All White Now

Just as Art Basel makes Miami an annual mecca for the who’s who of the creative and talented, there is White Party Week — the biggest, hottest gay fundraising bash of the year. Since 1985, hordes of gays and lesbians have flocked to the Magic City to meet, mingle, party, and, most important, raise money for Care Resource, South Florida’s oldest and largest HIV/AIDS service organization. After this crazy and turbulent year for equal rights within the gay community, White Party couldn’t come at a better time. This year’s schedule is chock full of events to provide amusement, eye candy, cool gift bags, and community love for anyone who is out and proud. Never before has checking out hot bodies and swapping phone numbers felt so spiritually fulfilling. Come together, kids — there are some sweet get-togethers to add to your itinerary.

The week kicked off Wednesday, November 26, but the action doesn’t kick into high gear until this Thursday at 10 p.m. at — where else? — Score. DJ Hector Fonseca will be spinning in the main room while DJ Pride keeps the party pumping in the Crème Lounge. Friday night the ladies will get their turn with Aphrodite: Goddess of Love, a fete at Nikki Beach (1 Ocean Dr., Miami Beach) that is bound to involve bikinis and body glitter galore. Later that night, Space (34 NE 11th St., Miami) will be the place for White Dreams, a 10 p.m.-to-8 a.m. balls-to-the-wall bash that’s typically the most, um, memorable night of the week. This Saturday the fun starts early at the Heatwave Pool Party from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Eden Roc Renaissance Beach Resort (4525 Collins Ave., Miami Beach), the primo spot to get an even tan and soak up the stares. But you’ll need to save your strength for the evening. The official 24th annual White Party begins at 6:30 p.m. under the stars at Vizcaya (3251 S. Miami Ave., Miami). Come dressed all in white for the themed event, fancifully titled “Gods and Goddesses of Mount Olympus.” Toga! Toga! Toga! The original Effie, Jennifer Holliday, will be sure to regale the dreamgirls and boys with an extra-OTT version of “And I Am Telling You (I’m Not Going),” after which we’re sure there won’t be a dry eye in the house. Visit www.whiteparty.org for a complete schedule of events.
Wed., Nov. 26; Sun., Nov. 30, 2008