As some of you may have heard by now, One Magical Weekend was sold to Pineapple Healthcare. Pineapple Healthcare is a primary care practice in Central Florida, specializing in diagnosing and managing infectious diseases which has a team of HIV/AIDS care specialists providing a full -range of health services for all people ages 12 and up. Pineapple Healthcare is an all-encompassing medical practice that aims to serve as a one-stop -shop for evidence-based, progressive treatment for the LGBTQ community. The primary care practice provides comprehensive behavioral health and medical services. The practice also offers testing and treatment for HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Additionally, the team of HIV/AIDS care specialists provides pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for patients at high risk of contracting HIV through sexual contact or drug use. The diverse Pineapple Healthcare team aims to expand on the founder’s dream of making health care more accessible and affordable to as many people as possible, offering cost-reduction programs and telehealth appointments.
As I am good friends with the original owners Tom Christ and Billy Mack this was a secret I have had to keep for months. I asked Tom Christ he thoughts on the sale, and he said “After 15 incredible years at the helm of One Magical Weekend and Bear Jamboree, we are thrilled to announce a leadership transition that ensures these iconic events continue to thrive. Ethan, Erick, and the entire Pineapple Healthcare team will be taking the reins, bringing fresh energy and expertise to uphold and expand the Gay Disney tradition. Their passion and dedication make them the perfect stewards for the future. To ensure a smooth transition, Billy and I will remain actively involved over the next several years. We look forward to reuniting with old friends and welcoming new ones at One Magical Weekend and Bear Jamboree 2025!”
It was a pleasure to sit down with Ethan Suarez, CEO of Pineapple Healthcare, to find out all the details. Ethan is originally from Long Island but has been in Florida for 20 years. He has lived all over Florida but now resides in Orlando with his husband of 14 years, Erick Suarez, who is the CMO (Chief Medical Officer) of Pineapple Healthcare.
How did Pineapple Healthcare come into existence?
It was founded in 2020 at the height of the pandemic. My sister is a nurse and founded the company, and then she brought the 2 of us on to run it as she was a mom of 3 and didn’t have the time to invest in the business.
I hear you have more than one location?
Yes, in 2024 we opened our second office in Lakeland, and our third location will open this month in Kissimmee.
How did Pineapple Healthcare decide to purchase OMW?
I have been involved with OMW since I was in my early 20’s. The last couple of years we have been a sponsor, and then when we found out that it was up for sale, we put in a bid and they selected us to sell it to.
What do you say to the naysayers who think its odd for a Healthcare organization to own a party weekend?
Well, I say that the history of circuit parties is parties that fueled our souls in the height of the AIDS Epidemic and empower the next generation of leaders. It’s a party with a purpose and it will help fund our advocacy, outreach, education, and research to provide low-cost and no-cost care to clients living or affected with HIV.
This year at OMW weekend, Pineapple Healthcare will be providing DoxyPEP, free of charge for anyone who wants it. If taken 24-72 hours after sexual activity it has a 70%-80% reduction for bacterial STI’s.
What’s your favorite part of OMW weekend?
I love Riptide, with 6000 of our friends enjoying a water park and I love the sense of community during OMW weekend. We always checked in on Thursday and every year we made so many new friends.
How are you planning on making OMW Weekend even better?
OMW is already a diamond, and I am just polishing the diamond for an even better experience for the guests. We will have some celebrities show up and we are going to change a bit every year so it’s new and fresh. I want it to be OMW, just elevated.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Loyal, introverted, extroverted.
Describe Erick in 3 words?
Quiet, loving and caring.
I secretly called Erick and asked him to describe Ethan in 3 words?
Supportive, Adventurous and Dependable.
What do you do for fun?
Enjoy the theme parks, go to the beach and play with my dogs.
What is yours and Erick’s favorite getaway?
Key West, it’s this island away from everything, it’s artsy and very bohemian.
Final thoughts?
We always want to start your pride month with a bang, and we are planning on elevating your experience to make it more guest friendly. We are also launching a new ambassador program where people can earn their free stay.
For more information, to purchase hotel rooms or tickets, go to Onemagicalweekend.com. For more information on Pineapple Healthcare, go to: Pineapplehealthcare.com.
