The Black Party, displaying its customary playful sense of outrageousness, will crown the “escort of the year” at The Hookies, a Friday night party at Club Rebel hosted by Raven O. The main bash, RITESXXXI, at the Saint-at-Large, is the following night, Saturday, March 20.
In that spirt of adventure, GayCities New York editor JJ Keyes tracked down one of the nominees, Gio, to get the an escort’s lowdown on the big Black party weekend.
JJK: Favorite bars?
GIO: Therapy, Vlada or g Lounge, Splash
JJK: How do you stay in shape?
GIO: I hit the gym four times a week: I walk up the hill on the try-mill with weights on my hands for 20 min. And then hit the weights working one muscle group per day, and abs every one of those days.
JJK: You have to look good not just out of clothing, too. Favorite places to shop in New York?
GIO: Armani, Diesel, Gap and the Mall at Columbus Circle.
JJK: Where were you when you found out you were nominated for Mr. New York?
GIO: I was in bed naked with my laptop between my legs, checking my e mails, and there it was an email from Mr. Sean Van Sant saying, “You are one of the finalists for Mr. New York Escort of the Year.”
JJK: What did you do when you found out?
GIO: I got so exited, instant butterfly in my belly, jump out of bed and screamed, Yeeeaaahh. It was like a child going to Disney Land.
JJK: “The Hookies,” hosted by Raven O (star of Cirque du Soleil’s Zumanity), kicks off Black Party weekend at Club Rebel. Is there anything you would like to say to the other regional contestants before they arrive in New York for the big awards show?
GIO: Can’t wait to meet you guys–and come to New York and be ready to have an unforgettable experience. New Yorkers will be waiting for them with more then open hearts. 🙂
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Photos courtesy of the Black Party and Gio
