Furballs Get Wet

Drenched offers New York's bear community a moist new way to party
 
Real men like to dance—well, at least that’s the belief of Joe Fiore. As one of the head promoters behind The LGBT Center’s Dance: 208 series and a longtime supporter of both the classic house music scene and the bear community, Fiore has been able to combine his love for the community with the urge to bust a move on the dance floor. So with the recent popularity in gay pool parties, Fiore was dismayed that there seemed to be no place where regular gay guys felt comfortable getting wet. That’s why he joined forces with Metrobears New York and created Drenched, his new bear pool party at the gay-friendly Room Mate Grace Hotel. We sat down with Fiore to see why he wants everyone to jump in.
 
What is Drenched?
There are no pool parties in New York catering to men—[only] twinks! [Drenched] is a men’s pool party in a comfortable, attractive space. Plus, I like good music and this is a chance to mix good music and water. Bring your lifejacket!


What is the relationship between Drenched and Metrobears?
I’m a member and we often help each other out with our parties.


But is it a bear party?
Anyone is welcome. It’s a guy’s party and bears are guys.


So what makes something a bear party?
“Bear” is a really broad label these days and so are bear parties. Some people consider the downstairs of Vandam to be positively bearish.


Why a pool party?
What guy doesn’t like to play in water? There are no “pool parties” for men! Putting on swimming trunks definitely levels the playing field. It’s sexy as all hell to see some of the guys you like in their bathing suits! We’ll have wet go-go men and a steam room as well as swimming pool. Bears love their bear soup!


Is this party what you feel New York gay nightlife is missing?
Sometimes I think fun has left the scene in New York, and we’re too cool for school. We need more low attitude, dance spaces with great dance music. Many DJs are leaving New York because there are no venues for them to play at. The rest of the world is light years ahead of us in dance music and the club scene. What we accept here for a dance scene wouldn’t fill a Starbucks in London. The rest of world appreciates our amazing club history—Paradise Garage, Twilo, The Saint and Body & Soul—much more than we do.
 
Who will be DJ-ing?
We’re starting off with Man Parrish. He’s an underrated DJ and a lot of sleazy fun to dance and groove to.


What misconception are there about the bear community?
That we’re all fat and hairy. There are fashion bears, East Village bears, rock bears, bears who love Project Runway, bear admirers who can look like anybody. I think in the past few years, the bear community has become more inclusive.


But you hate twinks?
Some bears love twinks! Just because you’re a bear doesn’t mean you’re only attracted to other bears. What do you want me to say? Bears eat twinks for a snack?    N
 
Get Drenched every month starting December 4 at the Room Mate Grace Hotel (125 W 45th St, 212-380-2700). Visit MetroBears.org for more info.