Out With Dr. Bill: Snow, Sequins & Community

After stepping away from my keyboard for a month, I found myself back in a familiar place—on a plane headed to New York, replaying a season that somehow felt both dizzying and deeply grounding. Holiday parties blurred into fundraisers, reunions into milestone birthdays, sequins into champagne toasts, and quiet moments of gratitude into packed apartments full of laughter. Eric and I had been carried from snowy slopes to city sidewalks to the desert, moving coast to coast on the generosity of friends, hosts, and communities who keep showing up for one another. I’ll start with what’s freshest in my mind: Aspen Gay Ski Week (before circling back to the New York nights, long friendships, and the Tucson gathering that always reminds us where our roots run deepest).

Snow, Sequins & Community

It’s hard to sum up Aspen Gay Ski Week in just a few paragraphs, but I’ll try—while encouraging readers to visit AspenOUT to learn more.

AGSW returned Jan. 11–17 for its 49th year, and once again reminded Eric and me why we make the winter pilgrimage. What began in 1977 as a handful of condo parties has grown into the nation’s oldest and largest, week-long LGBTQ+ ski event, and the primary fundraiser for AspenOUT, the nonprofit supporting LGBTQ+ mental-health services, education, and youth programs throughout the Roaring Fork Valley.

From the moment we arrived, the rhythm of the week was unmistakable. Days unfolded across all four Aspen Snowmass mountains with guided ski meet-ups, while nights were devoted to après-ski gatherings and long friendship dinners. The unofficial kickoff is always Drag Bingo, hosted by my longtime friend—San Diego’s crankiest drag queen—Mariam T; equal parts camp, chaos, and community. Sitting with our pals Leah and Will from Diageo has become a tradition, and once again Mariam T had the entire room in stitches.

As the week gained momentum, evenings often centered at the Limelight Hotel, where nightly après felt more like a reunion than a lounge. 

Highlights ranged from the Top of the Mountain Party at the Sundeck and Barry’s pop-ups at The Little Nell to performances at the Wheeler Opera House, and the legendary Vegas-style pool party at the Aspen Recreation Center, with DJ Lord Izac—where I debuted sequined swim trunks designed by Aleks Zestali on the final night. 

Earlier in the week came the emotional apex: the downhill costume contest on Aspen Mountain, a riot of color and choreography and one of the week’s most beloved traditions, where I served as a judge in the sequined parka Zestali also created.

That afternoon was so bitterly cold that I ended up borrowing a fur muff to protect my ears. 

Many thanks to my seatmate, Naomi Daniels, for lending me one of her prize accessories. I wasn’t even sure what kind of fur it was, but at that point, I didn’t care; it saved me from frostbitten ears.

At its heart, Aspen Gay Ski Week is about more than spectacular parties. Kimberly Kuliga, AspenOUT’s newly appointed executive director, captured it perfectly when she told me, “There’s a real family feeling to Gay Ski Week… It’s about experience, culture, and creating a place where people feel safe enough to visit, or even move.”

That spirit threaded through everything—from mountaintop gatherings and DJ-fueled afternoons to benefit dinners turned dance floors, thoughtful programming, and world-class performances. One morning began with an LGBTQ+ Leadership Forum at the Aspen Institute, an experience I was honored to be part of, where we gathered to exchange ideas about where our community is headed in the decades to come. Later that day, several of us from the forum—including Jaymes Black, CEO of The Trevor Project, and Sarah Kate Ellis, President and CEO of GLAAD—shared dinner before heading to the annual Caribou Club fundraiser, a highlight of this year’s AGSW and a reminder that beneath the glamour, the week is ultimately about raising awareness and critical funds.

Nearly fifty years in, AGSW still reminds me why we return: for the laughter, the purpose, and friendships that last long after the last chairlift closes; and for the rare magic that happens when a community shows up for one another with open arms.

Where the Season Begins: Rick at Le Zie

The start of the holiday party season once again belonged to my dear friend Rick Bingham, who hosted his intimate soirée at Le Zie 2000—a Venetian trattoria in the heart of Chelsea that opened in 1999 under the care of Veneto native Claudio Bonotto. Over the years, Claudio has become part of our extended family, creating a place that feels like a second home to the neighborhood—a gathering spot for artists, office celebrations, and countless meals with friends and family.

Rick has a gift for curating a room. Each year he gathers different chapters of his life for a toast, or two, at The Lounge at Le Zie, the cozy, stylish bar tucked into the back of the restaurant. Its intimate size means a thoughtfully shaped guest list filled with people who play meaningful roles in his life year-round, many of whom have touched Eric’s life and mine as well, one reason this evening is always a favorite.

Italian delicacies lined the bar as martini and wine glasses chimed throughout the room. The pours were famously generous—my martini glass could have housed four goldfish, and the warmth and sparkle of Rick’s gathering always seem to set the tone for the season.

We dine at Le Zie all year long; it’s a true Chelsea landmark, so any excuse to gather there with so many beloved friends feels like a gift.

Celebrating the Season With HRC

The next few days were a whirlwind. Eric and I started the following evening at Room & Board, the furniture store just down the street from our Chelsea apartment, where the HRC Greater New York Federal Club was hosting its holiday party. We brought our friend Aleks Zestali—the designer behind my sequined Aspen parka and an equally dazzling lineup of sequined swimwear—who joined us earlier in the night so we could gallivant together.

HRC Greater New York is powered by a dedicated group of volunteers committed to building a more affirming, inclusive, and equitable community as part of the broader Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest LGBTQ+ civil rights organization. 

Federal Club members play a vital role by providing steady, long-term support for HRC’s legislative and political advocacy work.

A Golden Night for David Lamb

We are always honored to celebrate a friend’s milestone, so when the invitation arrived for David Lamb’s 50th birthday at Phoenix Palace, we cleared our calendars immediately.  

With the loving support of his partner, James, and a room filled with friends and family, the seated dinner—at the eatery located in the historic heart of Chinatown and from the team behind Potluck Club—was infused with old-Shanghai design elements and a modern flair: part classic, part playful, and absolutely knocked it out of the park.

We caught up with so many longtime friends—many of whom are part of our Fire Island life—and also had the pleasure of meeting some terrific new ones along the way. Huge thanks to David for including us in such a joyful and memorable evening; what a beautiful way to celebrate fifty.

Celebrating the Season with Purpose

Later that night, Eric and I joined Philip Laffey and his husband, Neil, for their annual holiday party—an evening that blends celebration with generosity. Each year, Philip and his company, Laffey Real Estate, partner with organizations like Easter Seals to host a holiday toy drive for underserved children, and there’s no better way to mark the season than by bringing joy to kids who need it most.

It was a lovely chance to reconnect with dear friends while making a meaningful difference for children in need. 

Their West Village townhome provided the perfect backdrop—festive and welcoming, filled with thoughtful design, delicious food (the dining room table spread looked like it was straight out of a Martha Stewart holiday feature), fabulous cocktails, and smiling bartenders who kept the cheer flowing all night.

Setting the Table for WiresConnect

The following evening, Eric and I dashed over to the Virgin Hotel after work for a truly scrumptious dinner, as guests of our dear friend Kimberly Carney, CEO of The Wires. Held the night before the inaugural WiresConnect Conference 2025, the evening unfolded at Chef Juanma’s El Cielon New York, tucked inside Virgin Hotels, and was made all the more memorable thanks to the extraordinary hospitality of Hanna Lee and Michael, and their award-winning firm, Hanna Lee PR. 

It was the perfect prelude for the WiresConnect team ahead of the conference being held the following day at Virgin Hotels, presented by the B2B2C platform The Wires—the parent company of retail-tech leaders FashWire, GlossWire, and PawWire—and featuring dynamic, forward-looking programming.

The next day at the conference, guest speaker Daymond John brought energy to the main stage and perfectly captured the spirit of the gathering, saying: “WiresConnect is bringing together the leading minds in retail and consumer goods, creating the momentum to shape the future of business.”

Where Real Estate Meets Community

The next day’s evening began at the Gay Real Estate Group—better known as GREG—annual holiday party at the Players Club in Gramercy Park. GREG is a network of LGBTQ+ professionals and allies working across development, brokerage, investment, design, and property management, dedicated to advancing visibility, leadership, and opportunity within the real estate industry. I had the pleasure of attending as Eric’s plus-one. This is an evening I always look forward to because it brings together so many inspiring voices shaping the future of real estate.

The Art of Getting Ready for Christmas

Following the GREG party, Eric and I met up with Brandon Fay at his Perry Club to finalize the menu for our holiday party. Brandon has been catering for us for the past few years, and each time he somehow manages to outdo himself. Many people first met him on Shark Tank, where two of the Sharks famously raised their hands to invest in his company; but beyond the TV moment, Brandon is the real deal. He runs The Perry Club alongside Pasta by Hudson on Perry Street in the Village. He’s an award-winning chef and culinary personality, who you might also recognize from regular morning-show appearances under the Cooking with Brandon brand

When we returned home afterward, we were thrilled to find that the Christmas gifts for our family and closest friends had arrived: stunning hand-blown glass ornaments from Glass Eye Studio in Seattle, designed by Piper O’Neill and crafted by the studio’s artisan team. Each ornament came with an artistic sketch and arrived nestled in a beautiful keepsake box. Piper’s husband, Billy, had thoughtfully selected a photo of Eric and me from nearly thirty years ago to feature on the packaging. It may have been the coolest gift we’ve ever given. 

The ornament was extraordinary, but the box itself felt just as meaningful to us—a keepsake in its own right.

That night, Eric and I walked to the corner of our street and picked out our Christmas tree.

Uptown With Dr. Brad

The next night, we reconnected with Philip Laffey, joined by two British friends staying with him and our mutual friends Brad and Mark—fresh in from California—and headed uptown to Dr. Brad’s office holiday party. We piled onto the subway en masse; sometimes it really is faster than a cab.

Dr. Brad Schaeffer is a New York–based podiatrist with a stunning Central Park West office called Central Park SOLE. I first met him years ago on Fire Island through my friend Rick and later learned he wasn’t just a world-class foot doctor, he’d also starred in his own TLC series, My Feet Are Killing Me. 
His holiday party always attracts an incredible mix of people, and this year was no exception; pure fun from start to finish.

Robby Browne’s Toys Party Turns 40

The next day, we met up with Philip, his British guests—now our new friends—along with Mark, Brad, and a few others, and made our way to Pier 60 for the Toys Party. 

When it comes to queer holiday events, nothing in New York looms larger than Robby Browne’s NYC Toys Party. This year marked its 40th anniversary, cementing its place as the city’s biggest LGBTQ+ holiday celebration, and one of its most joyful traditions. It’s always the perfect excuse to dress festively while doing really good; guests are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy, fueling a massive drive that benefits SAGE (Services & Advocacy for LGBTQ+ Elders), which distributes thousands of toys to community charities across the city.

The crowd was enormous this year—so big that the next day I inevitably ran into people asking, “Were you there?” because it’s impossible to see everyone in one night. EDGE captured the magic beautifully in the photo coverage by Gustavo Monroy.

I’ve known Gustavo for more than two decades, and he truly is the best—his lens knows how to tell the story of a night like that.  

Where the Holidays Get Built

Other fun events in New York that we had the pleasure of attending, leading up to our big holiday bash at our apartment, include the Stephen Henderson and James LaForce’s annual Christmas party. The party is always themed and always unforgettable, and this year was no exception. Their Christmas, an Under Construction concept, staged inside the soaring space of Judson Memorial Church, was nothing short of riveting, with a “work gear” dress code that inspired everything from hard hats and harnesses to sequins and sparkles.

Eric and I leaned fully into the theme, arriving in matching construction-worker outfits and having far too much fun with it. Later, we spent the night catching up with so many wonderful people amid go-go dancers, wildly creative costumes, and that unmistakable electric energy that fills the room year after year. It remains one of my favorite holiday traditions—pure joy from start to finish.

New York’s Toy Drive Royalty

Equally fun was Susanne Bartsch and David Barton’s annual Toy Drive, a party I’ve been attending for close to three decades. One of New York’s longest-running holiday traditions, the event offers a beautiful excuse to bring our community together, with guests arriving dressed to the nines and clutching unwrapped toys for children in need. Held at Gym U—Barton’s 35,000-square-foot fitness destination at 23rd Street and Seventh Avenue, known for its scientific approach to health, cutting-edge technology, and state-of-the-art training concepts—the space was completely reimagined for the night, transformed into a glittering, over-the-top holiday wonderland that felt every bit as joyful as the cause itself.

A Holiday Stop with Rob & Rod

The night before our own holiday party, we bundled up and trekked to Rob and Rod’s festive gathering. Though they live on our street, the cold, windy walk near the water made it feel like an expedition. As always, they pulled out all the stops: a home glowing with holiday spirit, scrumptious food, a dazzling crowd, and their famously handsome bar staff. Sharing seasonal cheer with these extraordinary men has become a cherished tradition.

I’ve long been a fan of Rob, founder of The Phluid Project—the pioneering gender-free brand offering clothing, accessories, and beauty for the LGBTQIA+ community. His leadership and vision have made him a trailblazer and a true inspiration to so many of us.

A Night for Chosen Family

I have to say, our “Friends of Beachcomber” holiday party was absolutely off the charts this year. We expanded the guest list beyond those who were originally part of the Beachcomber family—those who had shared our Fire Island Pines experience or joined us at our Pines house for fundraisers or extended stays—making sure to include the incredible friends who had been so generous to us throughout the year. It was our way of saying thank you for always welcoming us into their lives in ways big and small. 

Before the crowd arrived, our best friend Rick—who always shows up early to help set up—joined Eric and me for a pre-party toast of champagne, a quiet and perfect pause before the whirlwind began.

As people poured into our apartment—it felt like hundreds—we feasted on the delicious food Brandon prepared and sipped cocktails mixed by some very handsome model bartenders, hired through our friend Marc Levine, owner of Model Bartenders/Premier Party. 

The night was filled with laughter, stories from our old Beachcomber days, reflections on a year that was quickly coming to an end, and hopeful visions for 2026.

By the time it wrapped, it truly felt like the season had been a success. And even after everyone left, the apartment seemed to echo with their spirit—the warmth, positive energy, and that unmistakable sense of community we all need right now.

The Ties That Hold Us

What I love most about our Beachcomber family is that no matter where life takes us—whether someone has moved away, bought a new beach house, or simply headed upstate—we always find our way back to one another. We keep showing up, staying connected, and remaining part of each other’s lives.

Our former housemate Bill Lewis opened his gorgeously designed Gramercy apartment—created by fellow housemate Christopher Rawlins of Rawlins Design—for a beautiful Christmas Eve dinner that reunited so many of our Beachcomber crew. Chris Kern and Doug Smith also hosted an unforgettable Christmas Day gathering that we sadly had to miss for the first time in years, as we had an early-morning flight to Tucson. Still, both moments captured what makes this group so special: time and again, they bring together the men who have made not only our Fire Island summers, but our New York lives as well, so incredibly rich.

The Gathering That Grounds Us

Of all our holiday gatherings, the one in Tucson—usually held a week after New York—somehow always feels the most personal for Eric and me. It’s where lifelong relationships converge, where family history runs deepest, and where the pace slows just enough for real connection to take hold. This year was no exception. My sister Sheila and her husband, Chris, orchestrated every detail of the meal to perfection, while chapters of our lives stretching back decades—my mother included, who has been part of these gatherings since the very beginning—came together under one roof in our Tucson home, a place we’re discovering has a special way of drawing people close.

It’s always a joy to host those who have walked alongside us for so many years, along with neighbors like Mark and Nina, and friends visiting from afar, including Nancy from Flagstaff and Derek from San Diego. I was thrilled that Scott Pask and his handsome partner, Will, could stop by—they traveled the farthest, all the way from New York.

And hats off to Scott for mixing cocktails at his stunning foothills home while simultaneously hosting his family—he is forever the consummate host, and his gorgeous desert retreat, @Casapask on Instagram, may be one of the most beautiful homes I’ve ever seen in the Southwest.

Community at the Center

Looking back on it all—the snow-covered peaks in Colorado, candlelit dinners in Chelsea and Chinatown, toy drives and leadership forums, glittering dance floors, overflowing living rooms, and finally that grounding stop in Tucson—I’m struck by how little of this season was really about the events themselves. It was about the people who open their homes, arrive early to help set up, bring toys instead of gifts, gather old friends with new ones, and keep choosing community year after year.