In St. Petersburg, see vintage photos of Fire Island for pride

ST. PETERSBURG — On a festive Friday evening in May at Werk Gallery, it felt like Pride Month had arrived early.

The gallery was bustling with visitors who came to see “Fire Island 1970s: The Photography of Meryl Meisler” and have the chance to meet the famous New York photographer.

First, an explanation: Fire Island is a barrier island off the southern coast of Long Island, New York. The coastal community’s hamlets – Fire Island Pines and Cherry Grove – are known as long-standing havens for the LGBTQ+ community. At its peak, it was known for its wild parties and “tea dances” – gatherings that had evolved since the 1960s – where people could free themselves from their sexuality. In the 1970s, after Stonewall and before AIDS, it attracted luminaries of art, music and fashion.

Meisler's photos capture the people of this era as it was presented to them. After photographing New York nightlife, she was introduced to Fire Island by a trans woman named Alexa at Studio 54. Alexa's friend, a heartbroken beautician named Barnett, invited Meisler to stay at her house in beach there.

The photos remained largely unseen for decades, until Meisler noticed some of his photos on the Fire Island Pines Historical Preservation Society website. The company was founded in 2010 by Bobby Bonanno, a frequent visitor who feared its history was lost.

Meisler contacted Bonanno and they established a correspondence. In 2022, Bonanno organized an exhibition of Meisler's work at the Ice Palace resort on Fire Island.

So how did we end up in St. Pete? Bonanno visited the city and fell in love with the vibe. He is considering moving here.

He met Matthew Faulhaber, who owns the gallery with his husband Fritz. As part of the opening weekend, Bonanno hosted tea dances with notable DJs that took place at Cocktail in the Grand Central neighborhood.

“I want to bring the idea of ​​what Fire Island represents to this beautiful city,” he said. “I looked at it as a way to show people this magical place where you can be whoever you want to be, but you can create your own Fire Island and have places to go where they feel safe.”

The exhibition at the Werk is the first time that such a large number of photos have been presented – some of which have never been printed before.

One previously unpublished photo is of gay icon Stormé DeLarverié, taken in September 1977. DeLarverié is rumored to have thrown the first punch at police during the Stonewall Uprising in 1969. Although this is difficult to prove, all Testimonies agree that she fought with the police during this time. the event.

The photos reveal moments of celebration in a beach landscape. Note that there is nudity among the photographs.

“Four on Deck at the Star Wars Party, Fire Island Pines, NY, August 1977” is on display. Meisler said the Star War party was one of the most epic parties on the island, foreshadowing the cultural phenomenon that the film franchise would become.

Meisler explained that his style of photography falls somewhere between street and nightlife. Although the photos were candid, the subjects knew she was taking them and gave her permission.

Another image depicts a festive tradition, the Ms. Fire Island Pageant, which still takes place every Labor Day. Pictured, “Ms. Fire Island with USA Flag Hat, Cherry Grove, Fire Island, NY, September 1977,” the contest winner is adorned with American flags. Meisler was thrilled when she recently printed it and discovered the sparkle the costume created.

“It seems like a filter, but it’s reality,” she said. “What a great outfit and (he) just walks down the beach after the event is over in all his glory.”

“My 1st Independence Day (Self-Portrait), Fire Island Pines, NY, July 4, 1979” is a striking photo by Meisler that became the featured image of the show. She decided to take a photo of herself because of her reflective glasses, but didn't stage the kiss. It just happened at that moment.

“I don’t know what I was independent of, but I was independent of something,” she says with a laugh. “A lot of people think it's just a world of gay, rich, white men, but you can see mixed genders and races. … This photo could have been taken now.”

What to know if you go to The Werk Gallery

“Fire Island 1970s: The Photography of Meryl Meisler” is on view until June 30. Free. From noon to 5 p.m. Thursday to Sunday, from noon to 9 p.m. Saturday June 8. 2210 First Ave. S., St. Petersburg. 727-289-8685. thewerk.gallery. For more information about Meryl Meisler, visit merylmeisler.com. For more information about the Fire Island Pines Historical Preservation Society, visit Pinehistory.org.