The Fire Island Cast Learns Its History From Gay Elders

Fire Island may be the subject of a new reality show. But it's also a place with historic significance for the gay community.

Two longtime visitors of the island, Robert and Douglas, explained this history to the castmates of the new Logo series during a yacht tour in the exclusive clip below.

"When I first came out in the 80s, you felt safe dancing with men or holding hands in the streets [of Fire Island], where in Manhattan, you didn't feel that," said Douglas.

"It's the only place in the Northeast where you're really in the major majority [as gay people]. It's your place," added Robert.

Fire Island has generated both excitement and controversy since its trailer released last month. Some worried that the 90-second clip, with its tagline of "cocktails, sunshine, boys," portended a poor depiction of the gay community and Fire Island's heritage.

At the show's premiere, its cast members clapped back against their critics. "We're not harming anyone. And I would never have played a part in something like that," said Cheyenne Parker, adding, "I'm so happy and so proud of this project, and so confident in it."

Don't miss Fire Island's two-hour premiere Thursday, 8 p.m. Eastern and Pacific on Logo.