When I was living in West Hollywood, parties were a major form of socializing. We held them, or were invited to them, at least once a week, sometimes twice. Around major holidays like Christmas and Gay Pride, you might be invited to two or three every weekend.
Parties came in different types, with different expectations about what would happen and how they would end.
1. The New Boyfriend. To introduce a new boyfriend to the group and get their approval, typically on the third or fourth date. At the end of the evening, one of the guests would be invited to "share" (go into the bedroom for a threesome).
2. Coming Out. For introducing a new friend to the group, either someone who was newly out or someone who had just escaped to West Hollywood from a homophobic small town. He had to tell his coming out story. At the end of the evening, some of the guests would take him "cruising" (looking for dates at the bars).
3. Moving. You're moving in with a new boyfriend. Your roommate moved out, so you can no longer afford the rent. You want to move closer to your job. You want to move closer to the heart of West Hollywood, Santa Monica and La Cienega. You didn't have a lot of stuff in West Hollywood, so grab a few friends, rent a U-Haul, and you're done in a couple of hours, followed by a shower and pizza.
4. Christmas. Rather a depressing holiday, full of hetero family nonsense. Gay men have often been rejected by their families, or their families are a thousand miles away. We overcame the depression by hosting nonstop parties where you made fun of Christmas classics, sang double-entendre-laden songs, and unwrapped x-rated presents.
5. Dinner. A West Hollywood staple, a chance for you to show off your culinary skills. Followed by discussions of gigantic penises, dates from hell, and celebrity hookups, and entertainment (a nude dancer) or games involving nudity. At the end of the evening, some guys would be invited to "share" the roommates, and others would go out cruising.
More after the break.
