Right back where it all started, that's how it feels. Back to what was once Sound Factory, where Alegria took off, and now it's Pacha, and as soon as we climb the stairs to the third floor, and peer down into the pit, where the floor is packed at one-thirty a.m., Roland in charge and werking it out in the booth (gurl knows how to bust a move) – the energy sweeps us back to other glorious parties in this space, like the one way back in the beginning of Alegria's reign when Manny Lehman (!!!) was at the tables, and the humidity and heat so oppressive in the middle of January, the whole club was a sauna. And also that Alegria Pride, the year of Moulin Rouge, when the club was swagged in red velvet and gold fringe and across the bar were the words, "The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return." And right where we're standing now is where Nurse pumped her arm alongside Abel, and over there, before Junior took over the club for about a minute, that's where Joe Caro christened Junior's booth. Baptized it, as it were. Left his mark
before Junior's arrival.

So it feels right, being here again, and Pacha has left its mark too, and not only the twined cherries, on the carpet, on the walls, but in the showers where the go-go boyz shower – in swimsuits??? – and in the numerous alcoves and banquettes and VIP areas which are well-maintained and the deejay booth is where the stage used to be, which is as it should be. And the black-suited staff is so accommodating that one guy even escorts us down a back stairway into VIP – where we run into Hilton and Mel, and where it's the first time we hear the South African lilt in Hilton's accent, and there's Ric who seems pleased and relaxed, walkie-talkie in back pocket, and Michael Circuit Dancer and Olivier, going deep deep deep into their weekend.

Already it feels like a good party. Simple and straightforward. Friday night NRG. Nothing but a few red neon lightning bolts for decoration. There's not going to be any show – so we don't have to worry about that. And there's Tony, and also Beau, and Matthew Bank, and the whole room feels like a New York house party. And it feels particularly good because the last time we partied was a month ago in Prague – and there's nothing like walking into a New York party and realizing all at once all there is to know about world-class partying.

And we're standing where Nurse used to rule, looking out over the crowd, and Tony's at the controls now, and it's the theme from Brokeback, with that plaintive guitar, and this is the sort of song you might dismiss as smarmy in the privacy of your home, and yet, when you see an entire roomful of men dancing to this gorgeous track, and maybe especially because it's Pride week, and maybe the rain outside is something of a metaphor for how we as a community might feel at present, there's something wonderfully uplifting and empowering and you give into the spell.

It's a good night of music, filled with songs about keeping on and being strong and holding on – and yes, it's clear, there's a subliminal message here, and we get it. (And yes, Matt, we're totally with you on the jettisoning of Sheila E's Unglamorous Life, and also, one you didn't mention, but surely you must feel the same way about that mash-up of Cher's Believe – both of them tossed to the trash heap, if we had our way.... But more interestingly – WHERE WERE YOU? How come we didn't see you all night, and honey, we were there until six-thirty.) And we're dancing below the booth, and I nearly lose my brand-new Hugo Boss tee, finally finding it stomped and crushed in a corner, but at least I don't have to walk outside bare-chested (frightening) – and then, we see him: JOE CARO. Bedizened and bedazzled with Pride beads, his light flashing wherever he's interested which is all around him, because as he says, Yes, he did go to the Web, and brought half of it here with him. And right then, it's Rhianna's Unfaithful – which we've been loving, thanks to Missy Caro's Pride CD. And everything's right. The smoke machine and the lights and Tony at the boards, it's Friday of Pride weekend and we're all in this together, coasting -- before suddenly, we're being pushed aside as Missy Caro says, "Make way, make way. The pants have come off" – and indeed they have. Costume change sixteen – first of all, let me introduce myself. No limits, no fear.

And when six-thirty rolls around, Tony pulls out Kevin's "Alive" which is a nice gesture, and we're thinking about Roland's set, and how it was lovely, which seems like a weird adjective for something like this, but lovely, it was, in the most literal sense, and that's what this party has been for us – a chance to share the love.

And we won't be at all surprised to hear that there's another NRG party, say, on the Friday of Black Party weekend, and probably soon to follow, a line of NRG drinks, because, as Matt suggests, they ain't no curse on NYC Fridays no more. It's the sort of party that makes you feel quite fine about staying in on a rainy Saturday, hoping that the clouds will pass in time for the Parade. But even in the rain, we will all prevail – because we do not melt and go away.