What began almost twenty-years ago as an act of defiance (by drag queens of Cherry
Grove) during their annual trek (to the Pines) to challenge the status quo, has evolved into an enthusiastic camaraderie between these two communities -- both longtime gay enclaves located on Fire Island, NY.
On July 4th gay, transgender, lesbian and straight people come together and enjoy a day-long party centered around the annual “Invasion of The Pines,” although no one can recall exactly how or when the transition turned from animosity to friendship.To the average person it would seem reasonable that the gay and gender variant communities would be natural kin to one another. After all, it was a small group of transsexuals and drag queens that began the riots at Stonewall almost thirty-five years ago that resulted in the start of the gay rights movement.
Yet, they’re not. In fact, on a broad scale, for a very long time, the two communities (trans & gay) have known little about each other. They kept mostly to there “own kind,” with little or no interest in expanding their horizons – similar to many other demographic groups.
Still, Patsy and friends (drag queens from Cherry Grove) were undeterred by the pretentious reputation of the Pines that first year and ventured over for a drink. They were met with distain, if not outright hostility: bartenders refused to serve them. What’s a queen to do? Rally the troops and make their presence felt! They did, and have, every year since, and the walls have come down.
Times change and so do people. Since the event began, a jovial atmosphere has grown, and so has the number of the “Invaders,” the “Invadees,” and the spectators as well. By 2001, the first year I attended, the “Queens,” who come in every variety – drag queens, circus queens, transsexuals, and cross dressers -- swelled to over 300. They meet in Cherry Grove Square midday, and then to the cheers of well wishers, board a ferry boat bound for the Pines harbor, where their “invasion” is met by thousands of eager spectators cheering as they stroll off the boat, being introduced, one by one. Afterwards, a series of contests and parties kick off in both communities the last throughout the night.
VIEW THE PHOTO GALLERY FROM 2002
