Out with Dr. Bill – From Brotherhood to Broadway, Moments That Matter

In recent weeks, I've been reminded of the quiet beauty that lives in connection – from meaningful goodbyes, landmark celebrations, inspiring performances, or community milestones.

From bidding farewell to the beloved Gamma Mu Social Fraternity in Sarasota while reaffirming our commitment to the Foundation's enduring mission, to sharing theater date nights, raising a glass in Palm Springs, honoring legal trailblazers at Lambda Legal, and soaking up summer magic on Fire Island, each experience has been enriching, humbling, and deeply personal. The essence of connection.

Here's a glimpse into the moments that lifted my spirit and reminded me of the transformative power of showing up, speaking out, and staying connected.

Gamma Mu: A Farewell and a Future Full of Purpose

Earlier this month, Eric and I flew to Sarasota, Florida to bid a heartfelt farewell to the Gamma Mu Social Fraternity – an organization that has meant so much to us for decades. We gathered with longtime friends from around the world, sharing memories, laughter, and deep appreciation for the brotherhood that shaped our lives.

Our weekend was full, from a guided tour of the Barnum & Bailey Circus Museum – part of the historic Ringling estate, and home to lavish costumes, original circus wagons, and a breathtaking scale model of the "Greatest Show on Earth" – to a magical sunset dinner at the Sarasota Yacht Club. Mid-meal, a flash downpour swept through and disappeared just as quickly, revealing a double rainbow arching over the water. It felt like nature's way of saying to us, "See you all over the rainbow." We ended the gathering with a warm and festive Stragglers party hosted in the beautiful home and gardens of Jeremy Wright and Andrew Basco.

The Gamma Mu Social Fraternity was founded in 1988 to connect gay men through friendship, travel, and community. But during the height of the AIDS crisis, our members saw an opportunity – and a responsibility – to do more. That's when the Gamma Mu Foundation was born.

For over 30 years, the Foundation has awarded millions of dollars in grants and scholarships to support LGBTQ+ people in rural and underserved communities. We've helped fight isolation, improve access to healthcare, support education, and create new opportunities for those who need it most.

While the fraternity chapter has now come to a close, the Foundation's mission carries on. And as we stood arm in arm in Sarasota, we recommitted ourselves to the work ahead. The legacy lives, the purpose endures – and the story is far from over.

From Robots to Espionage: Broadway's Unlikely Stars

Over the past few weeks, Eric and I carved out time for a pair of unforgettable theater date nights, each one offering its own brand of magic, surprise, and meaning.

One standout was the Tony Award-winning "Maybe Happy Ending," starring Darren Criss ("Glee") and directed by Michael Arden ("Parade"). I wasn't quite sure what to expect going in – just that it involved two discarded robots embarking on a road trip and forming an unexpected connection. But I had a feeling it was going to be something special when we ran into not one, but two sets of dear friends – each duo boasting multiple Tony Awards and a sixth sense for spotting a hit. Seeing Dennis Trunfio, Gildo, Philip Laffey, and Marc Levine always warms our hearts, and made the evening even more memorable.

The show itself was poignant, strange, and deeply touching – a beautiful meditation on isolation, humanity, and the unexpected connections that carry us through. No wonder it swept six Tony Awards last week. I left feeling a renewed sense of hope – and a reminder that love and belonging often find us in the most unlikely places.

Our second night out was "Operation Mincemeat," a musical I knew little about – although I had seen the 2021 film starring Colin Firth. Eric, ever the history buff, was especially eager to see how they adapted such a serious story for the stage. Based on the real-life WWII espionage mission, the show takes a satirical, wildly inventive turn that's equal parts clever and captivating. What truly stood out was the gender-bending, multi-role casting: Five actors portraying 85 characters with seamless flair. Tony winner Jak Malone's portrayal of Hester Leggatt was a standout – hilarious, grounded, and wonderfully nuanced.

The show's gender-blind casting brought a fresh, queer energy to a story traditionally centered on cisgender men, and I walked away both entertained and inspired. It was a reminder of how far theater has come – and how it continues to reflect the inclusive world we're all working toward.

Milestone 80th in Palm Springs; Weekend to Remember

As I've written before, I always feel a deep sense of gratitude when I'm invited to share in a friend's milestone celebration. A couple of weekends ago, Eric and I had the joy of celebrating one of those moments in Palm Springs – the 80th birthday of our beloved friend Kent Gerlach.

We have over a quarter century of memories with Kent, seeded in our many years together in Seattle, and we continue to harvest joy from that friendship to this day. Kent brought together friends and family from every chapter of his life for a weekend filled with laughter, storytelling, meaningful tributes, and heartfelt connection.

There were so many wonderful people in attendance that I couldn't possibly name them all – but what stood out most was the overwhelming feeling of community.

After a weekend of cake, cocktails, conversations, and celebration, I left with my heart full. Grateful for the friendships that have stood the test of time, for the circle of support we give each other, and for the opportunity to celebrate and lift up those friends as they mark the milestones along life's journey that we share.

Beyond the Applause—Lambda Legal's Call to Action

Last Thursday, Eric and I had the honor of attending Lambda Legal's Liberty Awards National Dinner at The Glasshouse in NYC – guests of our fabulous gal pal, Lisa Linsky from McDermott – alongside nearly a thousand passionate supporters of LGBTQ+ and HIV justice.

Lambda Legal CEO Kevin Jennings opened the evening with a powerful and moving welcome, reminding us of the strength we find in solidarity. His announcement that the organization raised over $285 million to advance LGBTQ+ and HIV rights couldn't have come at a more critical time.

The evening's two shining stars were nothing short of extraordinary. First was former U.S. Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar, who received this year's prestigious Liberty Award for her fearless advocacy in the landmark Skrmetti case – standing up for transgender youth's access to healthcare. Watching her accept the award, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride, not only in her legal brilliance, but in the courage and compassion she brings to her work.

But it was Navy pilot Commander Emily "Hawking" Shilling – affectionately known to many as "Top Gun" – who brought the crowd to its feet. A transgender military aviator with nearly two decades of service, multiple combat missions, and more than 1,700 flight hours under her belt, Emily's presence on that stage sent a clear and powerful message: Trans people serve proudly – and they excel at all levels in the military. Her story of resilience, excellence, and authenticity moved many of us to tears.

I was especially grateful to have had a meaningful conversation with her afterward, where we shared a few quiet moments – including memories of my late father and brother, both proud Navy veterans. It was a full-circle moment that reminded me just how personal – and profoundly moving – these celebrations of service and identity can be.

Walking out of The Glasshouse, I felt deeply moved by Elizabeth's unwavering leadership, Emily's inspiring service, and the collective power of a community that refuses to let injustice stand. Eric, Lisa, and I left with full hearts and a renewed determination to carry this momentum forward.

If Liberty Awards 2025 reminded me of anything, it's this: When fierce advocacy meets genuine community, we don't just change laws – we change lives.

History Just Beyond the Boardwalk: Art, Architecture, and Community

The Cherry Grove Archives Collection is celebrating our community's rich history this summer through the works of Fire Island photographers Warren Boyd Wexler, Koitz, and Susan Kravitz, with Outdoor Art Walking Tours now on display. Our across-the-boardwalk neighbor, Anthony Hadaway, opened up his stunning Horace Gifford home this past Saturday to host a reception for Koitz in celebration of his "Outdoor Walking Tour," which runs through July 6th in the Grove.

A celebrated photojournalist originally from the Basque Country, Koitz has spent over two decades documenting the vibrant, complex beauty of LGBTQIA+ life on Fire Island. His lens captures everything from elaborate global events to the intimate moments that define Grove and Pines summers. His work reflects the joy, freedom, and cultural richness of our queer island community.

And speaking of Horace Gifford, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that "Fire Island Modernist: Horace Gifford and the Architecture of Seduction" – written by my housemate Christopher Rawlins – has just been reissued in an expanded edition. The book, which explores the life and work of Gifford and his iconic modernist vacation homes in Fire Island's gay enclaves, is available at Metropolis Books/Gordon de Vries Studio, as well as Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and other booksellers.

Summer in the Grove always reminds me how much history lives just beyond our boardwalks, and how lucky we are to be part of its living, evolving story.

My bestie Rick and I took the 2 pm ferry back to the city, both of us facing a week of looming obligations. As we strolled down the boardwalk en route to the dock, I spotted a flyer for my buddy Cheyenne Jackson – Grammy and Emmy-nominated actor, singer, and songwriter – coming to Cherry Grove on July 26th for his first performance at the Ice Palace (tickets at Redeyetickets.com, of course). What caught my eye even more was the telephone pole it was stapled to – a true relic, held together less by wood and more by decades' worth of rusted staples. I'm convinced the sheer volume of community notices it has supported could qualify it for landmark status. Honestly, that flyer had some serious historical company.

Giving Back, Lifting Up, and Living Fully

From Sarasota to the stage lights of Broadway, the desert air of Palm Springs to the historic boardwalks of Fire Island, these past few weeks have been a vibrant mosaic of memory, meaning, and momentum. Each experience – whether bidding farewell to brotherhood, celebrating a milestone, witnessing brilliance in advocacy, or honoring art and architecture – has reminded me of the enduring power of connection. These are the stories that shape us, the people who inspire us, and the shared moments that keep us grounded in purpose and lifted by love.