Fire Island: The Tea
An Oral History
A storytelling platform and publication. The brainchild of the Naughty Pine and Books and Boys. A collection of interviews, stories, and anecdotes about the life, times, and happenings of queer Fire Island-follow along for a glimpse into the unseen and untold. From the boardwalks to your bedroom, the Tea is hot and ready to serve.
LISTEN TO OUR STORIES
S2 E5: The Man Behind Tom of Finland: A conversation with Durk Dehner
We explore Durk's childhood through adulthood, from becoming pen pals with Tom of Finland before becoming his muse to starting ToF Foundation, its mission, and his summer working in Fire Island.
S2 E4: The Phoenix: A conversation with trans photographer and model Lea Duque
Lea shares a personal history and de-transition story. A discussion around gender and recognizing our own masculine/feminine energy as a spectrum that can help to heal.
S2 E3: Community 101: A conversation with award-winning architect Charles Renfro
An insight into his origins, Texan connections, renting Fire Island during the Aids crisis, reviving a Horace Gifford, sustainability in design and community living, and a sneak peek at the soon-to-come Aids Memorial.
S2 E2: A Return to the Pines: A conversation with Jari Jones, a plus-size trans model, actress, activist, and producer
A Return to the Pines: A Conversation with Jari Jones, a plus-size trans model, actress, activist, and producer.
S2 E1: Tea time with Gil Neary in conversation with Jack Parlett
A sunny Sunday afternoon conversation over tea with writer, poet, and scholar Jack Parlett and the late Fire Island icon Gil Neary. A coming together from across different places and generations.
We are fortunate to have recorded this episode while our beloved neighbor and mentor, Gil, was alive and well. A true steward of the Pines and the LGBTQ+ community in and around NYC, Gil shares his perspective, insights, antics, and stories he was famous for.
In memory of Gil Neary (1957-2024).
Don't miss Gil's "Final Bow" and Jack's "Choose your own Adventure" in our printed publication of Fire Island Tea: The Second Edition | Summer 2024
S1 E9: Sunday Tea: Iman and Finding Asylum
After fleeing persecution and abuse in Egypt, achieving asylum in the United States was only the beginning for Iman Le Caire. Listen to her story as she finds herself through her transition, finds love in her husband, and finally finds a home on Fire Island. A true trailblazer and activist who started the petition to create Trailblazers Park in the Pines Marina, Iman is no longer silent. She has taken action through the creation of her non-profit Trans Asylias, dedicated to providing resources for transgender and non-binary (TGNB) asylum seekers to escape from their home countries, where they face persecution, and resettling them in countries that are safer for TGNB communities. Iman has been working on Fire Island to make it more inclusive for all.
S1 E8: Sunday Tea: Adam Klesh, Berlin to the Beach
Get to know Adam Klesh, aka “Papa Bear.” A multi-faceted producer and global bar owner who puts community first. Working hard to bridge the divide between the Pines and Cherry Grove, and creating more inclusive spaces. From Berlin to Cherry Grove to Hell’s Kitchen, learn how Adam finds the energy to be in what seems like multiple places at once. A fellow producer of the Pines Party, we have seen Adam put his entire self, even injured, into our community. Meet “Papa Bear,” he doesn’t bite–unless you want him to.
S1 E7: The Issue at Hand: Beach Erosion
The boys at Fire Island Tea speak with the Fire Island Pines Property Owners Association (FIPPOA) President Henry Robin. Henry shares his candid and transparent management of all the various governmental agencies and efforts that have been put in motion to get the Fire Island Pines beach replenished.
S1 E6: Moments that Matter: Pump & Dump
Moments that Matter: Pump & Dump follows the narrator's life-changing journey, catalyzed by an invitation to a Fire Island birthday celebration. Initially hesitant due to personal struggles and misgivings, the narrator's evolving relationship with Fire Island mirrors their path of self-discovery and liberation.
S1 E5: Bambi Sue - His Story Buff
Join Bambi Sue and step into the glittering world of Fire Island, where history, scandal, and unapologetic queerness collide. In this episode, we're diving into the heart of why telling and preserving queer stories on Fire Island matters more than the sequins on a drag queen's gown.
S1 E4: Bambi Sue - Dredging Up the Past
Bambi Sue responds to the question of her origins. She briefly explains her start and history in HX magazine and related publications. Diving into the topics of her sexual exploits, nightlife, and general advice. The return of Bambi Sue is one we couldn't resist!
S1 E3: Interview with BoND Boys
Noam Dvir and Daniel Rauchwerger are owners of the BoND Studio, an architecture and interior design firm based in New York City. The duo discuss how they met, started working together, building spaces outside the “nuclear family” paradigm, and their hopes for a more sustainable future for Fire Island.
S1 E2: Interview with Joseph Conforti
In this episode, Nick and Marc talk with the artist Joseph Conforti. They deeply dive into the start and evolution of his artist’s practice, activism after being diagnosed with AIDS, and how the pandemic inspired his driftwood sculptures.
S1 E1: Interview with Tomás Matos
In our inaugural episode, we’re chatting with Tomás Matos, one of the stars of the Hulu film, Fire Island. We talk about the process of getting cast in the movie, their first trip to the Island, pool moments vs. beach moments, and their involvement in the ballroom scene. Are you brave enough to admit how many times you’ve fallen off the boardwalk?