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

Nicholas Ammaturo Nicholas Ammaturo

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

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Nicholas Ammaturo Nicholas Ammaturo

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.

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Nicholas Ammaturo Nicholas Ammaturo

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.

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Nicholas Ammaturo Nicholas Ammaturo

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.

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Nicholas Ammaturo Nicholas Ammaturo

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.

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Nicholas Ammaturo Nicholas Ammaturo

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.

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Nicholas Ammaturo Nicholas Ammaturo

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!

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Nicholas Ammaturo Nicholas Ammaturo

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.

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Nicholas Ammaturo Nicholas Ammaturo

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.

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Nicholas Ammaturo Nicholas Ammaturo

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?

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