Out with Dr. Bill: At the Pines Party as Summer Winds Down

Since the Pines Party weekend, I've been going non-stop and haven't had a chance to document any of my "Out" adventures. Fresh off a redeye flight, I'm back in New York and catching up on my "Out with Dr. Bill" column. My body doesn't rebound from redeyes quite like it used to, but here I am!

This installment will focus on the Pines Party, with my next column covering a host of end-of-summer activities in a more condensed way – there's just so much to include!

The Pines Party of 2024, with its "Galactic Rodeo" theme, was nothing short of a cosmic celebration for all ages, and I'm still riding the high from that incredible experience. Eric and I, along with many of our housemates and friends from across Fire Island, dove headfirst into the weekend with an enthusiasm that we hadn't felt in years.

For those of us more accustomed to the hustle of city life, staying up all night and well into the next day was an adventure in itself – a journey to another world, far from the usual 9-to-5 grind.

We decided to go all in this year, seizing every opportunity our Platinum VIP Weekend Passes afforded us. There wasn't a single activity we missed – every event, every corner of this fantastical universe, was explored. The open bars, the private cabanas, the live entertainment, and the sky lounges all offered a slice of the surreal.

It wasn't just a party; it was an odyssey. We danced, laughed, and celebrated with friends old and new, from across the island and generations, all united by the shared joy of being part of something bigger than ourselves.

This year's theme, "Galactic Rodeo," couldn't have been more fitting for our little solar system of houses on Fire Island. Out here, away from the pull of everyday life, we embraced the wild, the whimsical, and the wonderfully weird.

Cowboy hats adorned with silver and chrome, the occasional alien sighting – it all turned the shores of Fire Island into a futuristic hoedown where space cowboys danced under the stars, and the music pulsed like the heartbeat of the galaxy.

Cheeky Fashion and Cosmic Vibes

The cosmic highlight of the weekend was undeniably the Saturday evening Pines Party – a stellar event requiring a disco nap, as the festivities didn't launch until 10 PM.

Indeed, the entire weekend was lit up with a stellar array of events, from an exclusive VIP sunset cocktail soirée to an electrifying pool party, a seductive morning gathering, and a sultry, sun-drenched Sunday afternoon dance party with pulsing beats, sizzling men, and an ocean breeze.

Even though the Friday VIP party wasn't officially a dress-up affair, we got into the spirit with our "Space Police" T-shirts, setting the tone for the weekend. That's not to say there weren't plenty of midriffs on display and glitter-coated, jock-strapped cheeks peeking out from under skirts as everyone found their own connection to the Galactic theme.

And, let me tell you, these weren't kilts – some guests sported metallic miniskirts so tiny they became peek-a-boo skirts, giving everyone a cheeky glimpse!

Now, I might not be pulling off a miniskirt these days, but I do rock a mean kilt. My first kilt moment was back in 2006 when I joined James Bond himself, Sir Sean Connery, along with his wife, Lady Micheline Connery, actresses Bebe Neuwirth and Tatum O'Neal, and newswoman Ann Curry on the catwalk for the annual Johnnie Walker Dressed to Kilt Fashion Show. This celebration of Scottish heritage takes place on Tartan Day, and let's just say there were plenty of flashes of cheek on that stage – the most notable being "Succession's" Logan Roy, Brian Cox, and his son Alan Cox.

Even Donald Trump, now running for president again, was in the audience to view the fashion show, though I haven't any insights into his Scottish heritage.

A Night to Remember: Thanks to Our Generous Cabana Hosts

I would be remiss if I didn't express our deep gratitude to our generous cabana hosts for elevating our Pines Party experience to something extraordinary. Being in their elaborately designed "Electric Cowboy Saloon," located directly off the dance floor, was like having a front-row seat to the most exhilarating and vibrant celebration imaginable.

The cabana, a private oasis amid the pulsating energy of the party, offered the perfect blend of excitement and relaxation.

Handsome bartenders and equally handsome guests made the experience even more memorable, reminding us how fortunate we are to be part of this incredible community.

Entry to the cabana was as exclusive as it was special – your silver necklace, complete with a small silver boot and cowboy hat charm, was your key. Bouncers at the front of the cabana looked for the flash of silver before granting access.

We are incredibly grateful to our hosts – Chris Coad & Kevin Kowalski, Randy Wilson & John Wood, Jim Guidera & Ed Parran, Mark Darrel, Colin Hedrick & Raily Hsu, Oliver Chen, Andrew Brimmer, Hal Rubenstein & David Nickel, Antonio M. Hayes, and Craig & Estelle – for creating a space where we could enjoy the thrill of the party and the comfort of a private retreat, all in one unforgettable night.

Pines Party: 25 Years of Heart and Community Impact

But what truly set this event apart, as it has done for the past 25 years, was its heart. The Pines Party is more than just a night of revelry; it's a beacon of community spirit. With every ticket sold, every drink poured, and every dance move busted out on the sand, we were supporting causes that matter deeply to us all.

The event's beneficiaries – the Stonewall Community Foundation, The Pines Foundation, and the Fire Island Pines Seashore Defense Fund – are not just names on a program. They are lifelines, ensuring that the spirit of Fire Island, its history, and its natural beauty are preserved for generations to come.

There was a special satisfaction in knowing that even as we partied until sunrise, we were contributing to something meaningful. United Airlines, a Platinum Weekend Sponsor and our preferred airline, made it even more poignant. It's rare to feel so aligned with a corporation that supports your community. Seeing Aspen Gay Ski Week as a sponsor also warmed my heart, especially because we are so tied to the mission.

We never miss it, as it raises vital funds for AspenOUT, supporting national LGBTQ+ initiatives and empowering local LGBTQ+ youth and their families through education and community action.

Sunrise Stroll: Reflecting on Miles of Memories and Moments

One of the highlights for both Eric and me was our sunrise walk home from the party. With our costumes in hand and down to just our speedos – though we kept our cowboy hats on until the very last minute – we reminisced about the countless miles we'd walked on that beach. Those walks have been a gift, giving us time to discuss problems, address important issues, and embrace the romance that the beach so effortlessly provides.

As much as I tried to capture the magic of the weekend on my iPhone, the photos don't do the Pines Party justice.

For a true glimpse into the out-of-this-world costumes and boundless creativity, I'd recommend checking out EDGE Media's coverage – they've captured some of the best shots that truly embody the spirit of the event. View the photos at this link.

Gil Neary's Lasting Impact: A True Fire Island Pioneer

Just as I was putting the final touches on this column, I received the heartbreaking news of Gil Neary's sudden passing. Known to many of us as Bambi Sue, his death has left us all in shock, and our community is mourning the loss of someone so deeply caring and generous. Gil was a trailblazer who touched so many lives, leaving an indelible mark on the Fire Island Pines community. You will be deeply missed, Gil.
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