Anderson Zaca: Fire Island Invasion

Zaca's black & white pictures capture the joyous spirit of the event from start to finish, and also the effort that goes into it, the camaraderie and the decadence of the day. - Black & White Photography

The 'Invasion', rooted in the rebellious spirit of the '70s gay liberation movement, represents a unique fusion of rebellion, glamour, and defiance of societal norms.

Invasion of the Pines is an annual event that takes place on July 4th in Fire Island, New York. The inaugural invasion occurred in 1976 when a drag queen was denied entry into a restaurant in The Pines, and a group of her friends, also dressed in drag, stormed the island in protest. Since then, The Invasion has been repeated every year, with hundreds of drag queens descending on The Pines to commemorate and celebrate this original act of protest.

Fire Island Invasion: Day of Independence by Anderson Zaca marks the 50th anniversary of this historic and cultural phenomenon. New York-based photographer Anderson Zaca (born 1976) began documenting The Invasion in 2007. Embraced by the community, he has experienced the evolution of this event year after year and honours the magic of this powerful spectacle.

Shot using black-and-white film and a medium format camera, Zaca's work combines traditional and contemporary elements, showcasing the intricate details of each scene and capturing the beautifully contradictory nature of the individuals involved. With over three thousand images spanning almost two decades, Zaca's photographs serve as both an archive and a tribute to the transformative power of the art of drag during this iconic annual celebration.