Hearing music bumping from down the block is usually a solid sign that you are approaching the right house. As I pulled up to the Hollywood Hills estate for EVITA‘s end-of-summer bash, the beats were already bouncing off the hills. The LA skyline peeked out right behind the property, setting a scene that practically guaranteed an incredible afternoon.
Walking into the main entrance, the brightness of the estate immediately took over. Everywhere I looked, half-naked men were mingling and grooving (exactly what I was hoping to see on a sunny Saturday afternoon).
Descending Into Paradise
Heading downstairs to the main level, massive accordion doors were thrown wide open, seamlessly connecting the interior to the patio. A live DJ setup was pumping out lively house remixes while chiseled guys milled about. The centerpiece of the entire space was a pool packed with mermen that instantly entranced me (I mean, how could it not). They practically whispered for everyone around to jump right in.
Before diving into the crowd, I caught up with Oly Innes, one of the masterminds behind the event alongside co-host Andres Rigal. After a quick chat, it was time to lather on sunblock and dip our piggies into the water. Fresh tacos were waiting by the patio, the music stayed sharp, and the crowd brought incredible energy. You really could not ask for better vibes.
Glamour Meets Health Advocacy
This gathering was more than just an excuse to catch a tan with a cocktail in hand. Legendary LA party collective EVITA partnered with digital clinic MISTR for the day to highlight sexual health and wellness. Amid the poolside chatter, the collaboration brought visibility to PrEP, aiming to keep crucial conversations open, accessible, and stigma-free within the LGBTQ+ community.
“The EVITA pool party has become one of the go-to pool parties of the summer, and this year we were thrilled to partner with MISTR for such a special event,” noted EVITA founders Oly Innes and Andres Rigal. “Raising awareness around PrEP and making conversations about sexual health more visible and accessible is extremely important to us.”
Connecting healthcare resources directly with queer nightlife creates a natural bridge. MISTR makes accessing free online PrEP and STI testing easy, making them a natural fit for an event that celebrates community joy.
Drag Queens and Summer Glory
Just when the pool area reached peak energy, the drag performances began. Queens began strutting and dancing straight from the edge of the water right into the middle of the crowd. They engaged spectators face-to-face, sending bursts of glee through the entire yard (the woop woops were amplified throughout the space).
Every person in attendance was soaking in the final stretch of summer. Between the stunning hilltop views, delicious food, vital health outreach, and top-tier entertainment, Oly Innes and Andres Rigal delivered an absolute standout afternoon.