Tribes of New York: Papi Juice

Clu and Robyn Mowatt got to the party around 2 a.m. “It’s good to come late,” Clu says.

“Some places in the city start out as a safe space but over time become less diverse and less underground,” says one guest. Papi Juice is the exception. “No party in New York lasts for three years!”

“It’s a leather vintage two-piece bolero,” says Jazira Clahar of her outfit. Where from? “My mom’s closet in Brooklyn!”

Discwoman's DJ Haram hails from, you guessed it, New Jersey. Her music blends Jersey club and Middle Eastern rhythms.

“I was watching Star Wars the other day,” says Gouled Ahmed. “So I thought I’d do the Emperor meets queer lifestyle.”

Brad Silk and Red take a breather to flex for the camera.

Though few guests wore stilettos, it didn’t keep them from dancing to Crime Mob’s “Stiletto Pumps,” played by DJ Joey LaBeija.

“I hope to create a space where queer people of color feel safe, but that changes and is complicated,” said Cristobal Guerra, one of Papi Juice’s founders. “It’s really a safer space, because you can never guarantee a safe space in a nightclub.”

“We’re giving people the chance to shine,” said Oscar Nuñez, another of Papi Juice’s founders, of the event’s DJs and performers.

Isabella Vega and Jenny Assaf, freshman at Parsons.

“Our outfits are always kind of matching,” said Vega. “We’re telepathic. It’s magic,” said Assaf.

A group poses for a photo outside.

For much of the night, the line to get in stretched down the block.

“I see some of y’all kissing each other, holding each other,” shouted Nico Fuentes, the MC. “That’s what we’re supposed to do.”

Monica Cruz, Vincent Tsai, Ali Glembocki

“People feel seen, sexy, and valued, which is what we all subconsciously want,” said one guest. “Usually in a club space it’s all about beautiful people. So it’s great to have a party about achieving those things for everyone.”

Will this temporary tattoo sweat off by the end of the night? “Probably,” said Tyler Holmes. “That’s why they gave me extras.”

Ezra Glenn and Riobamba

The first Papi Juice was held three years ago at a bar in Crown Heights. “It’s always been legit,” Mark Angel, one regular, said. “But there are more tourists to the experience now.”

“I like the mentality of adding a floral and femme touch to a more masculine symbol,” says Jacob Bannett, of his baseball cap decked out with a garland from the Uprooted Flower Truck.

Chanee Kann and Justin Fulton. The party was co-hosted by Very Black, a social campaign that encourages people of color to share their stories.

Benjamin Dawson-Sivalia, Stepha Murphy, Alison

“It’s all about the 1930s and ‘40s,” says Brittany Rose, of her outfit.

“Y’all look fucking hot!” Nico Fuentes, the MC, shouted to the crowd.

Ifrah Ahmed, Rahma Haji, Medha Ghosh

Josh Wizman and Aisha Mirza

Alden Lombard and Chris Costa

Sarah Caye, Ariel Rush, Frank M. Jones

Papi Juice founder Oscar Nuñez and MC Nico Fuentes

Adam Bainbridge of Kindness and Dibi

“Tonight is a very West Coast kick-back vibe,” said one guest. “Everybody knows each other.”

“The fact that the four of us running it are best friends makes the party feel homegrown and grassroots,” said founder Oscar Nuñez. “We want to show how faceted and beautiful and diverse our community is.”

DJ Haram