Book launch: "Mascara, Mirth & Mayhem: Independence Day of Fire Island"

Photographer Susan Kravitz’ new book, "Mascara, Mirth & Mayhem: Independence Day on Fire Island," is a collection of documentary photographs taken over 30 years in the LGBTQ community of Cherry Grove, Fire Island. This book is about journeys. The first undertaken by a fearless few who protested discrimination against a Cherry Grove drag queen in the neighboring Fire Island Pines. Known as “The Invasion of the Pines”, this has been staged every July 4th since 1976, and now includes thousands of participants, gay and straight, who cross-dress to celebrate this day when they can be free, be whoever they want to be, and be gay! Susan’s photographs represent human rights and freedom of expression, seen through the lens of the Invasion.