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."

Watch the lesson in Fire Island's history below, and don't miss Fire Island's two-hour premiere Thursday, 8 p.m. Eastern and Pacific on Logo.