Special guest writer, Rene Lopez has some tricks and tips for you this Halloween in New York City! With editorial photos from Boomer Banks & Rafael Alancar. Editorial note: Colby encourages you to dress scary, not slutty, but he watched Mean Girls too many times.
Don't be a trick, Just be a Treat
5 Tips to a safe, gay, New York Halloween.
Halloween is a favorite holiday for many, possibly the most celebrated holiday in the city, and rightfully so. It’s the one day of the year where you’re encouraged to eat candy and watch horrible campy slasher movies, and where hot guys get to dress up like sluts. But Halloween is also the number one holiday with an increase in injuries, alcohol and drug poisoning, and attacks. Now you may have grown up in the city thinking you’re the king of the concrete jungle, that you walk the streets every night and can out-party the monsters any night, but no matter what your costume may be you’re not really a super hero. Have fun, enjoy the day that belongs to us, and be safe by following these 5 easy tips to take you from the start of your Halloween night to the walk of shame home in November.
Make a plan. Stick with a group. Your best hags and your worst queer frenemies, doesn’t matter just surround yourself with people you know. If the night takes you somewhere unexpected or even hopping from party to party, great. Just go together. And if you out-party your friends who want to call it an early night, stay at the party as long as you want, but when you’re ready to leave, go home. Don’t go anywhere unplanned by yourself.
Have everything you need for an Emergancy. Remember “MILK” M-I-L-K; Money, I.D., Lipstick, Keys.(Lipstick especially if you’re in a drag costume) “MILK”. Keep money with you for cab, food, and drinks, and an extra 20 dollars for an emergency cab ride home incase you find yourself far from home or in a sticky situation. Great car services such as Hail and Lyft offer a free ride up to 25 dollars just by downloeading their apps and entering a code and they send you a photo of your driver and there licence number. It’s the simpilest way to have an emergency get away car a phone call away. Also keep everything you need on your person. No one's going to watch your bag for you and Halloween is the number one night of the year for pick pockets because everyone's wearing masks. If you do have to bring a bag check it at the door. This is a policy with most clubs anyways. Use the opportunity of a bag to pack a pair of jeans and a t-shirt in case you need to change out of your costume, and your phone charger.
Be aware that wearing drag or fem costumes puts you at a higher risk for being gay-bashed. Now I applaued you for sporting your own make-up and fuck-me-pumps all night, you’re awsome. And this does not mean that you are asking to be gay-bashed or that anyone deserves it in anyway. But no one is safe from the ignorant who wish to harm others. Be aware of your surroundings. Do not walk in dark construction covered sidewalks. Walk where there is the most light and the most people. It sounds paranoid, but it may save your life.
Keep your drinks with you. Take them out on the dance floor or even to the bathroom. Finish them before you go outside to smoke, don’t leave a napkin over it or ask your friends to watch it, and if you accidently leave it unattended, leave it and buy another it’s worth it. Also do not take any drugs from strangers, even something that seems as harmless as poppers. Because you don’t know what’s in those little brown bottles. Don’t chance it.
Wear a condom. If you are so lucky that your costume gets you laid. Play it safe. If you’re not feeling a moment, then don’t do it. It doesn’t matter if the guy bought you drinks, or dinner or paid for a taxi. Don’t feel bad if you get all the way to his house and you want to leave. He could be the nicest guy in the world but remember if you don’t feel comfortable, then politely leave. You don’t owe that person anything. Have respect yourself.
This rule applies for anytime of the year. Be safe, be smart and care enough about yourself to make good decisions. Happy Halloween.
By Rene Lopez
