Finding Fire Island
Finding Fire Island
A docu series which brings to life how a sleepy, 19th century beach town became a modern day queer mecca for artists and the New York City theater community.
All Episodes
2. Heated Rivalries
Season 2, Episode 2: Original Pines entrepreneurs Peggy Fears and John Whyte set the stage for competition with Cherry Grove. Plus, architect Horace Gifford's porn-lodge aesthetic, Calvin Klein's Fire Island legacy, and Reflections—a glass palace frozen in 1980s desire.
1. Choose Your Own Adventure
Season 2, Episode 1: Through the lens of share-house culture, first arrivals and longtime residents reveal the rituals that shape Fire Island life. Featuring perspectives from Indian and Black residents, plus, The Doll Invasion — the annual trans takeover festival.
Finding Fire Island Season 2 premieres June 11!
Finding Fire Island returns for Season 2 on June 11, with two episodes premiering on launch day! This season features interviews with BILLY PORTER, JOHN WATERS, JULIO TORRES, DJ LINA BRADFORD, Broadway Bares creator JERRY MITCHELL, Fire Island icon BOB "ROSE" LEVINE, and dozens of longtime Pines residents whose stories bring Fire Island's hidden history to life.
9. BONUS - PROVINCETOWN
Bonus episode for Season One! We discuss the “Black Out” weekend, more Provincetown vs. Fire Island, behind the scenes of the Fire Island movie and more anecdotes from our cast of characters. Follow @jessxnyc on IG for everything Finding Fire Island!
8. WINTER
“Another Winter in a Summer Town” - Grey Gardens. We hear stories of fires and hurricanes on Fire Island which often threaten to destroy it. Plus — Halloween, Christmas and New Year’s and how to survive winter on the island with several year-rounders.
7. MEN DIE & WOMEN BUY
We trace the rise of the HIV/AIDS crisis alongside women having more earning power and buying homes in Cherry Grove. Plus, we explore the emotion around The Meatrack and Fire Island’s response to the crisis with The Morning Party.
6. LEGENDS & LORE
We illuminate tales of Liza Minnelli, Carol Channing, Andy Warhol, Jerry Herman, Calvin Klein, Robert Mapplethorpe, Truman Capote, Andy Cohen, Sarah Jessica Parker and Madonna on Fire Island. Plus, the filming of “The Normal Heart” and cultural treasure troves discovered in Pines homes.
5. THE INVASION
We experience the very first Invasion of the Pines in 1976 as told by its leader, “Panzi,” and how the annual July 4th event evolved over the years. We go deeper on the history and evolution of Drag in Cherry Grove and New York City via Lady Bunny’s Wigstock and Drag Race.
4. TEA
We focus on the legendary parties Fire Island is known for, beginning with the history of The Tea Dance and DJ Lina Bradford’s 10-year reign in The Pines. We detail The Morning Party, The Underwear Party and The Pines Party.
3. THE PINES
We trace The Pines’ closeted past to its present day sex and party-forward atmosphere. We explore the architecture of Pines homes via Horace Gifford and the impact of Pines owner John Whyte who brought celebrity.
2. CHERRY GROVE
We explore how Cherry Grove became the birthplace of Drag and Disco, contrast the quaint cottages to the Pines’ mansions, landmark venues of The Ice Palace and The Monster and the queer female population. Follow @jessxnyc on IG for everything Finding Fire Island!
1. GAY SUMMER CAMP
We are introduced to the two oldest LGBT communities in the US -- Cherry Grove and The Fire Island Pines. Our cast of characters describe their Fire Island origin stories and we quickly see how what plays out here is like "gay adult sleep-away camp." We also observe how racial and socio-economic pressures are felt on the island.
TRAILER - Finding Fire Island
“Finding Fire Island” is a docu-podcast series which brings to life how a sleepy, 19th century beach town became a modern day queer mecca for artists and the New York City theater community.
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