A Pic Says A Thousand Words - FIBO 2008

Saturday August 9, 2008 marked the sixth annual Fire Island Black Out (F.I.B.O.) day at the beach where a few thousand lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people of color were in attendance to take in some rays of sunlight on a picture perfect midsummer afternoon. Belmo, Ian, and I braced the five-hour early morning commute from Philadelphia to Cherry Grove Fire Island, New York just so that we can witness the North East's summer pride season finale for the LGBT community.

The following is a series of photographs taking at the event along with a caption below each shot stating what I think was going on at the time. Each picture speaks volumes. What does it say to you?

"Alright everyone, watch your step while boarding the ferry. Have your tickets ready. There's plenty of room. All aboard!"

"Welcome to Fire Island"

(Curtis) - "The island ain't ready for all this. I said they just ain't READY"

(orange shorts guy) - "It's early. The men will be here, TRUST ME."

(guy in black shorts) - "That guy looks good right there- yes, yes. OWWW!!!

(right guy) - "Hey Baby, how've you been? I knew you would be here. Wanna take a walk with me down to the Dunes?"

(sitting guy) - "Let me know how the water is cause I'm working on my tan."

(right guy) -"I know he ain't taking a picture of us?" (left guy)- "Fuck him! Act like he ain't he ain't there. Just keep your swagger up."

(guy on left) - "This is as far out as I'm going. I'm too drunk to go any further."

(right guy) - "Altogether now, one step, two step, one step, two step."

"See Man, I told you that you can wear thongs out here and no one cares."

"Should I show one titty or two?"

(sista) - "I'll let you take one picture with me and that's it. This is my time to shine."

(left man) - "You see what all these black men do to me?"

(Belmo) - "Okay, if I run into the water then it won't be so cold."

(sitting guy) - "Aw, I should have brought my dog.

(rest of guys except center guy) - "Me too!"

(Ian) - "Who needs the meat rack with all this standing before you?"

(right guy) - " Man, it's way more folks out this year compared to last year. You see this shit?! Damn!"

(left guy) - "If this winds up on You Tube, we gonna fuck you up."

"I'm gonna eat good today"

(Curtis) - "You know it's on when we get home?"

(Belmo) - "Uh huh."

(guy with glasses) - "What a sight to see. All those beautiful black guys and girls...here...in our town? Who woulda thunk it?"

Until next year....

The Fourth Of July.... Fire Island Style

Independence Day was spent differently this year. For the past 7 years, I had to work that holiday so when I discovered I was off, I knew it would be a reason to celebrate. Unfortunately, Belmo didn't have that luxury. He had to work which sucked for me. I wanted to spend the day in a way that I've never before. That way was on the beach, in Fire Island, during the Invasion. The Fire Island Invasion welcomes drag queens and kings from far and near and embraces their freedom to be different on a day remembered for granting liberty and justice for all people. My friend Ian was about as gung-ho as I was for this trip to New York so we embark early Friday morning in the overcast and rainy weather with a glimmer of hope that the sun would shine over our destination.

Here's a taste of Fire Island Invasion 2008.