Filmmaker John Waters, known for cult classics like "Pink Flamingos" and "Hairspray," expressed pride in identifying as an "old-school gay" and discussed his evolving relationship with the contemporary gay community in a recent episode of the documentary series "Finding Fire Island." Waters, who turned 80 in April, stated that while younger generations understand his work, the culture within the gay community has shifted significantly since his early career.
"Even at the height of when I looked the best, I never was a ‘Muscle Mary,’" Waters said, referencing a term for a physically fit gay man. He contrasted his preferences with what he saw as more mainstream trends, noting that "the hippie gay thing, the Cockettes and all that, was more radical and to my liking than, say, clones."
Waters also reflected on the profound impact of the HIV/AIDS crisis in the 1980s and '90s, suggesting that younger LGBTQ+ individuals may not fully grasp the severity and trauma associated with that era. "That’s the main thing: If you’re older, you remember that, and you can never convey what that was like to young people," he stated.
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"Finding Fire Island," in its second season, explores the history and evolution of Fire Island, a prominent LGBTQ+ destination. Hosted and executive-produced by journalist Jess Rothschild, the series delves into various aspects of queer culture and history. This season's episodes examine the dynamics between Cherry Grove and The Pines, two distinct sections of Fire Island, and feature interviews with notable figures such as Billy Porter and Julio Torres.
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Rothschild, who had long sought an interview with Waters for her series "Hot Takes & Deep Dives," noted his close association with Provincetown, Massachusetts, but also his eagerness to share memories of visiting Fire Island in the 1970s with his late muse, drag icon Divine.
"John Waters represents the idea that what society calls ‘too much’ can become a source of creativity, humor and power," Rothschild commented. She added that Waters' perspective on being an outsider, even within the gay community, highlights how traits that might lead to feeling out of place can become the foundation of one's identity and art.
In its current season, "Finding Fire Island" has made a concerted effort to include the perspectives of women, transgender individuals, and people of color, aiming to reflect a broader range of experiences on Fire Island. This approach contrasts with many previous media portrayals, which Rothschild noted have often focused primarily on the white, gay, male experience, thus perpetuating stereotypes about the destination.