45th Birthday celebration held at the Clift Hotel in San Francisco
For my 45th birthday, I traded the seas and skies for an evening of timeless elegance. Held at the world-famous Clift Hotel in San Francisco, this was a black tie affair — a night where friends and loved ones gathered dressed to the nines to celebrate another milestone together. The Clift's iconic style and sophistication set the perfect stage for an unforgettable evening.
Yet amid the celebration, the absence of my long-time partner Luke Fry was felt deeply in my heart. Luke and I had been caught up in the No on 8 campaign, and because I could not legally marry him, there was no path for him to stay in the US with me. That, combined with the 2008 financial crisis — when the US stopped renewing foreign visas — meant Luke, a citizen of the UK, had to leave. It was a celebration of 45 years of life, but one carried with a bittersweet ache. The theme was "Earth," grounding us in gratitude for the connections and experiences that had shaped the journey so far.
It was a challenging yet rewarding event, with 91 guests, 70 of whom traveled from across the globe. Special thanks to Patrick Guerrera for overseeing every aspect of the event, from invitations and chefs to venues and entertainment. I am forever in your debt.
For my 40th birthday, I decided to challenge myself and my loved ones by hosting the celebration in Sydney, Australia. The presence of 91 guests, with over 70 traveling from as far as New York in the East and Japan in the West, was an overwhelming testament to the bonds we share. Sydney’s vibrant culture and stunning landscapes provided the perfect backdrop for this milestone, making it an unforgettable experience. The theme was “Air,” symbolizing the heights we can reach and the freedom of the skies.