SCENE + HEARD: We Go Gay Gatsby for the Hamptons Tea Dance

(Miss New York Claire Buffie and Sonja Morgan @ Hamptons Tea Dance)

Making our way upstate on Saturday to attend the Hamptons Tea Dance at the Ark Project in Water Mill, we thought we might need an ark to withstand the heavy rain. Luckily the clouds parted moments before the event commenced and the soiree, a fund-raiser for Empire State Pride Agenda, was a rousing success. 

Bowties, suspenders, plaid shorts, seersuckers and pastel polos were the order of the day, as blue bloods sipped on pinot grigiot and vodka cranberries. Not in plaid, however, was DJ Lady Bunny—but the bitch still looked fierce, spinning classics like  “It’s Raining Men,” while it occasionally drizzled.

“We were so pleased when the dance sold out,” said ESPA executive director Ross Levi. “It shows that New Yorkers aren't discouraged by what’s happening in Albany. The money raised [here] has a huge impact on our work." We also caught  Sonja Morgan of The Real Housewives of New York tromping through the well-manicured lawn. The accused drunk driver told us she was happy to spend time with her "gay fan base." (We weren't aware she had one!)  Morgan looked peachy in her little black dress, though even the staff was decked out in tasteful Ralph Lauren jockey uniforms (Not surprising, since Mr. Lauren was a sponsor and provided the goodies for the goodie bags.)

Also among the attendees was Miss New York Claire Buffie, who drew gays like moths to a flame(r).  “I couldn’t be happier that the dance is my first public appearance since I won the pageant,” says Buffie. “My sister is lesbian and I am a big supporter of gay rights." Buffie will serve as an advocate for Straight for Equality, a group bringing awareness to LGBT issues. (Be sure to root for her for Miss America in January.)    

The sun eventually set on the Hamptons, though, and we had to make our way back to the Manhattan mainland. While there wasn’t a lot of tea to that afternoon, there certainly was a lot of dancing and good gay cheer. Huzzah! —Juan Pawiroredjo

Jamy Jimenez, Diana Cochran, Sabastian Holbrook and Ryan McLoughlin.

Luke Mohatt and Josh Griffith

Nate Nicholas, Richard Pyles and Zach Lyons

Gillette and Todd August

 

Kevin Hart and Emmanuel Faccio

Lady Bunny

Catering staff wearing Ralph Lauren-designed uniforms