Open Post: Hosted By A Gay Pool Party In 1945
The only gay pool parties I’ve ever willingly attended (besides the ones I had to go to when I worked in the gay porn industry – true story) are referred to as “bear soup” due to the extreme amounts of rotund, hirsute gentlemen splashing about in pools at various locations in Provincetown. Go bears! I eat Ring-Dings on the regular so you’re probably not going to see me at your average, outdoor speedo fashion show gay pool parties. Speaking of gay pool parties, here’s what a gay pool party in 1945 looked like. Basically the same as today’s version, but I’m guessing the music was a little different and there were way less slutty twinks humping giant pool inflatables in an attempt to attract potential donors.
Filmmaker Geoff Story is currently working on a documentary called Gay Home Movie, and found footage of this party at the St. Louis estate sale of one Buddy Walton. Walton was a celebrity hairdresser in the 40s, and this footage is only some of the film shot during the party. Keep in mind that this party took place at a time when being openly gay was a HUGE no-no. It’s just dudes hanging decorations and dancing and making out by the pool, but I want to see more. (Ok, I actually want to see Cary Grant come waltzing in for some skinny-dipping.)
Pool floaties were oddly colored back then, huh?
Pic: YouTube