Today’s car journey took up to the famous, at least in the gay culture, Fire Island. We were not quite sure what to expect, nevertheless we hopped in the Prius, took a right into the Queens/Midtown Tunnel and were on our way. We took exit 59 south to the Cherry Grove Ferry, and arrived on the Island.
Fire Island was everything you could imagine a gay Island to be. The little grove towns off the beach were quaint, cute, and friendly. The houses were gorgeous. There was always the faint sound of drag queens butchering another 80’s dance hit at one of the many gay bars that could be found pretty much at every turn. I have never been a huge fan of the bars, as Gil would point out, but I was surprised when I found myself realizing that some
thing would be missing from the island if they were not present. The most surprising thing to me though, was how beautiful the beach was. The water was a deep blue and the white sand was so white and fluffy. The beach of course had its share of characters. We encountered the whole spectrum of “gay” as we took our initial stroll up the beach, and I loved it. The cohesive existence of acceptance on that beach was touching and I felt, for the first time in a long time, an urge to find a healthy connection with my culture, a new goal of mine. There were hot bodies and not so hot bodies. There were Speedos, European style, and thong bathing suits. Bathing suits, naturally, were optional on Fire Island. Many men and women walked leisurely across the beach not caring one bit that they were naked. Leary at first my admiration grew for these people. I finally concluded that if these people were so comfortable with themselves, good for them to go nude on a beach. It just added a little zip to the whole experience. There were huge groups of friends that seemed to be going in on one of the hundred or so beach houses together for a summer of partying and single men and women reading books and enjoying individual peacefulness. Lesbians were present 
taking in the sun and sights, providing the stern feminine attitude with a touch of goofiness that carved their place among everybody. Gay couples walked hand-in-hand down the beach without any staring or gawking. Gays were normal and for once the straight people stuck out in the crowds. I finally concluded that if these people were so comfortable with themselves, good for them to go nude on a beach. It just added a little zip to the whole experience. It was a perfect day to be on the beach, so we found a spot, settled down, and lounged the day away. As we waited for the ferry back to Sayeville, we saw the most beautiful sunset, which put the perfect period on the end of our day.The day was great and I encourage anyone gay, curious or open in cyber land to visit Fire Island. We took the Long Island expressway back to the city, back to home. I, of course, had another “wow” moment when I realized that my new home was marked in the distance by the blinking red light on the top of the Empire State Building. What a great day…
