Out with Dr. Bill – Inspiring Nights: Advocacy, Fashion & Friendship

Eric and I are just back from an unforgettable trip to South Africa, a magical adventure I'll share in detail in an upcoming column. Still, in the meantime, I wanted to take a moment to wrap up a few other incredible events I was fortunate to attend and hadn't yet shared with you.

Celebrating Inclusion Through Sport

One of the standout events Eric and I attended since my last column was the 2024 Athlete Ally Action Awards, which inspired us both deeply. The evening wasn't just an awards ceremony – it was a gathering of passionate advocates, athletes, and allies working to transform the world of sports into a more inclusive space. Held at the stunning Tribeca 360 in New York City, it celebrated the courage and commitment that drive change, and sharing the experience with Eric made it even more meaningful.

What stood out to us most was the personal connection we felt to the honorees and the stories shared throughout the night. Seeing two of our dear friends, Andy Tobias and Rob Smith, inducted into the Athlete Ally Hall of Fame was incredibly moving. Their lifelong commitment to LGBTQ+ equality and inclusion has touched so many lives, including ours. Sharing in their recognition alongside fellow inductees Lindsay Berra and Sean James reminded us of the profound impact individuals can have when they dedicate themselves to meaningful change.

Catching up with Andy at the pre-event cocktail reception and hearing his story from the stage during the induction part of the program brought back so many fond memories, especially of his groundbreaking book, "The Best Little Boy in the World." Published in 1973 under the pseudonym John Reid, this memoir vividly details Andy's struggle to reconcile his homosexuality while striving to be the "perfect" boy to avoid suspicion and rejection. Honest, humorous, and deeply reflective, the book struck a chord with many, including Eric and me, who have shared it with countless young gay friends as an essential read. It remains a timeless story of coming out and self-acceptance, a powerful reminder of how far we've come.

In addition to celebrating Andy, the evening offered opportunities to connect with other inspiring individuals, among them Alphonso David, a trailblazing civil rights attorney and former president of the Human Rights Campaign. We also met "The Amazing Race"'s newest gay couple, Joe Moskowitz and Ian Todd, from Season 35. Seeing them reminded me of my longtime friend Reichen Lehmkuhl and his then-"husband," Chip Arndt, who competed in Season Four. Reichen and Chip, the original "gays in the Village," set the bar for LGBTQ+ representation in reality television, making it to the final leg and winning the season back in 2003. Time flies – yikes!

In 2010, I had the privilege of interviewing Reichen Lehmkuhl for EDGE Media Network, where we delved into his groundbreaking experiences on reality television, his activism against the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, and his future aspirations. It was an inspiring conversation that showcased his dedication to visibility and advocacy. You can read the full interview here.

At the heart of it all is Hudson Taylor, founder of Athlete Ally, whose leadership has made the organization a powerful force for change. I've admired Hudson and his wife, Lia Alexandra Mandaglio, for years, and my respect for their work only deepens.

Hudson's journey from All-American wrestler to advocate for LGBTQI+ inclusion shows how one person's courage can inspire change. Athlete Ally believes in the transformative power of sports to drive inclusion and equality. With support from partners like Gillette, the NBA, and Gatorade, the organization continues to educate and advocate for a more inclusive future.

For Eric and me, the evening was about more than the awards. It was about community, progress, and the shared commitment to building Team Inclusion. Having attended this event for many years, I once again left with a full heart, inspired by the extraordinary people driving this incredible work, and feeling more committed than ever to supporting their efforts.

An Evening of Fashion and Vision

Another unforgettable event that Eric and I attended was the Fashion Group International (FGI) 40th Annual Night of Stars Gala, held once again at the iconic Plaza Hotel in New York City. This year's gala somehow felt even more memorable than the last, with the Plaza's timeless elegance providing the perfect backdrop for a dazzling celebration of fashion, culture, and the visionary leaders shaping the industry's future.

A special thanks to Kimberly Carney, Founder and CEO of Wire Holdings, Inc., parent company of FashWire and GlossWire, for graciously hosting us. Along with FGI President and CEO Maryanne Grisz, Kimberly brought unmatched energy, elegance, and a sense of community that made the evening truly remarkable.

A highlight of the night was honoring the incomparable Fern Mallis, a trailblazer in the fashion industry and a longtime friend since my days at Harper's Bazaar. Fern received the FGI Founders' Award for her groundbreaking work with the CFDA, IMG Fashion, and her legendary Fashion Icons series at the 92nd Street Y. Stephanie Ruhle introduced her with heartfelt remarks, celebrating Fern's unmatched talent, mentorship, and dedication to the fashion world. Fern's standing ovation was well-deserved, and her witty, wise speech emphasized kindness and the profound impact one person can have on an industry.

Following other standout moments of the evening, Kate Hudson's presentation of the Design Heritage Award to Max Mara was another highlight. Her heartfelt remarks about the Maramotti family's artistry and dedication to empowerment were truly memorable.

Later, Eric and I had a brief but delightful chat with Kate, whose genuine warmth and passion for the industry provided the perfect ending to a remarkable night.

Catching up briefly with my former Travel + Leisure colleague, Anthony Cenname, now Global Chief Revenue Officer at L'OFFICIEL INC., was another special highlight. Anthony's unmatched expertise in luxury, fashion, and consumer marketing reminded me how fortunate I was to have worked alongside such a creative force.

A big thanks to Chiun-Kai Shih, Founder of CKS Creative Management Inc., for capturing the evening's magic. In addition to his talent for creative representation, he is known for his expert photographic abilities. Chiun-Kai always adds a special touch to events by grabbing my iPhone to ensure every frame is picture-perfect. His generosity and keen eye bring an extra layer of joy and help create unforgettable memories on nights like these.

For Eric and me, the evening was about more than awards – it was a celebration of creativity, community, and progress. We left inspired by the honorees, grateful for the connections, and excited to support the work transforming our industries. The FGI Night of Stars Gala was a night to remember, and we can't wait to see what next year brings.

Brick by Brick: Celebrating Champions of Change

I was honored to once again serve on the host committee for the Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative (SIGBI), the official non-profit of the iconic Stonewall Inn, for their second annual Brick Awards Gala. Held at The Racket NYC, this incredible event celebrated changemakers who embody the enduring spirit of the Stonewall legacy, and it was a privilege to be part of it.

For the second year, the gala took place at The Racket, and I made sure to arrive right on time – which, as it turned out, meant waiting in a rather long line to get in.

While I waited, I texted my friend Judith Kasen-Windsor to see if she'd arrived yet. Moments later, I spotted a petite figure with long blonde hair enthusiastically waving her arms. It was Judith! Not only was she already inside, but she graciously came out to usher me right in. Now, that's what I call having friends in high places (or at least well-placed at the door). Thanks to Judith, I started the evening on the perfect note, ready to celebrate the honorees and their contributions to our community. Moments like these remind me how humor and great friends make events like the Brick Awards Gala even more special.

Once inside, the evening unfolded as a powerful reminder of how far we've come in the fight for LGBTQ+ equality while underscoring the work still needed to achieve true inclusion and equity. Filled with inspiration, community, and pride, the Brick Awards have become a cornerstone of LGBTQ+ recognition. These awards symbolize more than just accolades – they embody the defiance and resilience of the historic Stonewall uprising of 1969.

Decades later, that same spirit of courage and determination continues to fuel the fight for LGBTQ+ rights.

The gala opened with a heartfelt acknowledgment of SIGBI's work as a beacon of hope, tirelessly working to eradicate social intolerance. Through awareness campaigns, education, and fundraising, SIGBI provides vital support to grassroots organizations, particularly in communities where progress has been hard-fought. Their unwavering commitment reminds us of the strength found in unity and resilience.

As the program progressed, it delivered unforgettable moments that set the tone for the evening. One of the highlights was Billy Porter being honored with this year's Icon Award, introduced by "Pose" star Dominique Jackson, last year's recipient and always a crowd favorite. Billy took the stage as only he could – delivering a performance and speech that felt like a Broadway show. Debuting his highly anticipated EP, "Black Mona Lisa Vol. 2: The Cookout Sessions," he performed his new single, "Not Today," electrifying the room. His passionate commentary on the political climate and the state of the LGBTQ+ community was unapologetically fierce and deeply moving, leaving everyone energized to speak up, shout out, and be heard. His words were a powerful reminder of the strength of our voices when we stand together.

In addition, Deutsche Bank's John Tili was celebrated with the Safe Spaces Champion Award, recognizing his commitment to fostering inclusive environments.

The evening sparkled with incredible presenters and performers like Punkie Johnson and Alaska, whose energy and talent brought the night to life. It was also a delightful surprise to meet Josh Helfgott, a digital creator and LGBTQ+ advocate whose powerful storytelling has inspired millions online.

Many thanks to Wilsonmodels for beautifully capturing the magic of the gala with your signature red carpet expertise, ensuring every special moment was preserved. Your artistry added another layer of joy to an already unforgettable event!

One of the night's most unforgettable highlights was Kevin Aviance's performance. A true drag icon and club legend, Kevin graced the stage in a genius red, tan, and black vinyl costume adorned with blue spikes (yes, vinyl too!), including one strategically-placed spike protruding from between his legs. The crowd erupted as he shed layers of the outfit, revealing yet another stunning vinyl creation. When he turned around, the butterfly-inspired costume transformed into a corset – with his buttocks fully exposed. A few of us blushed, but the crowd cheered wildly. It was bold, cheeky, and so quintessentially Kevin, and a moment I'll never forget.

From start to finish, the Brick Awards Gala was a night of community, celebration, and inspiration. It reminded us of the work ahead and the power we hold when we come together. Truly, it was an evening I will carry with me for a long time.

From Tucson to The Perry Club: A Night with Daniel Hernández

The last highlight I want to share was the East Coast reunion with my longtime friend Daniel Hernández during his visit to New York. An openly gay Latino and passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, Daniel has served on Tucson's City Commission on GLBT Issues and represented Legislative District 2 in the Arizona House of Representatives alongside Rosanna Gabaldón.

We began our evening with drinks at Elmo, my favorite local watering hole in Chelsea. Sitting at the bar provided the perfect opportunity for catching up. Afterward, we walked down the street to dine at The Perry Club, a charming Italian restaurant located on Seventh Avenue South between Perry Street and Waverly Place in the heart of the West Village. Owned by Brandon Fay, whom I've known for over two decades, The Perry Club is renowned for its fresh, in-house pasta and signature thin-crust pizzas, each uniquely shaped and crafted with a blend of five different cheeses.

Brandon, who appeared on "Shark Tank" (Season 11, Episode 17), secured a deal with Lori Greiner and Mark Cuban for $150,000 in exchange for 30% equity in his previous venture, Pasta by Hudson. His passion for Italian cuisine shines through in every dish at The Perry Club. During our meal, Brandon introduced us to his playful new creation – caviar on Pringles – a delightful fusion of luxury and nostalgia that perfectly encapsulates his innovative approach to dining.

What I've always loved most about The Perry Club is its open pasta kitchen, where patrons can observe the meticulous preparation of fresh pasta and pizza dough made daily. Eric and I always sit at the counter in front of the chef, captivated by watching the culinary artists at work.

Downstairs, The Perry Club features two speakeasy-style rooms, La Cisterna and Il Grottino, reminiscent of a 1500s European grotto. Under the Tuscan skylight at one of the bars, guests can enjoy a curated selection of Italian varietals from the extensive wine menu. The downstairs seating is always bustling.

Our evening was filled with laughter, heartfelt conversation, and exceptional cuisine, reminding me of the deep connections I cherish with friends, no matter where we meet.

The combination of Daniel's inspiring dedication to advocacy and Brandon's culinary artistry made for an unforgettable night that celebrated both friendship and the vibrant spirit of New York's dining scene.

Inspiration Through Community, Creativity, and Progress

Looking back on everything I've had the privilege to experience recently – from honoring advocates for inclusion to celebrating visionary leaders in fashion, to reconnecting with dear friends – I'm reminded of how these moments of community, creativity, and progress inspire us all to keep pushing for a brighter, more inclusive future.