Photo by Rink.

The Gay Asian Pacific Alliance and the API Wellness Center hosted an All Hallows Eve party called “Scared Stiff” at the Center’s lower Polk Street space on Oct. 30, with co-host Ben Leong playing into the “stiff” in his sport shorts and skin exposure. Co-host Estee Longah wore a beautiful eye-busting Carmen Miranda-esque ensemble. Leong and Longah are also the GAPA co-chairs, and neither if them are decorative - they are both dedicated volunteers. 

Bartenders Perapol Damnernpholkul and Michael Nguyen stuck with the stiff theme by loading the fruit juice with lots of vodka. DJ Ly played popular tunes, there was an instant photo space, and Longah’s friends Ida Slapter and Miso Hornay were eagerly anticipated. 

Halloween on Castro Street on Oct. 31 began with Kurt Quintana cavorting in his risqué bunny costume at the Edge, and though it was his first visit to the bar, he was made to feel welcome. Victor Almanzar hovered outside Does Your Mother Known in a Healthy Penis costume, and his penis fan friend Dan Lopez joined him on a jaunt down the street. Bearded Geoffrey burst out of the Midnight Sun, only to be asked to pose against the bar’s stainless steel wall in his shimmering dress, glittering jewels, black leather motorcycle hat, and a cigar.

Stunning Pink Gaga, Pirate Guy, Kristy Kreme entertained the crowd outside the Twin Peaks Bar, and Studs Sid and Aaron ambled out of the Lookout in Bavarian outfits, while Aaron shouted about his appreciation of Polish sausage. Publicity expert David Perry managed to pull off another Castro Halloween without closing the street with the support of Supervisor Bevan Dufty, the local merchants, Francis Tsang from the mayor’s office, and a very visible police presence.

The evening ended at the Polk Street Good Vibrations store where artfully costumed Tuesday Cohen and Renee Messick helped a horde of customers have a wonderful sexual holiday evening.