12 Gay Circuit Parties/Festivals To Attend in 2022

After two pandemic-years off the dancefloor (for some) it’s time to welcome a new party season! Some of the most popular party events, are happening throughout the whole year, with many smaller parties surrounding the main event! Regardless of your relationship status, parties like these can really be an excellent experience, depending on individual preferences, e.g., the type of music you like or the main ‘’theme’’. Another key factor might the amount of money you’re willing to give for fun, as some of these sonic gems are held in gorgeous (sometimes expensive!) destinations around the world, but DH has made a list of best parties that are worth every penny!

  1. The White Party, Palm Springs

One of the biggest gay circuit parties in US, the desert party is happening in late April every year – and yes, we’re a bit late with this one, but keep it in mind for next year, as it offers a unique weekend experience with pool parties, go-go shows and fireworks and it attracts over 30,000 people every year.

2. Masterbeat, LA

Leading producer of entertainment featuring live acts, dancers, and performers, Masterbeat equals high-quality venues and world-class DJs. It hosts parties in LA, NYC and Miami. Best known for their main event on New Year’s Eve,  with other events on holiday weekends, Masterbeat hosts great parties early in the summer as well, so it’s not too late to buy your tickets now!

3. Folsom, San Francisco

In short: the kinkiest event of its kind! This street festival is a fantasy brought to life for every BDSM & leather lover. It offers numerous stages with different kinds of music, but also erotic performances, dancing spots and playgrounds! This year’s events are planed at the end of July and September, so mark your calendar!

4. One Magical Weekend, FL

Held at the first weekend of June, One Magical Weekend is indeed related to Pride Month, but it’s a perfect opportunity to check out the legendary Walt Disney Park, if the amusement park is your thing, as it’s the location of the event. One of the most creative events of this kind, One Magical Weekend offers a different theme every year!

5. Black & Blue, Montreal

The biggest gay-benefit dance festival in Canada, Black & Blue is hosted by the BBCM Foundation, which supports social, financial, and medical assistance to individuals living with HIV/AIDS.

6. Le Demence, Brussels

This highly-praised venue hosts events all year long, mainly on bank holidays. Known for its various themes, usually season or holiday related, Le Demence has three dance floors with different music, quality DJs and dance acts, acrobatic shows and – yes – darkrooms for the naughtiest of them all!

7. Rapido, Amsterdam

Being one of the most popular LGBTQ venues in the Netherlands, Rapido hosts parties all year. It has several dance arenas with different music, and of course – drag shows! What makes Rapido special is its playroom, for those who are willing to really let their guards down when the things start to heat up!

8. XCAPE, Sweden

If you’re in the mood for some hot and themed gay parties, Stockholm is a place to visit! This year, XCAPE brings some hot Brazilian summer energy, sexy go go’s and hot guys from Sweden and beyond! Every month a new theme, so expect the unexpected!

9. XCLSIOR, Mykonos

Thousands of beautiful men from all over the world gather every year to explore Mykonos, the Mediterranean gay mecca. XCLSIOR is a festival which offers top quality DJs and shows, but also some more intimate island gatherings, so if you’re in the mood for a combination of excellent clubbing and a dream holiday, XCLSIOR is perfect for you!

10. Circuit Festival, Barcelona

Held in one of the best cities for gay nightlife and culture, this huge festival combines all what’s wonderful about Spain: the amazing weather and vibrant energy! It hosts main parties, but also many pre-parties during August. Besides dancing and great music, they also have a water park with a huge pool and rides (and you know what that means: plenty of really hot half-naked guys!).

11. Revolver, Berlin

Revolver Party takes place every month, featuring the best local and international DJ’s, go-go dancers and performers, taking place in Berlin’s KitKatClub, the home of the infamous HustlaBall “Peepshow”. Revolver also hosts DRTY afterparty and a very special, official edition during the Folsom Europe weekend.

12. Forever Tel Aviv

Forever Tel Aviv, known for great dance parties, hosts regular events, internationally. It has become one of the top gay events in last couple of years, with beach parties with thousands of hot men and the biggest DJs in the gay scene! Its main event is being held in June with pre-parties in May, so start packing!

The Daddyhunt Team

DADDYHUNT TIPS: Best Ways To Approach Guys On A Dating App

One can’t really rely on body language, eye contact or other physical indications when approaching a guy in the online dating realm. Instead, much of it depends on your ability to communicate. Communication isn’t only about words; it can also be about your vibe”, which some people can “pick up” and interpret without even meeting you in person. Also, the way you’ve presented yourself in your dating app profile, can significantly improve your chances for a first date – or do quite the opposite, which is why we recommend checking out one of our previous DADDYHUNT Tips on ‘How to Create a Dating Profile That Works’.

So, here are some suggestions on how to reach out and how to improve your game when using a dating app.

  • Confidence

In short, confidence is sexy! It is how we think and feel about ourselves and it’s the key thing in everything we do, not just online dating. Yes, from time to time, we all struggle with our self-esteem, but by working on yourself on a regular basis, both mentally and physically, you build up your confidence and you can shine some of it by being comfortable with yourself.

  • Compliment

Giving a compliment is a good way to start a conversation. By doing so, you can create a general feel-good setting both for yourself and your potential date. Complimenting a guy on his looks is, of course, an additional boost from you, but complimenting on other things as well, such as; music taste, favorite movies, books, or any other interests listed on his profile is a great way to break the ice. Also, don’t hesitate chatting with someone who’s abroad, it doesn’t always have to be about the meet up. Check out the ‘Global’ or any other grids on DADDYHUNT and start a topic (politics, cultural differences etc.) with someone from a country that you’ve been planning or always wanted to visit.

  • Unlock Your Private Photos

Go ahead and unlock your private photos. It’s a no brainer. If you’re interested in the guy, unlock your private photos to get to the bottom (or top!) 😉 of things! But, before doing that, make sure he’s okay with accepting NSFW content (guys who aren’t, usually stress that in their profile). Make sure you re-lock your photos after you’ve showed the goodies.

  • Shout-Out!

Online communication is not always so “detailed” and a lot if it might be lost with all the acronyms and emojis. However, these little signs of affection sometimes can take you far, so feel free to use a Shout-Out emoji to potentially start a conversation. But, being fun and light-hearted in its essence, a Shout-Out emoji may not be enough if you want to continue chatting, so you might have to think about the next thing to say.

  • Relax

You are on a dating app, so don’t take things too personally. We all have preferences and sometimes it’s just not a match, and that’s ok. Outside the app, people have a life, obligations, (or personal issues) etc. You don’t have the obligation to reply to every single guy who messages you, and neither does he. Being respectful (and having self-respect) is what matters.

Happy Hunting!

The Daddyhunt Team

STI Awareness Month: Talk, Test, Treat

April is STI Awareness Month. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

There are 20 million new STI cases in the U.S. every year.

During STI Awareness Month we focus on raising awareness on STI’s (Sexually Transmitted Infections) and how STI’s affect lives. The focus is on reducing fear, stigma and discrimination while providing both knowledge and tools to the public on how to prevent, test and treat STI’s.

While continuously emphasized that all STI’s can be prevented and treated and most can be cured, the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) marks a rise in STD’s among gay and bisexual men. Besides syphilis, the concern for gay, bisexual and MSM are chlamydia and gonorrhea, while HPV is the most common STD in the U.S. Some types of HPV can lead to anal or oral cancer and the statistics aren’t favoring MSM, as they are 17 times more likely to get anal cancer than heterosexual men, and more than half of all new HIV infections occur among MSM, while HIV-positive men are especially vulnerable.

With no signs or symptoms, most STI’s can go undetected. It means that one can get infected without knowing it. In fact, testing is, sometimes, the only way to know your STI status. If you are infected and not being treated, you can pass the infection to your sexual partner(s). Most STI’s are passed on via unprotected sexual contact, which is why the use of condoms is highly recommended. So, by ‘’just practicing oral’’ does not mean you’re safe. Untreated STI’s can lead to serious, sometimes even devastating, and long-term problems, like blindness, bone deformities, and sterility. If you have more than one sexual partner, it is advised to do STI screenings more often (every 3 to 6 months).

Having multiple partners means being at a higher risk of getting infected. Having an STI – like herpes, syphilis, or gonorrhea – also puts you at a higher risk of getting infected with HIV. So getting tested on a regular basis should be a priority. There are many ways to protect yourself and your partner(s). The easiest way protect yourself is to practice safe sex and know your STI status. Vaccination against STI’s is also very important. Openly discussing your STI status with your partner(s) and your healthcare provider is also an important step. Proper condom use, avoiding risky behavior (sex, drugs and rock’n’roll combined all together would be a no in this case) and limiting or better yet controlling the number of partners can also reduce risks of getting and spreading of STI’s.

For more information on how to protect yourself, check out the links below:

How to Prevent STIs (verywellhealth.com)

How to Choose the Best Condom? – GAY NEWS PORTAL

Submitted by: M. Đaković

DADDYHUNT TIPS: How To Create a Dating Profile That Works!

We at DADDYHUNT know – creating a personal profile on a dating app can be a challenge, especially if you must present yourself in just a few words, with the right photos, and all for the purpose to attract the right kind of attention.  On that note, while updating a dating profile – it’s important to be yourself, and no, that’s not just a phrase! Before creating a dating profile, we would advise you to take some time and think – not about what others might want to read about you, but what’s important to you and what you are looking for. To help you create a dating profile that works, the DH team has made a list of some do’s and don’ts:

  1. The About Me Section: Be Specific, Yet Short

While it’s always good to write a few personal sentences about yourself, it can be useful to avoid generic descriptions and blatant cliches, because ‘’long walks on the beach’’ certainly won’t make your profile stand out. Instead, focus on mentioning your main interests, maybe naming your hobby or more specific things you enjoy doing on weekends. Also, know and be open about what are you looking for – is it a quick hookup, someone to hang out with or a more relationship-oriented interaction. If you’re struggling with the ‘About Me’ section, you can ask a friend for some advice on what to write.

2. Avoid The ‘’NOT INTO’S’’

Focus on what you are looking for and avoid being the ‘’NOT INTO” and ‘’NO (insert offensive language here)’’ person. It’s ok to have preferences but chill out! Making your profile all about what you dislike and ranting about it is a turn-off. You wouldn’t believe how much energy goes to waste, not to mention all the hot guys, while trying to maintain a bitter attitude.  

3. Complete Your Stats

An incomplete profile is rarely an interesting one! Make sure you fill out your stats (height, weight, age, city etc.) The option is there so why not avoid unnecessary questions. Sharing false or incomplete information about yourself is frequently the main reason why online dating can have a bad reputation, so simply – don’t be the guy that lies from the start. Instead, we at DADDYHUNT encourage you to own your looks and be honest.

4. Update Your Photos

Photos are a crucial part of one’s dating profile. Make sure your photos are (relatively) up to date, and no, that doesn’t necessarily mean uploading photos from last week, but skip uploading photos that were taken a decade ago. Own your looks, friendly and approachable always works and don’t hesitate to show some skin (if that’s your thing 😉).

5. Upload More Than One Photo

Uploading up to three (or more) photos will increase the chances of members reaching out to you. Diverse photos are a plus: at the gym, night out, hiking … ? Go ahead and upload. Avoid sharing photos with other people in them (unless they’re ok with it). Sharing photos with minors, even if it’s a family member is also a big NO, NO!

Now, update your DADDYHUNT profile following these tips and don’t forget to have fun! Give them a flavor of your persona by adding some humor and see your inbox grow! 😉

Post Submitted by: M. Đaković

Under The Gaydar: 5 Unusual Gay-friendly Destinations to Visit

As travelers’ season is approaching and many are planning their holidays abroad, in case you got bored with visiting the same cities and countries that are openly welcoming for LGBT+, and you feel a bit adventurous – the DH team has made a list of five unusual but gay-friendly places to visit. Keep in mind though that the ‘’unusual’’ part can refer to a couple of things: either the locations are a bit out of your ordinary holiday picks or the country is not exactly known for its LGBT+ openness, but does hide a few gems here and there. Hence a recommendation to do your own research in order to get familiar with the local culture and always look for reviews before you pack your bags!

1. Tokyo, Japan:

Even though only about 5% of Japanese people admit knowing someone who is LGBT+, and the general attitude towards homosexuality is conservative and homophobic (even within the community itself), the existence of Shinjuku Ni-chōme, the loudest and most crowded area in Tokyo, also known as Tokyo’s gay neighborhood, might make you feel otherwise. It’s home to one of the largest number of gay bars and night clubs in the world, and also offers plenty gay pride boutiques, love hotels, gay books and video stores and other gay-friendly touristic arrangements. The LGBT+ community in Tokyo is the biggest one on the entire Asian continent, so if you’re up for a trip to far east, Shinjuku Ni-chōme in Tokyo is a place to go!

Shinjuku At Night via Pinterest

2. Siem Reap, Cambodia:

While some of the LGBT+ sexual preferences are considered legal in Buddhist Cambodia, even culturally supported as the same-sex activity was never criminalized in the history of this country, many still do face legal issues, as the legislation of LGBT+ rights has not yet been enacted.  In this field, Cambodia seems more accepting of LGBT+ tourists than its local communities. As an example, the once sleepy and quiet Cambodian city of Siem Reap, which became popular due to its location near the Angkor Wat temple ruins, is known for its welcoming attitude towards the LGBT+ community. It’s a highly tourist destination, with a strong international vibe, and is famous for being the gayest city in Asia. Siem Reap offers many gay bars, clubs and other gay-friendly venues, but also offers a historic adventure for those who seek that kind of a holiday.

Angkor Wat Temple

3. Antigua, Guatemala:

A charming little village Antigua, surrounded by volcanoes in the central Guatemalan highlands, is known for its preserved Spanish colonial architecture. Despite Guatemala’s negative reputation when it comes to crime, Antigua is a very safe tourist destination. It’s a home of a small LGBT+ community within the village, but nothing organized, as they are mainly all friends who know each other and own several bars and restaurants. Basically, there is no active gay ’’scene’’ in Antigua and this place is perfect for those looking for some real peace and rest. If there’s a need for more party-like moments while in Antigua, the nearby Guatemala City is recommended!

Antigua, Shutterstock

4. Taormina, Sicily:

This location is famous for its beauty, rocky shores and cliffs and for its incredible historic heritage. Once a known gay village, visited by many LGBT+ icons, from Oscar Wilde to Truman Capote, Taormina today is not really the hottest gay spot. Within the relaxed and causal atmosphere, the LGBT+ community is able to socialize and attend bars, restaurants and other venues, but without too much fuss. There is no repression towards the LGBT+, but the general ‘’mind your own business’’ behavior is preferred. So, if you plan to pack your bags and head to Sicily, don’t forget to bring your laissez-faire attitude as well!

Taormina, Pinterest

5. Novi Sad, Vojvodina (Serbia):

While LGBT+ sexual activities are legal in this Eastern-European autonomous province and discrimination based on sexual preferences is banned, the members of the LGBT+ community may encounter some legal challenges, in spite of having a married lesbian parent for a Prime Minister. But Novi Sad, the administrative center of Vojvodina (which until 1918 was a part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire), shines a general welcoming image. It lies on the banks of the River Danube, with the iconic Petrovaradin Fortress being one of its most visited tourist sites. This Serbian medieval town is one of the most important cultural hubs in this part of the world. It reflects a slow and warm Mediterranean-like ambient, with some LGBT+ friendly spots, hotels and a vibrant street cafe culture. While the majority of ordinary people in Novi Sad don’t really care about one’s sexual life, there are far-right groups who are highly opinionated and are keen to show their homophobic feelings, so discretion in public is advised.

Novi Sad, Flickr

… and for those ready to experience something really unusual.

Karachi, Pakistan:

  1. Yes, we know – Pakistan! Not really a country that first comes to mind in relation to gay-friendliness, considering its criminalization of same-sex sexual acts, discrimination and social stigma. The Pakistani LGBT+ community is, however, able to socialize, organize and date, even live together as a couple, but they have to this with discretion, as many could be legally prosecuted. On the other side, there is sort of a saying that ‘’it is great to be gay in Pakistan’’, as sex is more than available and to support the latter comes the port city of Karachi with its ‘’a gay man’s paradise’’ reputation. On the outside, Karachi presents its strict social conformity, but underneath that façade lies a world of underground parties, group and same-sex sexual activities. So, if you are in the mood for some Pakistani experience, have an SS behavior in mind and consult your nearest gay travel guide!
Karachi, paraloji.com

While the destinations we picked for you are becoming more and more popular within the LGBT+ community – before booking your next holiday spot – the DH team strongly advises checking travel reviews, blogs and getting familiar with the local laws and customs. Once you have this sorted out, feel free to present your sexy-tourist-self among fun and friendly locals who are, step by step and in different ways, trying to improve and change their surroundings and create a more welcoming place for everyone!

Post Submitted by: M. Đaković

A Letter From The DH Team

Dear Members,

Over the past year we have been working hard at making improvements to the app and website. In fact, our programming team has added over a dozen new features and many improvements for Free Members and Premium Members, whose support has allowed us to maintain and support this amazing community since we started it, over 16 years ago. 

Taken together, these recent changes have also had the positive effect of increasing engagement and today our members send over 20% more messages and shouts than they did just 8 months ago.  

We’ve been listening to your feedback and we have heard that you want to see more new members. We are currently gearing up to increase our advertising in 2022. In the past, some advertisers rejected Daddyhunt. In order to get around their unnecessarily strict and somewhat discriminating rules, we are changing the Relationship Status options to Single, Other and Ask Me. We think it’s a small price to pay for some fresh new faces and hope you will agree. We are also working harder to detect spam/scam accounts in order to keep the community safe and genuine.

Remember, the easiest way to break the ice is by sending a Shout-Out or by unlocking your pics and starting up a conversation. Go ahead! Shoot your shot!

Finally, we want to thank each and every one of you for being a part of this tremendous community and for your patience as we work to improve the experience for all members!

Your Daddyhunt Team

P.S.

If you want to have a detailed look at the changes we have recently made and what is coming next please visit our proposed roadmap and make sure to vote for your next favorite feature!  https://trello.com/b/THqzQsRW/daddyhunt-roadmap

Have any other feedback? We’d love to hear it. Send comments to support@daddyhunt.com

Be His Valentine: Perfect Valentine’s Day Gifts

To help you a little, the DH team came up with a list of Valentine’s Day gifts you can choose from, for your ‘’special someone’’, with a reminder: it is okay if it’s a friend or maybe a family member who’s been accepting of who you are and treating you nicely. It’s more than ok if you manage to resist the global V-Day pressure and choose to spoil just your lovely self with something  you enjoy or something what we suggest in our list below! 

Valentine’s Day Gifts for Him

Valentine’s Day Gifts for Him

A Swedish Backpack Fjallraven Kanken

Backpacks make a great, useful and a long-term gift. The Swedish brand Fjallraven Kanken offers backpacks in different sizes, colours and materials, holding on to the same iconic look as the classic from 1978! For your special someone, pick a backpack that is waterproof, lightweight and flexible!

Scented Sticks and/or Candles for Men  

Assist your special someone in making his apartment smell good and sexy with some scented sticks and candles for men! We suggest avoiding heavy, floral or sweet notes – unless you are 100% sure he will like it. Instead, opt for fragrant notes that are woody and smoky or marine and citrus scents depending on the general vibe of his personal space.

Pool Ball Candle Holder

Now, this one has men only pheromones spilled all over it! Vintage and tasteful, pool ball candle holder is a type of lighting that can intensify his Valentine’s ambience. If tea candles you get for this candle holder are scented, you can consult suggestions we shared above.

Beard Grooming Set 

Choose a Beard Grooming Set packed with care and style as a practical present he can use every day. Try to cover all bases of his grooming steps, like shaving foam, beard oil or balm. If possible, add some grooming tools as well (a beard comb, scissors and such). If you’ve noticed he minds his gray hairs, why not add a nice pack of True Sons – Hair & Beard Dye for Men?

Pro-aging Kit 

Since DH embraces aging with style, to avoid the term ‘’anti-aging’’, 
we prefer pro-aging  instead. 😉

If he has a skincare routine, have a sneak peek at his favourite brands and pick something for him! If his skincare habits are basically nonexistent or unknown to you, make a selection of natural products which promote skin renewal and enhance collagen production. A quality face cleaner, facial scrub, night cream, moisturizer/sunscreen,  lip balm and – he is good to go – regardless of how far you wanna go!

A Picture Frame for a Couple

Image source: www.fineartamerica.com

A picture frame is a good gift for couples in general, as they help to preserve the best moments spent together. Pick one which goes well with the interior of his living space, whether it’s an elegantly designed frame or a vintage one. If you’re feeling adventurous, it can be an excellent idea to have your photo together digitally processed in specific art-forms which can decorate the room with a more avantgarde or stylish look! 

A Quality Belt and Bedroom Accessories

A quality belt is another practical gift he can use every day or for special occasions – like the bedroom ones! In order to support the latter, throw in some padlocks, bindings and other bedroom accessories, just to indicate that you might be hoping for a fun and sexy Valentine’s spent together! However, if you are just in the mood for your man to look good, choose a belt that goes well with his daily attire (jeans or suits and shoes).

Printed T-Shirt

Image source: www.sassyandmoxie.com

Instead of wasting time while walking through shopping malls while looking for a perfect clothing item as a gift for him, order a customized t-shirt online and surprise him with something fun and unique! Make sure you check the shop reviews, and that their materials and printing are top noch! T-shirt design is on you. While it’s always good to be personal, avoid being too personal, as in – printing your face on his shirt – but go more along the lines of maybe printing the photo of his pet, his favorite art, a quote or a concept that he’s really into. 

Printed Socks and a Tie with Print

Image source: www.amazon.com 

In a vast range of print patterns and colourways, choose the ones he is most likely to wear. But, don’t hesitate to be bold about your picks as he always has the option not to wear these in public, but for his own (guilty) pleasure as well. There are many sites offering to customize your socks and tie design online, but also a wide variety of printed ones available to shop right away!

Dress Up And Splurge 

In case you are in the mood for dressing up, and you are sure that he is too, you can always make a dinner reservation for two in some expensive restaurant, especially if it’s been a while since the two of you had the chance to shine together in public in this way. Pick a place that serves his favourite meals and – after dinner – well, it’s good to burn all those calories together!

Additionally, you can visit Etsy or other online card shops for some nice LGBT Valentine’s Day Cards. Better yet, you can make your own V-Card using free online tools! It’s also a good idea to have a fun night out with a group of LGBT friends to increase your visibility or to make a Valentine’s Day donation to an LGBT organization you care for or to support a local LGBT business. It’s up to you and you only, so if you’d rather spend this holiday on your own, watching movies and such, that is perfectly alright – but in case you change your mind, visit the DaddyHunt App and see what else the Valentine has to offer! 😊

Happy Valentine’s Day from the DaddyHunt Team!

Post Submitted by: M. Đaković