We Meet… Anthony Ronan
From his hometown of Patchogue, Long Island, event promoter and paralegal student, Anthony Ronan, is on a mission to revitalize the local LGBTQ+ nightlife scene. Inspired to turn his frustration with federal cuts to HIV/AIDS research funding into action, Ronan is stepping up to organize his very own fundraiser. We sat down with him to discuss his goals, his motivation, and the upcoming event that’s already generating buzz in the community.
BWM: Hi Anthony tell us a little about yourself. where you are from, and what you do?
Anthony Ronan: I was born and raised on Long Island and still live here in a town called Patchogue. Right near the Fire Island ferries actually. I’m currently a custodian while also attending school for paralegal studies.
BWM: How long have you been promoting events? are they only in LI?
Anthony Ronan: I got started in the event promoting scene back in September/October of 2024, so this is all relatively new to me. In the past I’ve only helped promote LGBTQ+ events out here on the island, so it’s really exciting for me to be running my very own for the first time. As of right now, yes I’m only working on events out here on Long Island. But, if things take off I would really love to expand out to Queens, Brooklyn and Manhattan. The LGBTQ+ nightlife scene has really dwindled down over the years here on the island. I’d like to do what I can bring it back. It’s not going to be easy, but it’s worth the fight.
BWM: What are some of your key events?
Anthony Ronan: I am currently an ambassador to the ‘Big Gay Cruise’ which has been a blast to be apart of. I also did some promotional work for a short-lived gay male-centered bar out here in Suffolk county for a while, along with an LGBTQ+ Halloween mixer in Lake Ronkonkoma.
BWM; what made you create this event?
Anthony Ronan: Like everyone, I saw the cuts our federal government had made to HIV/AIDS research funding. If you want to make the political argument to cut pork-barrel spending there’s a conversation to be had. But not when it comes to people’s lives and health. So, instead of being a “keyboard warrior” on social media, I figured turning my opposition into action would be a better use of my time and began figuring out how I could raise money to donate to an HIV/AIDS research organization. In this case, amfAR. I also wanted this to be an opportunity where I could prove to my former mentor in the event planning/promoting scene that I am capable of making it in LGBTQ+ nightlife, and that my youth and inexperience is not a deterrent to making something amazing happen for the community.
BWM: Tell us the line up of the entertainment?
Anthony Ronan: I am so beyond excited for the kick-ass entertainment we have for the evening. Some of New York’s top gogo performers like CJ Jones, Danny J and many more will be turning up the heat. Ryan Curcie, a Long Island based queer comedian. Long Island’s very own BobbyAI who has been killing it on the scene here in New York, is an extremely talented music artist and will be releasing brand new songs the night of the event. New York drag performers like Saline Dijon, LaBelle Showgirl, Bella Noche and Ivy Stalls will be gracing us with spectacular performances. Lastly, DJ Gigi Disco and DJ Technobarbie will be throwing down sick tracks all night long.
BWM: Tell us anything else we need to know about the event? and how to support if we cannot make it to LI on the night?
Anthony Ronan: You can purchase your ticket(s) on Eventbrite. Just search: Long Island’s F U to HIV Fundraiser Event. Every ticket sold will go to amfAR, an HIV/AIDS research organization geared at helping and improving the lives of people living with HIV/AIDS. To stay up to date on event details you can follow me on Facebook and Instagram. I hope to see you all there.
To Keep in touch with Anthony follow him here – FB- Anthony Ronan IG- anthonyxronan
For tickets to the Long Island FU to HIV event head here.
