in addition to the traditional bar, pool and beach parties.

I know you’re probably thinking by now, “Why is the Task Force, the nation’s first queer civil rights organization, putting on a circuit party?” Because at its core, the Winter Party Festival is a celebration of our lives as queer people, of the integrity we have over our own bodies and our right to love.

“Sex is central to the Winter Party.” That was the first line on posters at the different events promoting safer-sex behavior. And it couldn’t be more true. This statement reflects the values of sexual liberation so often missing from movement work. In this small way, we strike back at those who would shame us about our sexual proclivities... without apology. Let’s face it, the sex we have is different from the sex our hetero friends have. The party celebrates and gives us an opportunity to embrace our sexual lives.

To see thousands of my homo, bi and trans people of every color, shape and age dance to the same beat in celebration of our distinctly queer identities is a transformative experience. For a few brief hours we are transported to a place where the daily fears that take up space in the back of our minds are muted. We dance in a temporary world where we don’t worry about our safety, where we don’t fear getting beaten up because we are affectionate with someone of the same sex. We experience a state of euphoria that so many straight people take for granted. We celebrate our difference in an atmosphere of love, sex and music.

I was on the board of directors of the Task Force when we assumed responsibility for Winter Party. Each Winter Party I attend confirms that we made the right decision. We create this incredible space for people to be who they are and at the same time support the work of the Task Force and scores of South Florida LGBT organizations. Two-thirds of the event proceeds benefit the LGBT community of South Florida.

I’m already looking forward to next year’s event. I close my eyes and hear the beat of the music as it washes over me and thousands of other members of my queer family. I think Kim English said it best as she belted out these lyrics at last year’s Beach Party: “Joy, unspeakable joy, and they cannot take it away.”

See you on the dance floor!

Want to share your thoughts about Russell Roybal’s blog entry?

Send your comments to OutSpoken@theTaskForce.org.

Please let us know how your name should appear and, optionally, your city and state. Comments may be posted on our Web site and used in other Task Force materials.