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Sensualips -> Event Planning, Politics, and Gay Costumes (3/4/2006 4:22:39 PM)
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Warning: Rambling Story Ahead
I had volunteered to assist with the planning of an upcoming leather run weekend held in August. My task was to research hotels as last year's event hotel declined to host again. Being an overachiever, I came up with a typed little listing of pros and cons of about 20 different potential hotels based on what they were looking for. We selected a first and second choice and the event directer was going to get with them and give more specifics, make final arrangements and so on.
Okay, fast forward a few weeks. The man emailed me and asked if I would mind moving forward with the hotel as we discussed as he was very ill that week and wanted to have firm information by the meeting Sunday night. No problem. I call and chat with the same woman regarding details and we go ahead and block off the 60 rooms as there was only 68 available for the date. She takes more information and we book the meeting rooms. I had stated it was "Leather Lifestyle" event early on and the organization name contains the word "Fetishes" in it, so I was assuming all is well in that area. Still, I take the opportunity to explain that Saturday one room will be for vendors while the other two for educational workshops. The Saturday night event is a program/dinner followed by a dance and I am sure event director will be happy to discuss more details with her.
I get a call back a few hours later. Ohhh, so sorry but it turns out they were already booked. She must have looked at the schedule wrong. They would be happy to reserve the rooms, but they can not do the rest. Mmm hmmm. I ask if the next weekend is available. Now I KNOW that the dates are set and it will not move to the next weekend, but I am just suspicious and have to politely prod for my own curiosity. Great hesitation erupts. Well...she is not sure...umm... Then she inquires if she could have more information about the organization. I run through it again, as well as the event elements. Here is the actual conversation, I swear to god.
Her: I see. Well, would people be walking through our lobby in gay costumes?
(short pause while I reflect on that)
Me: I am not sure what you mean by gay costumes. Men and women dress in a variety of ways, from leather jackets or leather pants to evening wear. There would be no nudity in public areas.
Her: Well, you know, we are a family hotel and so...well, we just have to be careful about things like that.
Me: I understand. If you tell me what your specific concerns or questions are, I would be happy to answer those or have the event director get in touch with you.
Her: Well, I think we are booked. I mean, I am pretty sure we are. We could do the rooms though. As long as people stayed in their rooms and did not disturb our other guests. That would probably be okay.
Me. I see. So...you are telling me you have another event scheduled for both of those weekends and your meeting rooms and ballrooms are unavailable?
Her: (long pause.) Okay. I mean, yes, we are full.
Me: But you could block off the rooms and enjoy the profit, as long as the homos and freaks used the side entrance -- and kept the screams and moanings from the rooms to a typical level. Right?
Okay, I didn't say that last part. I just said thank you.
I know I really should not be suprised, but I think it was the "gay costume" thing that did it. What does that mean? Like ice dancer attire or drag or fetish wear or what? I am just dying to know what she considers a "gay costume."
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