New York, NY   Futuristic Carnival was held on Sat Aug 25, complete with acrobats, contortionist and clowns. This carnival, actually the theme of 16th Annual Latex Ball, started with a bang. Twenty five years ago the Latex Ball was a first of it's kind event in the campaign to inform, treat and prevent HIV. Then HIV/AIDS was perceived as a disease of gay white men. Today, HIV ravishes gay youth of color, our most vulnerable population.

The ball was held at the legendary Roseland ballroom (there is no better venue for this event) The annual Latex Ball is one of the largest of its type. The party is a free affair and is well attended. It is complete with vogue, style, and walking battles. This year the festivities were very intense. It was evident that the kids had been working on their acts for the whole year. Sometimes things got a little emotional when people were thrown off the stage by the hip hop thug host of the show, Jack. All things considered, I believe that this years judges were much nicer than they were last year. 

Last year, Janet Jackson sent the crown into a frenzy when the spotlight shined on her and she waved to the crowd. This year Miss Jay of Tyra Bank's Americas Next Top Model fame made an appearance and she spoke to the crowd. Her comment: "No dick is worth dying for. Protect yourself every time" electrified the crowed.

In all,  a good time was had buy all. I can't wait to see how the organizers out do themselves next year...