In the new season of Finding Fire Island, Emmy/Tony/Grammy Award-winner Billy Porter opens up to filmmaker Jess Rothschild about his experiences on Fire Island, the legendary LGBTQ vacation destination that has long served as a haven for queer culture and community.
In the documentary’s third episode (available now), Porter reflects on his time visiting the island and admits he spent time in one of Fire Island’s most famous locations: the Meat Rack.
The wooded area between Cherry Grove and Fire Island Pines has been known for decades as a popular cruising spot for gay men. Never one for being shy, Porter gives a drive-by shout out to one of the island’s most storied landmarks.
“I’ve spent some time in the meat rack,” says Porter with a laugh. “I ain’t gonna tell you all my business! You know, I’m a gay man at a certain age. Yes, I was in the meat rack.”
Porter also speaks openly about navigating his sexuality before the evolution of dating apps. Looking back to the early 90s, the Kinky Boots star says he was eager to expand his sexual realm but wasn’t sure where to begin.
He turned to the classified ads of H/X Magazine, a now-defunct nightlife publication that once played a major role in connecting members of New York City’s gay community.
“By 30, I was ready to be versatile. And I didn’t really know where to go, and I wanted a professional, so I did go to H/X. And you had to vet over the phone.
“They had pictures, but you had to call, you had to talk. It wasn’t text message – you had to hear the voice. You know, that was a part of the… allure of it, your voice.
“But, you know, I had to hire a professional to teach me how to bottom. Don’t ask me questions you don’t want the answers to, honey!”
The acclaimed doc-series Finding Fire Island debuted in 2023 and scored a GLAAD Media Award nomination for its exploration of the island’s rich history and cultural impact.
The series also incorporates rare archival footage and is co-produced with The Pines Historical Society, helping preserve and celebrate Fire Island’s unique place in LGBTQ+ history.
Finding Fire Island is distributed through the Broadway Podcast Network and is available on SiriusXM, YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music.
You can watch Episode Three “Sex Before the Internet: Cruising on Fire Island” below or click here.
Discover more from The Randy Report
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.