There is absolutely no excuse, gay boys and girls, for not knowing about our vast queer history. Not only is it absolutely vital to understand the struggles and triumphs and life and loves of our forebears, but these stories are absolutely riveting.
This weekend a new radio documentary will debut, exploring the history of Fire Island as a homosexual enclave. From the dark days of the ’50s through the liberation of the ’70s through the AIDS crisis, The Ghosts of Fire Island explores the spirit of the island through interviews with the people who lived there. Once a safe-haven away from a homophobic world, Fire Island was as decimated by the epidemic as any LGBT urban center.
It is required listening. You can hear a short sample below.
December 1 is World AIDS day, so it’s a perfect opportunity to explore decades past.
How about we take this to the next level?
Our newsletter is like a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.
If you’re in Los Angeles, KCRW will broadcast the show in commemoration of World AIDS Day 2013 on Friday, November 29 at 7:30 p.m. and Tuesday, December 3 at 2:30 p.m. (PST). We reached out to producer Myke Dodge Weiskopf for details about listening online, and he passed along these handy links:
- KCRW’s page for the piece: http://www.kcrw.com/etc/
programs/uf/uf131129the_ ghosts_of_fire_i - UnFictional’s Soundcloud stream: https://soundcloud.com/
unfictional - Their iTunes podcast: https://itunes.apple.com/us/
podcast/kcrws-unfictional/ id393433206 - And, of course, I’ll have it up on my site, where there is lots of extra material not heard in the broadcast. http://www.myke.me/production/
fireisland/
AuntieChrist
I always wondered what gay heaven would be like. Didn’t expect I’d be getting sand in my shorts.
QJ201
Yes Worlds AIDS Day is the perfect time to discuss the drug and sex scene that spreads HIV on Fire Island. Not that this was your point.
I swear nothing made me prouder to be a gay man than to watch some tweaked out 20 something guy up against a tree in the meatrack letting anyone and I mean ugly old trolly anyone bareback him while he begged to “be bred”
AuntieChrist
@QJ201: I’m quite certain that the gay youth of today are making much, much safer choices. Ah, to be young and in lust again. Sigh and swoon.
DerekR
@QJ201: So why were you in the Meat Rack in the first place? A sight seeing tour? No, let me guess. You were just “passing through” to the Grove? Obviously the kid needed/needs help but he is on his own path in this life. I think you worry about your own and stop the preachy, judgemental Schick.
DerekR
schtick
Joetx
@AuntieChrist: You’ve read the threads supporting bareback porn, right?
Stache1
@DerekR: QJ201 was just jealous the kid didn’t invite him in for some action too;)