Fridae

The term "circuit" refers mostly to doing the rounds at gay parties, gay clubs and even annual international gay events such as the Mardi Gras or Pride Parade.

And a circuit queen is therefore one who does - no, lives for - the circuit.

For most gay men, "working that circuit" is the highlight of gay life as it often entails dancing, music, booze and of course, picking up men. In fact, the more "hard-working" members of the gay community have even established a reputation for jet-setting from venue to venue just to see and be seen.

For homos-in-training, doing the circuit is often the de rigeur rite of passage and many would regard their virgin forays into the world of gayland playlands as an "outing" they would never forget.

Yet despite the thrills and spills (pardon the pun) of the party hearty scene, there may come a time in a gay man's life when "doing the circuit" just doesn't seem that attractive any more.

That's when the realization hits.

You are becoming jaded (if you are not already).

While there are varying degrees of "jadedness", the warning signs are strikingly similar and easy to spot.

First of all, do you find yourself avoiding phone calls from your party posse as Saturday nights draw closer? Do you find yourself forced to invent some (un)believable commitment - such as keeping your perm appointment on a Saturday night - in order to fend off invitations (or summons) to parties or clubs? And do you now regard the prospect of "doing the circuit" about as exciting as watching a feminine hygiene commercial?

Secondly, do you experience a sense of diminishing enjoyment when you're out partying at clubs or venues which a couple of weeks ago would have driven you to distraction and left you on a high? Does that disco-ball seem that less dazzling and the Eurofag-Pet Shop Boys music you used to love less appealing? And do you now find yourself detached from the entire scene in a state of bored nonchalance even though you are surrounded by gyrating bodies in various states of undress?

Finally, do you find yourself overwhelmed by a crushing feeling of ennui or fatigue after your usual party routine? Do you feel burnt-out and often wander around in a daze (and I am not referring to post e-fuelled geriatric queens) after the party has ended or the club closed? And do you find yourself searching for a sense of indefinable fulfillment that continues to elude you?

If you answer yes, yes and yes, then you, my dear, are in grave danger of becoming jaded really, really fast.

But before you do a Gloria Swanson and retreat up the stairway back into your boudoir, take comfort in the fact that being jaded is part and parcel of gay life. And although it may strike gay men once, twice or even repeatedly throughout their colourful lives, it is a condition that is usually benign and temporary - like carpet burns - and easily remedied.

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Solution 1: Leave Town
The tried and tested solution of leaving town and taking a break still remains one of the best measures to rid oneself of any sense of "jadedness". Nothing charges up a gay man more - besides poppers that is - than a well-deserved retreat to a foreign country for some R & R. After a brief break from the scene, most gay men would be dying to jump back into the circuit (especially if they're been holidaying in a homo-desert such as the Himalayas). Plus if you're really lucky, you might, upon returning, even be mistaken as a new-face in a scene characterized by high turnover.

Solution 2: Try A New Scene
Can you remember the adrenaline-driven excitement you once felt when you cross the threshold of your first gay bar or club? Well, you can re-create that "high" once again by prowling new hunting grounds. Visit the local sauna, try out the pools or polish your Mariah routine at the nearest gay-raoke bar. You could try out the arts scene perhaps, or develop a new taste for ice skating. The bottom line is, a change of pace and exploring a "whole new world" can be just the refreshing change you've been looking for.

Solution 3: Embrace It As Part Of Your Persona
In the gay world, you have the freedom to be whatever you choose to be. So if you're okay with being a jaded circuit queen, work at it until you perfect your persona. Cultivate an air of having been-there-and-done-that and refine the art of scoffing at excited green homos as they scream when their fav tune is played. Over time, you may even find yourself a staple figure and an icon of the gay circuit to whom gay men would flock to for advice or gossip.

Solution 4: Stay Home
The most sensible solution is still the one that would do Martha Stewart most proud. Take some time out to spring clean or re-decorate your house; stay in to catch up with your reading (pornographic or otherwise); throw a dinner party and cook up a cornucopia of dishes; or embark on an ambitious knitting project. Whatever you wish to do within the confines of your home and whoever you wish to invite into your home, the possibilities are simply endless.

There are, however, gay men who suffer from chronic "jadedness." In such cases, the main reason lies in the unrealistic expectations of these men who work the gay circuit. Searching for fulfillment, these gay men party for a reason: to find that special someone.

Yet while all of us yearn for our prince charmings, let's get one thing straight: a party's a party and how it turns out depends on how you define your party experience. So if you go to a party expecting to meet that someone who will turn your life around, chances are you'll be disappointed. But if you go out to party, dance, laugh, gossip, and bitch about the other club patrons, chances are you'll have a good time.

Having said that, there are a few lucky (or unlucky - depending on how you look at it) souls who would never become jaded despite their illustrious history in the gay circuit. Most of these gay men would of course have a Bar Biography that would leave even the most seasoned clubbers hanging their heads in shame. But one thing they do know, and that's how to have fun, fun and more fun.

And to these Duracell-driven party bunnies, I say "Party On!"