Are There Lesbian Bars and Safe Spaces in Fire Island?
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Fire Island's Cherry Grove has deep roots as a lesbian community — queer women began summering there in the 1950s, and the community has been a safe haven ever since. The historian Esther Newton documented this history in her book Cherry Grove, Fire Island: Sixty Years in America's First Gay and Lesbian Town.
Cherry Grove — The Heart of Queer Women's Fire Island
While Fire Island doesn't have a dedicated lesbian bar, Cherry Grove is the more gender-diverse of the two gay communities, with a strong presence of queer women, non-binary people, and LGBTQ+ families. The entire village functions as a safe space.
- The Ice Palace — Hosts events and parties that draw a mixed, inclusive crowd including many queer women
- Cherry's On The Bay — The waterfront restaurant and bar is a popular gathering spot for all parts of the community
- Arts Project of Cherry Grove — The community theater regularly features queer women artists, playwrights, and performers in its summer season programming
- Cherry Grove Beach — The public beach is a welcoming, mixed space
Women-Only Accommodation
- Wisteria — A women-only guest house in Cherry Grove with modern rooms and a relaxing atmosphere, specifically designed as a retreat for queer women
Community & History
The 2013 addition of the Cherry Grove Community House and Theatre to the National Register of Historic Places recognized the contributions of both gay men and lesbians to the community. The Fire Island Artist Residency has also featured a Lesbian Narratives Project documenting queer women's stories on the island.
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