Lastly, the Party would be formatted as costume dance party with a strict dress code. The aim was to make the night unforgettably splendid and festive, turning politics into pleasure. We had won ours we could celebrate. Our fab new constitution was the only constitution in the world to protect its homosexual citizens. And don't forget there was all that post election Madiba euphoria in 1994 that had put everyone in a party mood anyway.
Costumes give people the chance to be someone else for a night.
Costumes are a form of disguise, allowing us to take chances we wouldn't normally take if we were recognisable. Costumes can be sexy. They give one an excuse to smile at, touch or talk to strangers. Like moving sculpture, costumes are a form of art. Lastly, costumes and disguise are part of some gay men's histories virtually a tradition.