Just fifty miles east of Manhattan, Fire Island has been considered a gay village since the 1950s, with the stretch of land between Fire Island Pines and Cherry Grove—known as the Meat Rack—being a safe haven for repressed gay men to fully express and experience their sexuality.In this episode, we’re diving into the island's rich history, tracing its evolution from a secluded getaway for artists and bohemians to a thriving vacation destination for the queer community, and discussing the growing threat it faces from the impacts of climate change.Additional Resources:24. Gay Villages: Won't You Be My Gaybor?Fire Island FactsOrigin of "Fire Island"A History of Early Sayville by Clarissa EdwardsThe Seal Island Legend by Robert H. SpencerThe History of Fire IslandOnce Upon a Time There Was a Place Called Fire IslandThe Very Gay History of Fire IslandThe Meat Rack on Fire Island Est. 1950’sThe Botel History Est. 19601968: After Dozens Of Acquittals, Police Forced To End Raids On Gay HavenBefore Stonewall, Cherry Grove: How a Beach Town Became a Gay 'Safe Haven'19. The Queer History of DiscoHidden in a Fire Island House, the Soundtrack of Loss and LoveThe GMHC Morning Party 1983-1990Fire Island's LGBTQ HeritageFire Island National Seashore Action PlanGet Your MerchSupport the show