Fire Island 2011: Fire Islanders celebrate marriage equality

Began writing at 10:21 p.m. while sitting on my desk in Brooklyn.

The happiness over last night's historic marriage equality vote in Albany was palpable on Fire Island today. Those who attended Porsche's show at the Ice Palace in Cherry Grove last night began to cry when they learned the state Senate passed the measure in a 33-29 vote. A large banner reading "Thank you, New York. We do!" hung from the High Tea deck in Fire Island Pines, and state flags flew at Low Tea. Drag queens, cross-dressers, couples and almost anyone else who marched in the Grove's annual Pride parade earlier today rejoiced in the fact that marriage equality will soon come to Fire Island and the rest of New York.

Congratulations to gay and lesbian Fire Islanders who will soon be able to legally marry in the Empire State.



At the Grove's annual Pride parade.



A tranquil day at the beach in the Grove.



Happy Pride from the Grove!



A potential sign of things to come in the Pines.