Out with Dr. Bill – National Coming Out Day & London's Vibrant LGBTQ+

I start my mornings with a Starbucks coffee and a mix of media to kick off the day after my post-gym routine. I dive into The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, and Financial Times, along with podcasts and social media news from channels like EDGE Media Network and The Washington Blade. Platforms like EDGE and The Blade are especially important, because they highlight LGBTQ+ stories, giving us a voice and a platform to share our vibrant journeys.

Living Your Truth: A Courageous Reflection on National Coming Out Day

On Friday, October 11th – National Coming Out Day – I sat down to work on my latest installment of "Out with Dr. Bill" when I came across a moving coming out story in The Blade by my longtime friend, Gregory Borretta. Gregory, who often refers to me as one of his role models, is someone I've known for nearly two decades. He's a tech-savvy entrepreneur and the CEO/Founder of Dynamix, where he leads the team in delivering innovative full-stack technology services and communication solutions for businesses worldwide.

Gregory's essay, "No More Silent Compromises: Rejecting Half-Truths, Embracing the Whole Me, and Redefining My Worth," is both deeply personal and incredibly powerful. He opens with the line, "Even though I've never lived in the closet, I still fear what being this open might bring. But that's precisely why I need to do it." His words are a brave and honest reflection on his journey.

I couldn't be prouder of Gregory for sharing such an inspiring piece, and it's a reminder to us all about the importance of living authentically and embracing every part of who we are. Big congratulations to Gregory!

For me, National Coming Out Day has always been a moment to celebrate the courage of those who embrace their truth, often in the face of fear and uncertainty. Seeing Gregory share his journey in The Washington Blade was especially meaningful to me. I have a close connection to The Blade, having once been co-president of a company that owned the iconic publication. During that time, I had the distinct honor of landing interviews with both Republican presidential nominee John McCain – still the only GOP candidate to grant an interview to the LGBT press – and Democratic nominee Senator Barack Obama.

These interviews were historic firsts for the gay press, and remain among the most cherished and significant moments of my personal and professional media career.

London Reflections: Supplier Inclusion, Business Connections, and Personal Journeys

I ended my last column with some coverage of the L'ATTITUDE conference, the annual event that celebrates U.S. Latino leaders driving economic growth in America. It was the day after my return home to New York from San Diego that I left for London to attend Europe's largest ethnic minority supplier diversity gathering, the MSDUK & ESDP Business Diversity Connect 2024 Conference and Business Show.

That evening before the flight was all about packing, as I tend to wait until the last minute – a personal fault of mine – and still had clothes to wash and press. It was an all-nighter. Eric, on the other hand, is the complete opposite – he's usually packed for a trip five days in advance.

This year's MSDUK conference in London was a special experience for me, both professionally and personally. Returning to this city, which has been such an important part of my journey, felt like coming full circle. My first extended stay in the UK was during college, when I spent my senior year at the University of London, living near Senate House, close to the British Museum in the Bloomsbury area. Although not glamorous, we lived in a converted boutique hotel, and the energy of that place shaped my early career and continues to inspire me today, often serving as the backdrop for many of my "Out with Dr. Bill" columns.

London has continued to play a significant role in Eric's and my life over the 30+ years we've been together. In fact, our first global "date" was in the UK while Eric was working on a case for a U.S. law firm. London has played an even bigger role in our lives more recently. Last spring, we returned to the States after Eric completed an 18-month assignment in the UK.

Although my work didn't allow me to live in London full time, I found myself traveling between New York and London regularly – sometimes every two weeks – to work remotely and spend time with Eric in our lovely flat in Marylebone. Thanks to United Airlines' Polaris service, the frequent trips were manageable, and every time I returned, London truly felt like home. Our apartment in Marylebone, surrounded by flower shops and cozy pubs, remains one of my favorite places in the world.

Attending the MSDUK conference this year reminded me why I'm so passionate about building a strong, inclusive supplier base, driving supplier diversity, and empowering minority businesses.

Beyond connecting with ethnic minority-owned businesses (or EMBs, as they're called in the UK), it was a chance to reconnect with peers who share my dedication to growing diverse businesses in corporate supply chains. And, of course, outside conference hours, it gave me the perfect opportunity to catch up with old friends living in London.