July 27, 2020 | Sex & Society

COVID Destroyers assemble to protect Fire Island

Meet the COVID Destroyers, a group of queer superheroes created to protect Fire Island from Covid 19.

The group was formed following the 4th of July parties in the area where revellers flouted social distancing and mask wearing guidelines. Nightlife promoter Daniel Nardicio, working with volunteers from the Gay Men’s Health Crisis, drag queens and go-go boys, patrol the island with masks and hand sanitizer, while reminding people how to stay safe. They are also trying to raise $10,000 to help nightlife performers struggling to make ends meet.

“Fire Island was an epicenter of the HIV/ AIDS crisis, and we learned then that we must take care of our own,” Nardicio explained on the group’s GoFundMe page. “[The Covid Destroyers] decided a positive, helpful approach will do much more than a ‘tag ‘em and drag ‘em approach’ and we can hire out of work nightlife performers while doing it.”

Governor Cuomo’s office is supplying the masks and hand sanitizer to be distributed throughout Cherry Grove and the Pines.

“We are thrilled to be teaming up with the Governor to promote safety measures” says Taylor Shubert, a member of the team. "These queens will show you that being safe is sexy!"