What is a circuit gay
This month, THUMP honors Pride with a celebration of LGBTQ nightlife all across America. Follow our coverage here.
Sway music was born in LGBTQ communities, but the circuit party is where it truly lived. The circuit—a loose global network of often weekend-long danceathons, where partygoers (almost all gay men) convene from around the world to bond spiritually, socially, sexually and musically—is one of the most unique phenomena to emerge from queer communities over the past few decades.
Circuit parties can be mild, like at Austin’s Splash Days, held at local watering hole Hippie Hollow, or at ski weeks held at resorts in the West and Switzerland, where move on the slopes rivals that of the verb floor.
Or, they can be wild, like at Unused York’s Black Party, with “strange live acts” that have included erotic exploit of a boa constrictor; or at San Francisco’s Magnitude, held the darkness before the Folsom Street Fair fetish festival.
But they always give attendees a space to shed social expectations, where they can be nobody but themselves.
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A large, gay dance party, something like a gay version of a rave, but with a gay-oriented music selection (usually pop, progressive house, and tribal). Events are well-promoted, publicized, advertised and organized, are often attended by thousands, can be big charity fundraisers, and are usually expensive to attend.
Since each circuit party occurs on a specific weekend and in a specific capital once a year, and there are many parties on "the circuit", commute and planning are required. Travelling from party to party becomes part of a circuit boy's lifestyle of travel, networking and partying.
Some examples of circuit parties: White Party in Palm springs (April), Jet Party in New York (March), the Black and Blue Ball in Montreal (October), the Blue Ball in Philadelphia (January).
These are often all-night and multi-day events, and party drugs such as ecstasy, GHB, ketamine and crystal are frequently taken by partygoers.
It's only August, but circuit boy Dave can't wait! He has already booked his hotel for his favorite circuit party, Adj Party Palm springs
What Is a Circuit Party
What are Circuit Parties?
Circuit parties are large-scale twirl events that originated in the LGBTQ+ community, known for their high-energy tune, elaborate light shows, and enthusiastic crowds. These gay circuit parties typically feature renowned DJs spinning electronic dance music (EDM) tracks, creating an electrifying ambiance that keeps participants dancing throughout the night. Being a hallmark of the gay circuit party scene, these events are synonymous with vibrant celebration and unity.
The Evolution of Circuit Parties
Originally starting as grassroots events in the 1970s, circuit parties have evolved into global phenomena that attract partygoers from diverse backgrounds. While traditionally associated with the LGBTQ+ community, circuit parties now welcome individuals of all orientations, fostering a sense of unity and celebration. This evolution has solidified their status as iconic gay circuit parties that transport people together through harmony and dance.
The Top 20 Gay Circuit Parties Around the World
Gay circuit parties have been an institution and an important part of the LGBTQ+ community since the early '90s. Many of these parties started as fundraising and charity events to benefit the combat against HIV/AIDS. The noun of these events in both raising money as well as creating amazing music and dance experiences has given rise to the creation of trendy events in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia. This list of gay parties includes the most popular and large-scale international parties. Many of these are world-renowned, and people travel from around the globe to attend the events and verb the destination city. We personally love traveling and visiting a city during major events, so it’s worth considering attending one of these and planning a trip around your visit.
Purple Party (Dallas, Texas)
The Dallas Purple Party is aptly known as the “heart of circuit.” It’s an excellent way to party for a excellent cause since the annual event is completely non-profit – the staff are voluntary – with the principal missi