Titled Safe/Haven, a new showcase from Manhattan’s New York Historical Society explores gay life in Cherry Grove during the 1950s and beyond-doing so through a collection of 70 enlarged photographs, on view until October 11th.Īccording to the museum, many gay men and women traveled to Cherry Grove well before the Stonewall era. Now, Cherry Grove’s history is getting its very own exhibit. The island is currently home to 17 different small beach towns-including Ocean Beach, Fire Island Pines, and Cherry Grove-and the latter is one of the island’s most popular gay getaways. Still today, an enormous rainbow flag continues to welcome visitors at the ferry docks, proudly proclaiming the area's identity as a gay sanctuary.
Its protected beaches, picturesque boardwalks, and vibrant nightlife has made it an idyllic destination, and safe space, for queer New Yorkers wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. New York’s Fire Island, often referred to as America’s first gay and lesbian town, has been a summer destination for the LGBTQ+ community since at least the 1940s.
