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The Story of FIPPOA (est. 1953)
Virun Rampersad Virun Rampersad

The Story of FIPPOA (est. 1953)

For over seventy years, the Fire Island Pines Property Owners Association (FIPPOA) has been a driving force in the transformation of the Pines from a rustic beach enclave into one of the most celebrated and glamorous gay communities in the world. Guided by a board of elected, unpaid volunteers, FIPPOA has spearheaded the development of the Pines’ physical infrastructure, while carefully navigating its cultural evolution from homophobic origins to a modern gay mecca.

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The Pines Party - A Conversation With Allan Baum and Frank Liberto
Virun Rampersad Virun Rampersad

The Pines Party - A Conversation With Allan Baum and Frank Liberto

Pines Party is an internationally renowned event that follows in the tradition of legendary parties like Beach and the GMHC Morning Party. For a dozen years, FIPPOA Vice President Allan Baum and his husband Frank Liberto have been at the helm. Pines Historical Society sat down with the for a candid and entertaining discussion as the prepare to pass the reins to a new generation of leaders.

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Pines Profile - Douglas E. Harris (b. 1950)

Pines Profile - Douglas E. Harris (b. 1950)

Doug Harris has spent his life doing something both rare and invaluable -- building worlds where people can thrive. Whether helping shape the regulatory architecture of the global capital markets, elevating LGBTQ+ elders through SAGE, or steering the Pines towards becoming a more open and welcoming community, Doug’s legacy is defined by brilliance, perseverance, risk taking, and an extraordinary gift for connection.

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Pines Profile - Guy Smith (b. 1970)

Pines Profile - Guy Smith (b. 1970)

Major dance parties have long held profound social, emotional, and cultural significance within the gay community. In many ways, they are rituals of freedom, resistance, and belonging, that are deeply woven into the fabric of LGBTQ+ culture. Over time, this spirit has given rise to some of the most spectacular and imaginative celebrations in the world. For more than three decades Guy Smith has been at the center of this, bringing his unique blend of technical mastery, psychological insight, and creative vision, to craft immersive experiences that evoke joy, liberation, and connection.

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No Kings Protest (2025)
Virun Rampersad Virun Rampersad

No Kings Protest (2025)

There were two No Kings Protests held in the Pines in 2025. The community has a long history of activism. In the early years it took the form of organizing, strategizing and fundraising to support the fight for gay rights and to fight AIDS. In recent years, these efforts have become more traditional, with a Black Lives Matter march in 2020. The two No Kings protest rallies in 2025 continue in that vein.

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