The First Invasion of The Fire Island Pines. 

Wow. This guy is basically from another time, and yet look at how free he's lived his life. Talk about taking the lot you're dealt (being undeniably gay in the 60s) and playing it to the fullest. That takes such courage. I am certain I would have been in the shadows back then. A gay guy in Ohio just living life in fear. But because of these people blazing the trails 40 and 50 years ago, we're all free to live our lives with a *lot* less fear. Beautiful.

love this Elder queen he is awesome !

I was born in the 80s but I find this history so fascinating.

I could listen to his stories for days. Very entertaining.

To have been a part of that scene in Fire Island before the annual Invasion blew up big must've been some interesting times! I would love to see this event one day!

It's kind of magical.. Great story.

I absolutely love this man!

great story. true courage. ty.

I remember going in the 70-80's. ❤

what a great story, and a great storyteller.

Such a wonderful story. I could listen to Thom talk all night. In the late 80's early 90's I use to take a couple of my friends who dressed in drag from Ohio up there for the event. So great to hear a first hand account of how it all come to be. Thanks Thom! And thank you IFD for bringing his experiences to us. And all the other great folks, that has help make our community understood and respected.

I love this guy!

What happened to Terry Warren-the original queen whose experience inspired the entire thing? Is he/she still around, and did they participate in the first Invasion?

I love this piece, I was 10 years old and at that time I already knew I was different back then. I love looking back at all the footage of the invasion.

This. Right here. This is why nobody goes to that freak show island anymore.

😂😂😂 this is great !

Find out more about Panzi. Look up Blue Flettrich and The Islanders Club.

Around these parts We don't take kindly to folks who don't take kindly to DRAG❤

lol great story

I take it there won't be a Pines Invasion this year due to covid 19? It would be a major disappointment if it were cancelled.

THE PiNES , Homo heaven on earth. two sides one the atlantic the other the bay. homes are spectacular with each having a walkway down to the boardwalk where each has a little she with the water toys , chairs and the garbage cans. its basically $1000 a bed per week. Shares. a full is a whole month, one half two weeks per month and so forth down to one night a season. The days events vary somewhat but its breakfast, beach , nap. beach , tea , dinner, then to the Pavillion to dance the night away or the meat rack. The stairs down to the beach have the name of the street up top. homes are TDF with one at Ocean and Fisherman must have 6000 sqft of decking. hope is 100x50 deep . one is a pyramid. theme parties where to see someone with barbie doll earing is norm. romantic and frantic

😎👌

I had a house in the Pines in the 60's. It was great. Before al those silly queens "Invaded It".