Finding
Fire Island
“Finding Fire Island” is a GLAAD-Award nominated 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. Queer history has often been told through the lens of loss and disappearance, but Fire Island has transcended that to survive as a stunning fantasy world and cultural touchstone. We will take you behind the curtain of the mystique, legends and lore of the LGBT communities (Cherry Grove and The Pines), from folks who experienced their evolution from the 1950s to today.
Presented by: Broadway Podcast Network & SiriusXM
WATCH SEASON TWO
About Jess Rothschild
“Finding Fire Island” is created, executive produced and narrated by writer, producer and native New Yorker Jess Rothschild.
Since 2019, Jess produces and hosts the podcast “Hot Takes & Deep Dives” centered on queer pop iconography and New York City culture.
Jess was a founding writer for the largest independent LGBT web site still in existence, Autostraddle.com from 2009-2013.
Instagram: @jessxnyc
Featuring:
JOEL KIM BOOSTER
Comedian & actor, Loot, Fire Island film
MARGARET CHO Comedian & actress
I’m the One That I Want
BOB "ROSE" LEVINE
Cherry Grove icon
JOHN WATERS
Pope of Trash, Filmmaker
JAY JURDEN
Comedian, The Problem with Jon Stewart
BEN RIMALOWER
Theater director, Patti Issues, Bad With Money
ROBIN BYRD
Talk show icon
JUDSON MORROW
Podcaster, Dads & Daddies
MIKE FISHER
Filmmaker, Cherry Grove Stories
BILLY PORTER
Emmy & TONY winner, POSE,
Kinky Boots
MATT ROGERS
Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers & Bowen Yang
JULIO TORRES
SNL, HBO’s Fantasmas,
Los Espookys
LINA BRADFORD Performance artist & DJ
DANIEL NARDICIO
Nightlife impresario
SUSAN MORABITO
DJ
Ep 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.
Ep 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.
Ep 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. Plus — The Meatrack, The Pavilion, the Pines Pantry and history of Tea at The Blue Whale.
Ep 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. Plus, the thriving sober communities which balance it out.
Ep 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.
Ep 6: Legends & Lore
Stories of Madonna, Liza Minnelli, Carol Channing, Andy Warhol, Calvin Klein, Sarah Jessica Parker, Andy Cohen and more escaping to Fire Island. We uncover star-studded tales from Fire Island Pines & Cherry Grove — plus the filming secrets of “The Normal Heart” and incredible cultural treasures discovered inside Pines homes.
Ep 7: Men Die & Women Buy
We trace how the HIV / AIDS crisis transformed Fire Island. As more women gained financial independence and began buying homes in Cherry Grove, Fire Island’s identity evolved alongside a rising epidemic. We also explore the emotional history of The Meatrack, which moved from a place of freedom to a site of remembrance, where ashes and roses were laid for those lost.
Ep 8: Winter
We hear stories of fires, storms and hurricanes on Fire Island (Cherry Grove & The Fire Island Pines) which often threaten to destroy it as mother nature punishes with beach erosion. Plus — Halloween, Christmas and New Year’s and how to survive winter on the island with several year-rounders.
“The same socioeconomic, racial and political issues that play out across the U.S. are played out in these tiny, remote gay communities as well - it’s all just a microcosm for the rest of the world.”
Our work centers on gathering the stories and artifacts of the people, organizations, and events that shaped the Pines; preserving them digitally.
“The epic stories, influential storytellers and fascinating Fire Island lore will capture audiences completely.”
“The epic stories, influential storytellers and fascinating Fire Island lore will capture audiences completely.”
