Podcast Summary: All Of It Episode: Crowd-Pleasing Desserts to Share with Pride
Release Date: June 27, 2025

Introduction

In this engaging episode of All Of It, hosted by David Fuerst in place of Alison Stewart, listeners are invited to delve into the rich history and vibrant culture of Cherry Grove, a longstanding LGBTQ haven on Fire Island. The episode features insightful conversations with Parker Sargent, the host of the Queer Grove podcast, filmmaker of Making Miss Cherries, and Creative Director of the Cherry Grove Archives Collection. Through a blend of historical exploration and personal anecdotes, the episode underscores the significance of Cherry Grove as a sanctuary and cultural hub for the queer community.

Exploring Cherry Grove's Legacy

Parker Sargent kicks off the discussion by sharing his personal connection to Cherry Grove. He recounts how his and his wife's journey as trans femmes led them to discover Cherry Grove, particularly after watching the PBS documentary Ocean Meets Sky which highlighted the community's inclusive spirit. This serendipitous exposure sparked their participation in the annual "Invasion of the Pines," a vibrant celebration that began as a protest against discrimination within the Fire Island communities.

Parker Sargent [02:54]: "We got to go on this day and experience this event, but also be able to go on the beach and feel comfortable."

The "Invasion of the Pines" originated in 1976 as a response to Cherry Grove residents witnessing discrimination in neighboring Fire Island Pines. Over the decades, it has evolved into a massive celebration featuring diverse forms of drag and communal festivities, symbolizing unity and resilience within the LGBTQ community.

Historical Insights and Indigenous Roots

The conversation takes a profound turn as Parker emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the indigenous history of Fire Island. He introduces Jeremy Dennis, a Shinnecock Indian Nation member, who discusses the nomadic lifestyles of native tribes before European settlement. This segment highlights the sustainable practices of the indigenous people and the profound impact colonization had on their way of life.

Jeremy Dennis [09:14]: "We would never harvest anything until depletion or until extinction. And so that was something that as soon as Europeans arrived, it became a problem."

Parker underscores the responsibility of preserving and respecting this layered history, ensuring that Cherry Grove's narrative encompasses both its queer heritage and its indigenous roots.

Listener Stories: Personal Memories and Experiences

The episode becomes interactive as listeners call in to share their personal connections to Cherry Grove. These testimonies offer a mosaic of experiences that illustrate Cherry Grove's role as a safe haven.

• Allison from North Stamford [11:22]: Shares her first visit in high school during her senior year in 1980, highlighting Cherry Grove as a liberating space that fostered her growth and self-acceptance.

• Amy from Manhattan [19:42]: Describes a family-friendly Pride weekend in Cherry Grove, emphasizing its inclusive and charming atmosphere that contrasts with the more hectic city celebrations.

• Max from Chelsea [24:37]: Expresses the deep sense of community and safety in Cherry Grove, where individuals can express affection freely without fear of judgment or prejudice.

• Lynn from Parsippany, NJ [29:18]: Recounts joyful memories from the 1980s, appreciating Cherry Grove's welcoming environment for both queer and straight couples.

These stories collectively highlight Cherry Grove's enduring legacy as a place of joy, acceptance, and community support.

Terminology and Community Dynamics

A significant part of the discussion addresses the evolving terminology within the LGBTQ community, particularly the use of the term "queer." Parker acknowledges the discomfort some members feel towards the term, explaining its reclamation and inclusive intent.

Parker Sargent [14:51]: "Queer is everyone. And maybe it's a reclaiming of the word."

This dialogue reflects the dynamic nature of community language and the importance of embracing terms that foster unity and inclusivity.

Additionally, Parker touches upon the relationship between Cherry Grove and Fire Island Pines, describing them as "symbiotic sisters." While each community has its unique character—Pines being predominantly gay male-oriented and Cherry Grove more diverse in its queer representation—they complement and support each other, enhancing the overall Fire Island experience.

Current Projects and Future Endeavors

Parker provides an overview of ongoing projects aimed at preserving and celebrating Cherry Grove's heritage:

1. Annual Archives Show: A weekend event featuring displays on various aspects of Cherry Grove's history, including the fire department, local shows, and house blessings. Interactive photo albums allow visitors to engage tangibly with the past.

2. Premiere of Making Miss Cherries: A documentary focusing on the 2022 Ms. Cherries All Stars Pageant, set to premiere at the Cherry Grove Community House and theater on July 26.

3. Walking Tour Exhibitions: Showcasing the works of artists like Warren Boyd, Wexler, and Susan Kravitz, who have contributed to both the archives and the community's artistic landscape.

4. Release of Safe Haven Photo Book: A limited edition collection highlighting Cherry Grove's role as a sanctuary for the queer community.

5. Ongoing Queer Grove Podcast Episodes: With seven episodes already released and more on the way, the podcast serves as an oral history archive, capturing personal narratives and collective memories.

Parker Sargent [33:00]: "This podcast was a way for all of us on the board to sit down and go, what is the story we want to tell about Cherry Grove?"

These initiatives demonstrate a proactive approach to safeguarding Cherry Grove's cultural heritage and fostering community engagement.

Conclusion

This episode of All Of It offers a comprehensive exploration of Cherry Grove's pivotal role within the LGBTQ community. Through historical recounting, personal stories, and discussions on contemporary projects, Parker Sargent effectively conveys the essence of Cherry Grove as a bastion of safety, creativity, and inclusivity. Listeners gain a profound appreciation for the community's past struggles and triumphs, as well as its ongoing efforts to preserve and celebrate its unique culture.

For those interested in learning more or participating in upcoming events, Parker directs listeners to the Cherry Grove Archives Collection website: www.ctarchives.org.

Notable Quotes

• Parker Sargent [02:21]: "Cherry Grove is a safe haven. It's been a safe haven since the 1940s for queer people."

• Allison [12:36]: "At Cherry Grove, we did not [experience police raids] until the 2000s... It was a wonderful experience for me and very freeing."

• Max [24:37]: "When I'm on Fire Island, particularly Cherry Grove, I could just rub suntan lotion on his back or do a little kiss here and not wonder... It's just liberating."

• Parker Sargent [16:30]: "Queer is everyone. And maybe it's a reclaiming of the word."

• Lynn [29:32]: "We had a boat in the Pines and we would... go to Cherry Grove on Saturday night and have a great time... I did not feel out about it, that I do belong."

All Of It continues to be a vital platform for exploring and understanding the multifaceted nature of culture and its communities, celebrating diversity, and fostering meaningful conversations.