about RIDE THE SEAM at Filmores:

I’m curious, but I’m worried about other guests and their respect levels.

A totally legitimate concern. Because we don’t segregate our parties, people often worry about how socializing with other orientations will go over. We’ve had great experiences with mixed orientation parties, but we create an atmosphere where respect is implied. If people are behaving badly, know that you are amongst friends who have your back. We are there with you, but we are also asking you to take some responsibility as well. Know where your friends are and be aware of your surroundings. These are all things that you have to consider when entering new terrain. People may be doing things that you don’t like. Go find some people that are doing things you like. You don’t have to hang around them.
This is an experiment for us too, and we’re asking for your participation with great hope. We expect people to behave respectfully towards each other and so far this has worked out for us. However, if anything goes awry, know that we have zero tolerance. That said, you will get nowhere complaining about every small injustice. "That man breathed near me" and "Why are there guys here" and "why are there real lesbians who don’t act like the ones in porno films?" are not legitimate concerns.  Men need to breathe, there are guys there because we like them and lesbians like girls. Give everyone space and respect and you’ll find yourself all the more welcome. One thing that may put you at ease: assholes really stand out in this crowd and they are not tolerated.

 

What's with doing it at a stripclub?

We kind of consider Filmores HQ. We hang out there quite a bit anyway,
we like the variety and spunk of the dancers who work there and we want
the opportunity to entertain you all in a different setting. Also, what
a fucking year we've had so far! It's time for us to kick back and
boogie to the sweet hot tunes of Andrew Allsgood and Denise Benson. And
you guys! We feel like we're creating a community and we don't often
have a chance to play with you. Either we're on stage or running around
organizing shit. Time for some fun.

Will you be doing a show?

Yes, but it will be somewhat informal.

Will there be boys performing?

You betcha! Bois, too.

What are the hotel rooms like?

At 60$ a night, not the Four Seasons. There is one double bed per room,
a few nightstands, and a nice big shower. The drab ambiance can be
perked up however, with fairy lights and maybe a nice bedcover. Please do
not bring candles! We don't want to die in a horrible, sordid tragedy.
You are welcome to check in before the party starts downstairs and primp.

For reservations, contact reservations@filmores.com or 416.921.2191

 

Some notes on Partiste party v.1 (Oct 05):

 

We had an absolutely lovely crowd at the last Scandelles fundraiser with all sorts of people rubbing shoulders and other parts with no deliberate incidents of disrespect that we heard of.

The one thing that was a major problem was the bathroom line-up, so we would ask that people limit their activities in there to two to three minutes.  If you’re in there, sniff, prattling away, chances are the conversation isn’t as interesting as you, sniff, think it is and you can, sniff, have it outside.  Same goes for humping.

 

And some FAQs, for Partiste party v.2 (Apr 06)…

 

Why do you guys hate feather boas so much?

Actually, it’s mostly Sasha who has a boa phobia but her aversion has extended to the rest of the group. She’s seen too many women throw a mangy old string of turkey feathers over an outfit and think they’ve suddenly turned into a swiveling soubrette. It’s sloppy, dated and even worse, it’s become symbolic of those stupid pole-dancing classes taught by women who wouldn’t set foot in a strip club anyway.  You have more imagination that that. For heaven’s sake, a chain of paperclips looks more stylish.

 

Why are heterosexual men allowed at your parties? Aren’t you guys queer?

We are a mixed group, and while we respect that some people have gender and orientation segregated parties, we adore men, many of us date them, and if a straight man is at our party he’s welcome until he proves otherwise.  Besides, we love watching them get cruised by our gay boyfriends. Mmm…hot boy on boy action!  



Is this an orgy?

No, but we don’t discourage people having adult-style fun.



So what is it then?

It’s a Partiste party. We are a group of people from a variety of backgrounds and we are influenced by anarchistic, anti-war art movements like Dada as well as subcultures that range from the Weather Underground to the Sons of Freedom. We believe that revelry is political and should cross social, race and gender boundaries, and we like to throw parties where there’s an open, creative atmosphere. Artists have a right and responsibility to contribute to sexual and political culture—two things that have been hijacked by horrible people with very narrow and damaging tastes and opinions.



Why did I get an email back asking me where I got my invitation? It made me feel unwelcome.

We’re sorry you’re sensitive about that sort of thing. As sociable as we are, we like to make sure that everyone is a friend or a friend of a friend or someone we met that we think would be interesting and fun. Sometimes people walk into a space like this and think it’s a free-for-all. They don’t respect boundaries and they make other people uncomfortable by being opportunistic and rude. This grasping, self-interested approach is the very antithesis of the Partiste movement.

 

Can I take photos?

Please leave your camera at home.  Yes, it'll be a party you want to remember, but we have an official partiste photographer, Katrocket, that will capture the highlights and make downloads &/or prints available.   We partistes love to let loose, and knowing that the camera is in the hands of someone respectful and accountable will keep the party flowing much more than random folks looking to score a hot pic to post online. 

All photos on this site are taken by Katrocket or Trixie; if you have a question or concern about an image, please email.