Out with Dr. Bill: Unexpected Honors, NYC Pride, and Lorna Luft

From a quiet reset in the Pines to full-throttle celebrations in New York and beyond, this past month has been a whirlwind of connection, purpose, and unexpected honors. I was humbled to receive not one, but two recognitions – one in the Boston area from Bentley University's Gloria Cordes Larson Center for Women and Business, and another in Tucson from the team at Compete Magazine. In between, there were drag shows, parades, thought-provoking panels, and even a chance encounter with Judy Garland's daughter.

Pride may be one month on the calendar – but this year, it reminded me just how much it lives in every moment we show up, speak out, and celebrate one another.

Pines, Peace, and Pride Prep

Following the Lambda Legal Awards that kicked off Pride Month – which I wrote about in my last column – I spent a few restorative days on Fire Island, soaking up the sun, catching my breath, and getting centered before a whirlwind month of travel filled with both Pride and non-Pride events.

A big shoutout to my bestie, Rick Bingham – there's nothing better than making the trip to the Pines with a friend who knows the rhythm of that special place. Rick, thank you for always being my favorite travel buddy.

Straight from the Pines to the Podium

After a quick recharge on Fire Island and a packed workweek, I was back on the road – this time heading to Boston to attend Bentley University's 25th anniversary of Gearing Up, a flagship leadership conference advancing inclusive leadership from the classroom to the boardroom.

I arrived a bit late, straight from another engagement, but just in time to catch keynote speaker Betty Francisco, CEO of the Boston Impact Initiative. Bentley's campus in Waltham, Massachusetts, provided an inspiring backdrop, and the room was filled with a vibrant, diverse crowd. Spotting Pride stickers with Bentley College across our table, I immediately felt welcomed and seen.

Then came a powerful moment: I was honored to receive the inaugural Ally in Action Award from the Gloria Cordes Larson Center for Women and Business. This recognition – celebrating individuals of all genders who actively champion women – meant the world to me.

Special thanks to Cindy Zavala Hanshaw, who kept the surprise under wraps, and to the CWB Board of Advisors, who traveled from New Jersey to present the award in person. To be selected by business leaders, academics, and peers for work that's deeply woven into my values is something I will always cherish.

Art, Advocacy & A Night with G.R.E.G.

As PRIDE month rolled on, the city buzzed with gatherings hosted by so many incredible groups. Eric and I had a "date night" out together. The evening began with events organized by G.R.E.G. – the Gay Real Estate Group – an organization near and dear to Eric's heart, a dynamic professional networking and advocacy group for LGBTQ+ folks in the real estate industry here in New York. Eric's a member, and a couple of times a year he can bring guests. I was lucky enough to tag along for this one.

This season's celebration was held in collaboration with the Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art, the only museum in the world dedicated entirely to LGBTQIA+ art. Tucked away in a beautiful historic townhouse on Wooster Street in SoHo, the museum has such a rich story. It all began with a 1969 art show in the loft of its founders, Charles Leslie and Fritz Lohman, and has since become a cultural gem for our community.

The event was intimate and filled with great energy – the perfect setting for meaningful conversation and connection. A thoughtful panel discussion anchored the evening, and afterward Eric and I snapped a selfie between two stunning pieces of art (though I completely forgot to jot down the artists' names!). We sent the photo to Diane Felicio, the Museum's Board President, who, fun fact, is married to our fellow University of Arizona Wildcat, Professor Jan Donley. They were just at our home last year for an alumni gathering.

It's funny: For such a big city, the LGBTQ+ world here often feels like a tight-knit village. And that's one of the many things I love about it.

Pride, Progress & the Power of Representation

I closed out the week in Tucson, Arizona, at the 2025 Compete Sports Diversity Summer Conference – a gathering that means a great deal to me.

My connection to Compete goes back over a decade, starting with their trailblazing Compete Magazine, founded in 2007 by Eric Carlyle and David Riach. Inspired by their time with the Phoenix Storm gay rugby team, they launched the magazine to spotlight LGBTQ+ athletes long overlooked by mainstream sports media. That mission spoke to me then, and still does today.

This year's conference brought together sports organizers, tourism leaders, corporate champions, and community partners, all united by the vision of Sports For All™. A standout moment for me was a thoughtful and energizing 45-minute Q&A with professionals who truly understand the power of inclusive leadership and equitable access in sports.

Then came a moment I'll never forget: Being honored as Compete's 2025 Person of the Year, presented by Tucson Vice Mayor and Ward 1 Council Member Lane Santa Cruz. I'm so grateful she took the time to present it in person – it meant the world.

This recognition is more than an award; it reflects the values that ground me. Diversity, opportunity, and inclusion aren't just part of my work; they're part of who I am. My compass. My purpose. My north star.

Another personal highlight was joining fellow attendees at IBT's – the last gay bar in Tucson I'd actually go to (others will remain nameless). While Eric and I first met at another spot (so old-fashioned of us), it was at IBT's where we truly began our 35+ year romance. Being back there brought it all full circle.

Pride, Power & a Perfect Pour

Back in New York, the spirit of LGBTQ+ Pride felt like it jumped a notch. I attended several Pride-inspired events, including a standout fundraiser hosted by nightlife icon Joe Mode and his way out WORLDWIDE organization. Strength in Pride: Courage, Community, Next Generation was a vibrant celebration of unity and purpose.

With support from sponsors like Passport Magazine and raffle proceeds benefiting Live Out Loud, St. Pat's for All, and Spared the Love, the night embodied what Joe called "unified community support in the LGBTQIA+ world."

It was also my first time at the new Boxers HK location across from the original spot on 9th Avenue. The team continues to show up for our causes – and, yes, the shirtless bartenders still bring their spark.

From the Living Room to the Ballot Box

Eric and I only had to walk a single block to kick off the first of many Pride-inspired events that rounded out the month. We joined a vibrant mix of LGBTQ+ community leaders, passionate philanthropists, and longtime friends for an inspiring evening in Chelsea, hosted by Howard and Joey Pulchin-Ramos, Caroline and Heather Fisher-O'Neill, Twaun Samuel, and Ashton Giese.

Held in the stunning Chelsea loft of our neighbors Stephen Henderson and James LaForce – one of my favorite apartments in the city, a 6,000-square-foot space in a historic factory building designed by the incredible Ryan Lawson – the evening was as inspiring as it was beautiful. Once described by an Architectural Digest article as being "for social butterflies who love," the space was the perfect backdrop for a heartfelt friend/fundraiser in support of LGBTQ+ political representation. Special guests included Evan Low, CEO of the LGBTQ+ Victory Institute, Connecticut State Treasurer Erick Russell, and NYC Council Member Erik Bottcher.

The night was both joyful and energizing. It's always a gift to see so many familiar faces in one room, and even more powerful to hear about the work being done to ensure LGBTQ+ individuals are represented at every level of government, leading openly and authentically.

From the French Quarter to Chelsea's Corners

The week leading up to Pride was a whirlwind, in the best way. I flew to New Orleans for two back-to-back conferences, delivered closing remarks at the WEConnect International Day, and even ended up at a Mardi Gras-themed party at the Women's Business Enterprise National Council's annual conference, masks and all. Then, almost as soon as I landed back in Manhattan, the energy shifted. I arrived late Friday night to find the city fully transformed – rainbow flags everywhere, metal barricades going up, and that electric sense of anticipation you can only feel during Pride weekend.

In Chelsea, the streets were already lined with barriers, prepping for the parade that would end just a few blocks from our apartment. Cement blocks and sanitation trucks – part of the NYPD's security plan – were being strategically parked. Signs of street closures were going up. Eric and I have lived in New York long enough to know the drill: The barriers don't just signal celebration, they're part of the city's effort to keep us safe, to manage crowds, and to clearly define the parade route. It may sound strange, but there's a unique comfort when the city goes into full-on "gay lockdown." It means Pride is here.

Pride Officially Starts When Philip & Neil Open Their Doors

Pride weekend always kicks off with a bang at Philip and Neil's legendary party at their historic Chelsea townhouse. This year's invite – tastefully designed with a rainbow ribbon down the side – set the tone perfectly, hinting at the rainbow flag-covered windows that light up their multilevel West Village home like a beacon of joy.

As always, the afternoon melted into night in true Pride fashion – packed with gorgeous, accomplished guests and that unmistakable electric energy. The bees knees stinger cocktails were top tier (thank you, Marc Levine and Model Bartenders, for sending the very handsome Kyle Tuohy), and DJ Andrew Jardine kept the vibe alive from the booth, with his equally handsome twin, Shane, there offering brotherly support.

Neil's signature gin-based cocktail – light, citrusy, and dangerously drinkable – went down like a charm. Definitely one to sip slowly... though few of us did.

Their place is the ultimate party hub: Cozy nooks, a dreamy backyard oasis, and the kitchen, where I inevitably find myself holding court. Every inch of their home, down to the original 1905 doorknobs, oozes character. True to tradition, I left with the number of a lovely local couple I'm genuinely excited to get to know. Pride magic, every single time.

Marching with Pride — and a Bit of Broadway Magic

I woke up feeling refreshed and ready to head up to East 26th Street to meet Governor Hochul. I always love starting the parade with the kind of fanfare you'd expect at the Kentucky Derby – and walking with the Governor somehow brings that same electric buzz.

Security was no joke this year – QR codes, wristbands, barricades – so I zigzagged through the streets like I was navigating a city-wide escape room. Starbucks in hand, I linked up with my fellow marchers, catching up with old friends and meeting a few new ones.

That's when I noticed a lovely woman nearby wrestling with what looked like a fanny pack-slash-crossbody situation. The strap had so much slack it kept sliding down to her hips. I walked over to help adjust it and, in the process, moved one of our "I ❤️ NY" Pride pins – courtesy of Hochul's team – to cover a small dot of makeup that had smudged her shirt. The quick fix reminded me of the time I adjusted Roy Scheider's wife Brenda's shoe on the red carpet, only to be dubbed "Prince Charming from Harper's Bazaar" in Liz Smith's column. (You might have to Google Liz Smith, but she was the original Page Six.)

We shared a good laugh, and at one point she pulled out a jumbo container of gum from her crossbody bag – it was packed with every imaginable essential. She came prepared, and I loved that about her. A woman after my own heart.

Then she introduced herself: "I'm Lorna Luft." Yes – that Lorna Luft. Judy Garland's daughter.

A few selfies and texts to mutual friends later, I knew this would go down as one of my most cherished Pride Parades ever. As we marched down the street, lined with thousands of smiling faces, colorful outfits, and cheers of joy, I felt an overwhelming sense of belonging. It's hard to put into words, but in that moment, I truly felt part of a community.

Pride, Parade & A Perfect Pause at The Perry Club

As we marched down the street – lined with thousands of smiling faces, vibrant outfits, and cheers of joy – I truly felt part of a community.

Along the way, I ran into a host of friends: Evan and his boys, our beloved City Councilman Erik Bottcher, and many more. As we neared the teens, I peeled off to meet Brandon Fay at The Perry Club, where he'd transformed the entire block into a full-blown celebration: Tables in the street, drag shows, a DJ, and nonstop energy. A true block party.

Brandon, a dear friend of decades, had saved me a prime seat behind the barricades in the invite-only section – perfect for soaking up the festivities. After a few slices of his award-winning pizza and a well-timed cocktail, I dashed home for a quick shirt change. I'd started the day in a sparkly tee from this year's Aspen Gay Ski Week – adorable for a moment, but not my all-day look. I had planned to switch into a classic "I ❤️ NY" tee at the parade start, but they didn't hand any out. So, there I was, marching through the streets of New York with "AGSW" across my chest.

On my way home, I ran into nightlife legend Kate McAllister, effortlessly rocking one of our shared favorite Lina Bradford tees – the one that channels Josephine Baker, complete with a flower in her hair. We hugged, laughed, admired her fierce lipstick choice, and I scurried off for a quick change before heading back out.

My final stop was Michael Gallub's annual Chelsea Pride party. His flat was packed with guys of all ages, and front and center was a rainbow banner featuring Michael's smiling mug and the words: "Michael's Pride Party, June 29, 2025." That's when I knew I'd made it to my final Pride event of the weekend.

Michael always delivers: Great food, great guests, and even better conversation. A perfect ending to a beautiful weekend.

Well – almost. On my way home, I made one last pit stop at Elmo to see my longtime protégé, Paul West from amfAR. He still credits me with being his first real boss during my Genre magazine days, and he remains one of the kindest souls I know.

As I walked home, full of gratitude (and maybe a bit of glitter), I thought: What a perfect way to top off a whirlwind few weeks and an unforgettable Pride Weekend.