Out with Dr. Bill: 2024 Pride's Big Finish

LGBT Center's Garden Party: A Vibrant Start to Pride

This year, as the sun set on June 24, Eric and I joined several hundred fellow New Yorkers at Pier 76 in Hudson River Park for The LGBT Center's annual Garden Party. This event always signifies the start of Pride Month for me, and it was the first party under the Center's new chief executive, Dr. Carla Smith, who started in February.

The Garden Party was a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with friends, LGBTQ+ community leaders, and advocates, all supporting the essential services provided by the Center.

Since its founding in 1983, the Center has been a beacon of celebration and pride for all LGBTQ+ New Yorkers.

Despite a breezy start that felt like a scene from "The Wizard of Oz," the party was an absolute blast. The wind eventually settled, but our hair didn't! The celebration included elected officials like State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal and Assemblymember Tony Simone, as well as allies like Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. Their presence underscored the community's broad support, making it a perfect event to celebrate Pride and our vibrant LGBTQ+ community.

Pride at the White House

Pride festivities continued in our nation's capital, as I had the pleasure of attending the annual White House Pride Month celebration in Washington. An earlier meeting with WEConnect Founder and CEO Elizabeth Vasquez, an amazing LGBTQ+ ally, brought me to DC, so the timing was perfect.

I met up with my buddy Casey Oakes, an inspiring LGBTQ+ leader, to enter the party. As a DC insider, he ensured our entry was seamless. I first met Casey over a decade ago when he was VP of Corporate Relations at the NGLCC.

The White House South Lawn was a vibrant canvas of rainbow colors on a sweltering Wednesday evening. Hundreds of us gathered to celebrate Pride Month. Following the White House staff's instructions, we dressed comfortably for the heat in hats, shorts, and short-sleeved shirts.

The festive spirits remained high despite the heat wave. The presidential mansion's columns, adorned in Pride flag colors, created a striking visual spectacle.

Ashley Biden, the president's daughter, delivered a heartfelt introduction to her mother, First Lady Jill Biden, who spoke passionately about unconditional love and acceptance.

The celebration peaked with Deborah Cox's electrifying performance, which had the crowd dancing and singing along.

This event was a significant gathering of influential LGBTQ+ leaders and allies, many of whom I knew from my home state of Arizona, including Daniel Hernández Jr., a former Arizona State Representative.

I later joined him at Crush, D.C.'s newest gay bar on 14th Street, for the LGBTQ+ Elected Leaders and Community Members reception hosted by the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund.

I believe this celebration perfectly reflected the vibrant spirit and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community during Pride Month.

From White House to British Embassy: A Night of Pride

I was so sweaty after being outside on the South Lawn that I had to run back to my friend's home to shower, change into a fresh outfit, and drink a gallon of water. I put on a long-sleeved shirt and blazer because immediately after the White House party, I headed to the British Ambassador's Residence and Gardens for a "reception celebrating PRIDE," hosted by my longtime friend, the British Ambassador, Dame Karen Pierce, DCMG, and the New Zealand Ambassador, Rosemary Banks.

The UK-NZ event was a fantastic night celebrating the LGBTQ+ community. The residence was under construction last year, so the entire party was held outside. This year, after a five-year refurb, the doors were wide open to welcome partygoers celebrating Pride Month in Washington.

As I approached the residence with its imposing Queen Anne façade and ascended the red-carpeted staircase, I couldn't help but feel extremely fortunate. Besides catching up with Dame Karen in front of a rainbow macaron tower that screamed PRIDE, I was particularly thrilled to see some of the Embassy's stunning pieces of art. Notable artworks adorn the walls of the grand, historic building, including the famous Andy Warhol prints of Queen Elizabeth II, a Yinka Shonibare sculpture, and a Grayson Perry tapestry.

Disco Cowboy Randy Jones Shines at Pride

The margaritas were flowing, the fajitas were sizzling, and the disco balls twinkling, as our longtime friend, Randy Jones, "The Cowboy" from The Village People, graced us with his presence for a few Pride appearances. It feels like we've known Randy forever, and each time he's in town, it's an event to remember.

From the breathtaking "Sunset on the Hudson" at Pier 45 at Christopher Street, to the lively "The Cowboy and the Birthday Girl" party celebrating Kerry Robinson's birthday, to our delicious reception at the Cowgirl Hall of Fame — "Cocktails with the Cowboy at the Cowgirl," hosted by the ever-charming and talented Rob Shmalo, Randy's schedule was packed.

Catching up with Randy is always a joy. Though his hubby, Will, couldn't make it this trip, Randy brought along his son, Anthony, who is truly a lovely young man. It was heartwarming to see the next generation of his family joining in the festivities.

Stonewall Monument Opening Unites Icons and Activists

I can't recall many moments in my life when I've seen Elton John, President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, Katy Perry, New York Governor Kathy Hochul, and Tony Award-winning actors Alan Cumming and Tony-winner Jonathan Groff, among others, gather to celebrate at an LGBTQ+ event. But on Friday, June 28th, they did. Last Friday, I was part of a select group of dignitaries and luminaries who joined the Bidens for the opening of the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center, where music and abundant hope filled the air.

Against the historic backdrop of Greenwich Village, the Stonewall Inn stood as a beacon of resilience, reminding us of the events of June 28, 1969, when the Stonewall Rebellion took place.

The grand opening of the Stonewall Visitor Center was perfectly timed to kick off New York City's Pride weekend and mark the 55th anniversary of the rebellion, a pivotal moment in LGBTQ+ liberation.

One of the highlights of Pride Month for me is the chance to reconnect with friends, "chosen family," and community leaders who have long symbolized activism and unity for the LGBTQ+ community.

Many of these individuals, who have been fighting for our recognition and rights since the beginning, were present at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Their groundwork and sacrifices laid the foundation for our progress.

One such pioneer is Mark Segal, a participant in the Stonewall Riots and a founding member of the Gay Liberation Front NY (1969-71). He founded Gay Youth, the nation's first organization addressing bullying and suicide among LGBTQ+ youth and was a marshal and member of the Christopher Street Gay Liberation Day Committee, which created the world's first Gay Pride in 1970. I've known Mark for over two decades, and he has always been a personal hero of mine.

Rainbows on the Hudson: A Pride Tradition

When our friends Bob and Greg bring the Altair to New York, we never miss an opportunity to go on board and celebrate decades of friendship. This year, the 96-foot luxury sailboat was back in the city for the annual Rainbows on the Hudson Pride Parade. One of my favorite Pride Month festivities, this event saw Eric, myself, and sixteen old and new friends come together to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and the beauty of the Hudson River. We donned our best nautical attire and unleashed our inner sailors for a three-hour sail, soaking in the festive spirit and camaraderie.

Again, this year, the Altair led the parade, adorned with an 8' x 16' rainbow flag—one of the original 8-striped flags handmade by designer Gilbert Baker in 1977. It was a breathtaking and meaningful sight, capturing the spirit of Pride and the enduring bonds of friendship.

The Pride-filled experience was made even more special by our friends, who had just disembarked from the majestic Queen Mary 2 earlier that morning, after a six-day crossing. The ship was docked just down from our slip at ONE°15 Brooklyn Marina. These boys are real nautical enthusiasts, which added an extra layer of joy and connection to our celebration.

We caught sight of the Queen Mary 2 as our taxi drove over the Brooklyn Bridge, sparking memories of past adventures. Eric and I have a particular fondness for transatlantic crossings. Our first experience with a "Queen" ship was actually with Bob, two days after September 11, 2001, when we boarded the QE2 in Boston instead of New York. Due to the terrorist attacks, the ship was diverted, and Cunard bussed all the passengers to Boston for the crossing.

Marching with Friends: A Colorful End to Pride Month

My month-long celebration of LGBTQ+ Pride reached its exuberant grand finale as I joined hundreds of thousands of rainbow-laden revelers on the streets of New York City for the crown jewel of Pride Parades, the 54th annual NYC Pride March on Sunday, June 30th.

The inaugural March took place in 1970, one year after the Stonewall Uprising, and has since evolved into an annual civil rights demonstration. Its purpose has expanded over time to encompass raising awareness about the fight against AIDS and honoring those we have lost to illness, violence, and neglect.

I had the great pleasure of marching with Governor Kathy Hochul and her office in the Parade! I was joined by many LGBTQ+ leaders, including my dear friend Judith Kasen-Windsor, a speaker, activist, and philanthropist. Judith is the surviving spouse of marriage equality pioneer Edie Windsor, who played a pivotal role in the fight against discrimination, leading to the Supreme Court striking down the Defense of Marriage Act in 2013.

As our parade group approached Chelsea, I slipped away to join Eric and our friend Greg at Elmo on 7th Avenue for brunch. Greg was heading back to Amsterdam, and this was my last chance to bid him farewell. We reminisced about the month's events, celebrated our community's resilience, and toasted to the end of another vibrant and inspiring Pride Month.

It was a heartfelt conclusion to a time of reflection, celebration, and unity that I was proud to participate in!