Fire Island has long served as a cherished haven for the queer community — a place where LGBTQ+ people can relax, connect, and celebrate. Much like Provincetown, it’s designed with queer joy in mind. While straight visitors are certainly welcome, they should know upfront: this place is proudly and unapologetically gay.
From concerts to pool parties, Fire Island offers a wide range of events that foster a powerful sense of celebration, fun and community. One of its most beloved traditions though is the Miss Cherry’s All-Star Pageant — one of the longest-running drag events in America, showcasing the glamour, humor, and heart that define queer performance culture.
The film primarily follows drag performer Timothy Byars, better known as Sabel Scities, as he competes in the 2022 Miss Cherry’s All-Star Pageant. It captures the emotional highs and lows of his journey, offering an intimate look at what it means to be part of this vibrant tradition. Alongside Timothy’s story, the film explores some of the more intricate workings of the pageant itself, highlighting its significance within Fire Island’s queer culture — and how it has grown into something far more meaningful than many ever anticipated.
It’s refreshing to see a documentary that shines a light on a lesser-known side of drag culture. While many queer people are familiar with club performances, the idea of formal drag pageants might be new to some viewers. The film highlights how the Miss Cherry’s event feels less like a traditional competition and more like a celebration — one where drag queens uplift and support each other. That joyful, communal spirit is beautifully captured throughout the documentary.
While the film is on the shorter side — running around 45 minutes — and could benefit from being a little longer, it still manages to pack a punch. At one point, the event went through a time that they were not sure it would be able to continue. Seeing the journey they went on to get the right people involved to keep it going was a surprising element.
The film strikes a strong balance between exploring the historical roots of the Miss Cherry’s pageant and offering an intimate look at one of its more recent iterations. Learning that the pageant has been a beloved Fire Island tradition since the 1950s evokes a genuine sense of nostalgia. Knowing this has been a safe space for drag performers for decades brings a sense of light and resilience to a community that has faced deep adversity, especially during the decades before the 2000’s.
In an era filled with so many cynical documentaries, Making Miss Cherry’s feels genuinely refreshing. It’s a beautiful reminder of the life-changing moments that can happen in queer safe spaces. The film powerfully illustrates how, year after year, this event offers contestants a sense of purpose and self-worth. As Timothy explains, it’s not just about winning a trophy — it’s about empowerment, community, and celebration. We can only hope this pageant continues for many more years, keeping the spirit of Fire Island’s drag community alive for summers to come.
4/5 stars
