Out With Dr. Bill: A Nonstop Month of Fashion, Business, and Celebration

This past month has been filled with remarkable experiences, barely leaving me a moment to catch my breath, let alone write in my journal.

As I've mentioned before, "Out with Dr. Bill" began as a morning writing ritual, a meaningful outlet for self-expression and reflection, helping me capture life's fleeting moments before they fade.

Reflecting on these recent experiences, a few highlights stand out: a vibrant New York Fashion Week show on the East River, supporting diverse-owned businesses at Meta and Google, and a weekend retreat with Rex Reed in Roxbury, Connecticut.

I also enjoyed an unforgettable evening with cabaret stars Seth Sikes and Nicholas King, an incredible three-day wedding celebration for dear friends, and wrapped it all up with the L'ATTITUDE conference in San Diego, where I caught up with Steve and Ronnie at their favorite new hotspot, Freddy's Chophouse.

On my way back to New York, I made a quick stopover in Denver to celebrate our friend John's 80th birthday. As I write this on a plane back from Paris, I look forward to sharing more of these experiences in this column.

Fashion on the Waves: A Show Beyond Words

I had the pleasure of being invited by the talented Dr. Kevin Guzmán to a fashion event his practice, Maison Aesthetics, was sponsoring. Kevin handles all my skincare needs and is a gifted clinician and educator, whom I'll feature in a future column. We joined an East River cruise for a fashion show at Pier 36, with the runway set on a moving boat. Although the entire program was in Spanish–and my Spanish isn't that great–the passion, spirit, and beautiful fashion transcended language.

Part of New York Fashion Week AM, the show benefited the nonprofit Women Without Limits. I nearly missed it, thinking the boat left from the west side of Manhattan, but after a mad dash, I made it. The models, including Miss Teen Universe USA, faced a challenge–staying upright in 6-inch heels as the boat hit wakes.

The most standout moment of the evening for me, though, wasn't the fashion, but stepping onto the deck to witness the Tribute in Light beaming over Lower Manhattan, honoring 9/11–a sight that always moves me to tears.

2024 BDR Summit: Tech, Diversity, and Inspiration

Following my runway adventure, I headed to Silicon Valley for the 2024 Billion Dollar Roundtable (BDR) summit, hosted at Google and Meta's campuses. The event celebrated the diversity of the Bay Area and highlighted how innovation and inclusion, in addition to the invaluable contributions of our LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and founders, drive both community and business growth.

BDR is a nonprofit made up of U.S. corporations that each spend $1 billion or more annually with diverse suppliers, including minority-, women-, veteran-, disability-, and LGBTQ+-owned businesses.

For me, the standout moments were visiting the Meta and Google offices in Menlo Park, which offered a fascinating glimpse into the future of tech and business. I also had the privilege of hearing Daymond John of "Shark Tank" share his inspiring journey from humble beginnings–a reminder of the importance of staying grounded and connected to the values that shape us.

Chores, Comfort, and Equality: A Weekend in Connecticut

Following my jaunt to the Bay Area, Eric and I drove up to Connecticut to help my longtime friend and mentor, Rex Reed, with some chores around his Roxbury home. I've always been a fix it guy–I can repair anything, from computers to ice makers, sliding closet doors to sound systems.

My Mr. Fixit skills came from my grandfather, who not only owned every tool imaginable but also let me be his apprentice when he tinkered around the house. He came from the generation of "do it yourself."

One of the standout moments of the weekend was our lunch at G.W. Tavern (short for George Washington) in Washington Depot, CT. The tavern dates back to 1850 and serves American comfort food–including my favorite, Chicken Potpie. I don't remember what everyone else ordered, as I was so fascinated by the short crust biscuit sitting atop the gooey soup of chicken, carrots, celery, onions, turnips, and potatoes.

Thankfully, the calories weren't listed on the menu. We ate in the bar area, in front of a smoke-stained, floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace, with a portrait of George Washington suspended in the middle. I think the bar is the coziest part of the tavern.

Our two friends, Christopher Riano and his partner, Dr. Matthew Krumholtz, joined Rex, Eric, and me at G.W. Chris and Matt are two of the smartest men I've met. Dr. Matt is an expert in philanthropy, communications strategy, and project management, while Chris is a practicing lawyer, legal scholar, and brilliant writer.

Chris co-authored the acclaimed book "Marriage Equality: From Outlaws to In-Laws" with William N. Eskridge Jr., which delves into the legal and social history of marriage equality in the United States. The book traces the movement from its early activism to the Supreme Court's landmark Obergefell v. Hodges decision, providing a comprehensive account of the struggle for LGBT rights, with a particular focus on the fight for marriage equality. Chris' book is 1,040 pages, weighs about 25 pounds, and sits atop the coffee tables of the most discerning LGBT households and supportive allies.

Custom Totes at the L.L. Bean Pop-Up

After returning from the country, Eric and I stopped by the L.L. Bean pop-up shop hosted by Abbode in SoHo. The event, part of New York Fashion Week, was a great opportunity to check out L.L. Bean's iconic products, especially their legendary tote bags. Our close friend Michael Fernandez, Co-Owner of Factory 360, an experiential marketing agency based in NYC, invited us to the event. Michael, who's part of our social group both in the city and in the Pines, always knows the best happenings. We were excited to attend, and as always, had a great time with him. Visitors could purchase these timeless totes and personalize them with on-site bespoke embroidery provided by Abbode. Eric had his tote bag embroidered with the address of our Fire Island home, while mine was more playful, featuring a martini glass with two red pimento-stuffed olives on a toothpick. It was a fantastic chance to own a unique piece from a brand with a rich history dating back to 1912.

Sikes, King, and Stritch Deliver a Cool, Unforgettable Show

I left Eric and Abbode and headed uptown to meet Rex Reed. I didn't anticipate the traffic from Soho to 54 Below in Midtown, so I arrived a bit later than expected–just 20 minutes before the show started. I had just enough time to take a breath, catch up with Rex, and secure a glass of wine.

I was quite warm, having jumped out of the cab on 8th Avenue and hoofed it to the cabaret space, but I didn't mind being out of breath. People who know me know that I rarely take off my jacket at the theater, but this time I did to cool down. Despite the heat, I knew I was in for a cool and hip performance.

Seth Sikes and Nicholas King's latest show, "The New Belters Sing MGM," did not disappoint. The boys' dynamic vocals, paired with the impeccable musical direction of my buddy Billy Stritch, transported the audience straight into the golden age of MGM musicals.

Hearing Billy not only tickle the ivories but also sing was a real highlight for me. I've seen the boys perform before and have always admired Billy's brilliance on the keys, but I was taken aback when he started to sing–his vocals reminded me just how talented he is as a performer in his own right. Seth, Nicholas, and Billy are longtime friends, and their chemistry on stage made for an unforgettable evening. It's always a joy to support them, especially when they deliver a show that's so entertaining and heartfelt.

Love, Laughter, and a Vision of Love: An Unforgettable Wedding Weekend

The next day kicked off a weekend of events to celebrate two great friends. Eric and I had the absolute pleasure of celebrating the beautiful union of our dear friends and Fire Island Pines housemates, Alex Mach and Luigi Laredo, at their stunning wedding, aptly named "LuLex". We believe there's no better gift than being asked to share in your friends' most cherished moments, and this was certainly one of those. It was a true celebration of love and the next generation of our Fire Island Beachcomber crew.

We started with welcome drinks at the Time Out Market rooftop in Brooklyn. Though Eric and I aren't too familiar with the Brooklyn scene, the pre-wedding celebration was perfect–breathtaking city views and a warm gathering of friends, family, and housemates.

The wedding itself, held at The Skylark, was magical. The vows Alex and Luigi exchanged were personal and funny, painting a vivid picture of their love. They beautifully weaved in their shared passions for Mariah Carey and Gloria Estefan, offering a glimpse into the music and culture that have shaped their relationship.

After the ceremony, the rooftop view took my breath away–a stunning New York sunset on one side, and the Empire State Building rising proudly on the other. It was a perfect blend of love, beauty, and the city's vibrant energy. The evening was filled with memorable moments, dancing, and laughter as we toasted to their new chapter together.

We wrapped up the weekend on Sunday at Boxers Chelsea for the farewell "Funday." Boxers, a neighborhood favorite, is not only a fun spot but also incredibly generous to the non-profit community.

Each year, Boxers underwrite the bar and bartenders for our charity event supporting Immigration Equality at our Fire Island home. It was the perfect place to end an unforgettable weekend of love, friendship, and celebration. The joy and love in the air will stay with us for years to come.

Powerful Latino Business Insights: L'ATTITUDE and Beyond

The day after the wedding, I flew to San Diego for the 6,000-person L'ATTITUDE conference, an annual event that celebrates U.S. Latino entrepreneurs and leaders driving economic growth in America.

Every year, the conference brings together business, media, and political leaders to showcase the impact of the Latino community on the New Mainstream Economy. It's truly a gathering of the "who's who" in the Latino business world. As they say, "¡Ese evento fue increíble!"

On the last night of L'ATTITUDE, I headed over to Freddy's Chophouse in San Diego to wrap up the conference with friends. Steve and Ronnie, longtime partners affectionately known as 'Zonies' in their San Diego community (a term for those with homes in both Arizona and San Diego), had recommended Freddy's as their new favorite watering hole. Since they're serious foodies, I always trust their recommendations.

I wrote about Steve and Ronnie in a previous column; they were our gracious hosts for San Diego Gay Pride this year. Freddy's was the perfect spot to relax after a busy week of conference activities. Catching up with the boys always brings a smile to my face–any time spent with them is truly a joy.

The next day, I flew to Denver for a quick 12-hour stopover to celebrate our friend John's 80th birthday. We first met John and his lifelong partner, Eric, at a gay men's fraternal organization event, and they've become dear friends ever since. John has been a mentor to us and was instrumental in getting both Eric and me involved in the Gamma Mu Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports the LGBTQ+ community. Its mission is to create a more inclusive and accepting environment for everyone, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. After celebrating John, I headed back to New York for some much-needed rest.

Grateful for the unforgettable moments and the people who shape them

This whirlwind at the start of September–from unforgettable weddings and fashion-inspired events to championing diversity at conferences and celebrating lifelong friendships–has been a powerful testament to community, love, and connection. I'm deeply grateful for these moments and the incredible people who have shaped them, reminding me of how fortunate I'm to be part of their stories and celebrations.

I look forward to sharing more in my next column!