It might have been Independence Day, but out on Fire Island yesterday was D-Day, as dozens of amateur and professional drag queens invaded the Pines from neighboring Cherry Grove.
The Invasion of the Pines has long been a highlights of the summer season at the East Coast gay oasis, but it’s also a reminder of a time when prejudice reared its ugly head: Back on July 4th, 1976, drag queen Terry Warren was denied service at a Pines restaurant. When Warren’s sisters in heels back in the more bohemian Grove heard about the slight, they boarded the next water taxi and invaded the snootier enclave, where they were greeted by cheers and applause. The “invasion” has become a tradition every Independence Day, with 1976 Homecoming Queen Panzi (who was aboard that first flotilla) announcing each queen as she disembarks and marches down the dock.
Click through for more images from the Invasion of the Pines 2012
Photos: Fire Island Pines Ventures