Time To Pump it Up

 
Many loathe the lack of options in New York’s gay scene, but partners Amery Moultry, 32, and Roberto Buckley, 28, decided to do something about it by starting their own party, La Manta Raya, at the Room Mate Grace Hotel, last year. The pool party proved to be a huge hit, with lines down the block and a sexy urban mix in the water. So the duo decided it was time for an upgrade and Testosterone was born. We chatted with the boys about the new party, its Union Square venue and how they plan to bring the party of Ibiza to the streets of New York.
 
What is Testosterone?
Roberto Buckley: Testosterone is a fun and liberating party for guys that love house music.
Amery Moultry: This is a party where the focus is on moving your body to the electrifying beats. [It’s] New York Gay Pride meets Ibiza.
 
Tell us about the venue, Union Square Ballroom?
AM: This a 2,500-square-foot underground dance oasis with clean, modern aesthetics and state-of-the-art sound and light technology.
RB: Our priority was for the venue to have a quality sound system and this place provides that!
 
What can people expect from Testosterone?
RB: Great music, shirtless men, stunning light and
projection displays and pretty reasonably priced drinks.
 
What crowd does Testosterone hope to attract?
RB: Party boys that appreciate electronic music. The guys that tend to go to Alegria or Pacha. Those guys travel around the world trying different party destinations and enjoy meeting people from all over. [They] enjoy exercising and looking good.
 
Will we ever see La Manta Raya again?
AM: Yes, LMR will return once the weather warms up. Look for the return in late spring 2010.
 
Awesome! Why do you think La Manta Raya has been so popular?
RB: Because it was an indoor pool party in the heart of Manhattan. There was nothing like it at the moment and people definitely enjoyed the eye candy and
splashing in the pool while having a drink.
 
How would you describe the current state of gay nightlife in New York?
AM: It’s Top 40 hits and very commercialized music that lacks the excitement that New York parties used to have. I remember when clubs were packed with gorgeous people, the best music and the most welcoming energy. We want to bring that back. Nowadays all clubs look the same, with the same gay DJs, the same go-go dancers and the same drag queens.
 
So how do you bring that atmosphere back?
RB: When foreigners visit [New York] they feel the European style is better. Europeans have more diversity when it comes to parties. [Parties] need the “celebration feeling,” a place where you go and celebrate [that] it’s Friday with your friends, good music, drinks and energy.
 
And Testosterone will provide that?
RB: Yes, this party will give New Yorkers the best foreign and local house music. This party will welcome anyone who is willing to have a good time and dance. Even though this party is a gay party, it will try to change the gay style [New Yorkers] have been used to. It’s a place where men who like men can feel like man.    N
 
Get manly at Testosterone the last Friday of the month starting January 29 at Union Square Ballroom (27 Union Square W, 212-645-1802). Email TestosteroneParty@gmail.com for more info.