Why a White Party? Celebrating Connection, Diversity and Community Resilience (2024)

Why a White Party? Celebrating Connection, Diversity and Community Resilience (1)

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Karuana Gatimu Why a White Party? Celebrating Connection, Diversity and Community Resilience (2)

Karuana Gatimu

Principal Manager, Microsoft 365 Customer Advocacy Group | Technical Storyteller | Writer | Producer | Advocate | Great Cook

Published May 1, 2023

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In my 20’s and early 30’s I probably attended 20+ White Parties.A staple in the LGBTQ+ community they have always meant celebration, ushering in pool party weather and honoring a strong community.White Parties were started in that community as fundraisers for HIV/AIDS related charities. They always signified a safe place where people could gather and be themselves.

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People came together – often after enduring unimaginable loss – to celebrate their resiliency and the ability to make change, together.

As we planned our Microsoft presence at Microsoft 365 Conference this spring we decided that it was time to start a new tradition.I suggested why not have a White Party?Why not honor this community – its resilience and unflappable optimism in the face of great change – and dress up a little?

When I started attending White Parties I had no idea they were actually a descendant of Diner en Blanc, originating in France. These gatherings started in 1988 are a chic picnic in a unique public location where all attendees wear white, bring their own tables & chairs and celebrate the coming of spring. Normally, the location isn't revealed until just before the gathering, introducing a little fun and intrigue. In both types of gatherings all are welcome, equal and able to enjoy a unique celebration together. Diner en Blanc now happens each year around the world and people are celebrating coming back together again in large groups.

A White Party does not speak to race or ethnicity in ANY way.In fact quite the opposite.The theme speaks to a unifying quality across all humanity – the need for connection, especially in trying times.Though the Covid pandemic has receded to some extent we are all still dealing with its aftermath, economically and emotionally.I believe community connections can be a salve to the collective trauma we have all experienced and are, in one way or another, still processing.

Our party will be different than those you may find online if you look.It is after all a Microsoft sponsored professional event and will abide by our Code of Conduct.BUT, we can enjoy the amazing music spun by our own MJ DePalma as House of Gusto, fun games and good food out by the pool and have a generally smashing time.

So, if you were wondering, “What’s a White Party?” now you know.It is a set of wonderful memories from my younger days whose message is still as potent and meaningful as ever.This message of embracing diversity, unity and celebration has and will always represent the fact that we are better and stronger together, than we ever are apart.There is always more that connects us in our humanity than divides us.I can’t wait to see you all there!

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Sommer B.

1mo

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So well said!

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Jackie Muller, LCSWR

Clinical Director and founder of Dynamic Intervention Wellness Solutions

9mo

I proposed this in a business meeting today and was immediately confronted by pushback. So I took to the internet to find the history that I already knew from reading a book called "The Art of Gathering" by Priya Parker. I really appreciate you for providing this quick history. I will be sharing for sure and having the White Party as planned :).

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MJ DePalma

Business with Purpose | Sustainability Change Agent | Galvanizer | Systems Thinker | Culture Creator | Principal at Microsoft

1y

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Great article! House of Gusto was happy to share the beats!

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Chris Bortlik

Microsoft Principal Technical Architect, Keynote Speaker, Author, Mentor, Coach, Leader, 3X Platinum/Gold Club Award Winner

1y

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Thanks for sharing the background and history. Very informative and helpful! Looking forward to this and being with the community again this week.

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Dan Rey

people developer | have you tried turning it off and on again? | multi-lingual trainer (i speak your favorite operating system) | microsoft mvp m365 apps and services | #IAmRemarkable facilitator | microsoft alumni club

1y

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Thanks for sharing Karuana Gatimu - I’ve never attended one (and probably have the top and shoes covered, but I don’t know if I still have white shorts (and I know I don’t have white pants!)

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Why a White Party?  Celebrating Connection, Diversity and Community Resilience (2024)

FAQs

Why a White Party? Celebrating Connection, Diversity and Community Resilience? ›

White Parties were started in that community as fundraisers for HIV/AIDS related charities. They always signified a safe place where people could gather and be themselves. People came together – often after enduring unimaginable loss – to celebrate their resiliency and the ability to make change, together.

What is the purpose of an all-white party? ›

A white party is a fundraiser, party, or other celebration where all party-goers wear white. White parties may have started in the 1980s as a fundraiser for HIV/AIDS prevention. White parties made their way into the Black community as hip-hop legends started hosting them in the 1990s.

What was Diddy's white party? ›

In this case, it was the establishment that wanted a glimpse of Diddy's world. As the rap mogul told Oprah in a 2006 interview, the intention behind the first White Party was to integrate hip-hop into the echelons of the mega-rich, to find an intersection of both worlds for the sake of unity.

What is the party where everyone wears white? ›

Dîner en Blanc ("Dinner in White" in French) is a worldwide event spanning six continents in which people dressed in white have a meal in a temporary dining setup in a public space. Diners are required to provide their own food, tables, chairs and tablecloths.

Why are white parties so popular? ›

“Diddy popularized them in the 2000s with his parties in the Hamptons,” said Sadé Council, a marketing strategist. “So, it gave wearing all white a certain cachet, and made it feel like you were doing something elevated, cool, and bougie.” Do you plan to attend any All White parties this summer?

What is the symbolism of a white party? ›

A staple in the LGBTQ+ community they have always meant celebration, ushering in pool party weather and honoring a strong community. White Parties were started in that community as fundraisers for HIV/AIDS related charities. They always signified a safe place where people could gather and be themselves.

How do you stand out at a white party? ›

1. Get creative with colour. Just because it's a white party doesn't mean you have to be head to toe in white: a mostly white or pale dress with a scattering of pretty flowers or on-trend polka dots will instantly draw attention while adhering to the dress code. Keep it on-message with neutral or low-key accessories.

Do I have to wear all white to a White Party? ›

While the dress code for a white party usually calls for all-white attire, variations in shades such as off-white or cream may be acceptable. However, it is a good idea to consult the event organizer or host for specific guidelines regarding the acceptable range of colors.

What is a White Party in the Hamptons? ›

Michael Rubin's 'White Party' is a star-studded annual event

As the title suggests, the event features a strict dress code of all-white clothing, and has been hosted the past few years by Rubin and his girlfriend Camille Fishel at their Hamptons estate.

Who went to the White Party? ›

The star-studded 'White Party' was attended by the likes of Tom Brady, Jay Z, Jennifer Lopez and more. LEONARDO DICAPRIO.

What does white party mean urban? ›

white party (plural white parties) (slang, recreational drugs) The use of cocaine with other people.

What food to serve at a white party? ›

FOOD
  • Whitefish dip with pita chips.
  • Spinach dip (with crab and one without) and Carr's water crackers.
  • Crab cakes (they are kind of white) and an aioli dipping sauce.
  • Baked Brie.
  • Cheese platter – manchego, white cheddar, Iberico, and goat cheese.

What does white dress code mean? ›

Also known as “full evening dress”, white tie attire is considered the most formal of all dress codes. The white tie dress code indicates that guests are high-caliber, royal, or have high social standing.

What is a hot White Party? ›

Guests and staff simply wear white clothes and engage in a dance party, their white clothes glowing with the help of black lights, strobe lights and lasers. The White Party on MSC Cruises, White Hot Party on Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) and White Hot Night Party on Carnival are particularly notable mentions.

How many people are at the White Party? ›

Taking place during the lead up to the New Year's Eve countdown, the 2024 edition of the festival saw 30,000 attendees from 93 countries gather at the Bangkok Convention Centre to witness performances by big-name artists, as well as some truly spectacular production design.

What to call a White Party? ›

Synonyms for White party
  • ghostly party. n.
  • innocent party. n.
  • neutral party. n.
  • alabaster gathering.
  • ivory celebration.
  • snowball event.
  • white affair.
  • good party. n.

What are the rules for all white parties? ›

Not all white parties are this lavish, but they all share a common rule: you must wear the theme color. Shepherd turned away those who came dressed in other colors. Lest that sound harsh, Le Dîner en Blanc, perhaps the granddaddy of the White Party, does the same.

Who throws the white party? ›

Meet Michael Rubin, Fanatics Billionaire CEO and 'White Party' Host - Business Insider.

What was Kyle's White Party for? ›

Watch The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills on Peaco*ck and the Bravo App. “The White Party is very nostalgic for us because this has always been about our family. I'd much rather put my energy and focus on planning a White Party than all the stuff I'm dealing with in my personal life.

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