As well as being one of the top visitor destinations in the world for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered community, Key West has earned repeated accolades from gay media and readers of GLBT publications.
Key West was chosen as the favorite gay and lesbian warm-weather resort destination in a travel survey coordinated by PlanetOut Travel, a division of PlanetOut Inc. The poll’s results, which indicated that 37 percent of respondents preferred Key West over other destinations including Fort Lauderdale, ran in the November 2004 issue of “Out & About,” the company’s monthly print newsletter for gays and lesbians. But that’s far from the only acclaim Key West has received. Among other kudos, “Out & About” named Key West the favorite winter destination in 2003 and 2004. And in 2003, the island was lauded as the top summer weekend getaway in the continental United States by “The Advocate,” the award-winning national gay and lesbian newsmagazine — beating even Provincetown for the prized number-one spot.
  As might be expected in one of the country’s top-rated destinations for gay and lesbian travelers, commitment ceremonies are performed virtually every day in Key West by clergy, notaries and even Key West’s Mayor Jimmy Weekley. Key West also is the first city in Florida – and the Keys’ Monroe County the first county in Florida – to officially recognize same-sex domestic partnerships. In addition, the Conch Republic, that tiny “nation” Key Westers conceived in 1982 when the United States Border Patrol erected an unannounced roadblock on the Florida Keys’ main road, recognizes and licenses same-sex marriages — although certificates may not be recognized by local, state or federal governments outside the individualistic republic. In March 2004, Key West’s city commission passed resolutions that supported same-sex marriages. A crowd of more than 350 people cheered Mayor Weekley and openly gay City Commissioner Tom Oosterhoudt as they read two resolutions outside commission chambers and announced their passage in a four-to-one vote. The city’s measure also urged private companies to offer health benefits to their employees’ same-sex partners. Many who gathered outside the commission chambers showed their opinion of state law by donning white ribbons signifying their support for equal marriage rights for gays and lesbians. After its national launch in Key West, the “white ribbon for equality” campaign was quickly adopted by Equality Florida, whose spokespeople urged other state and national organizations to follow Key West’s lead. For couples planning to formalize a union, Key West’s natural beauty is as appealing as its unique freedoms. A romantic tropical island located 159 miles southwest of Miami, Key West offers couples a welcoming atmosphere and some of the most memorable settings imaginable for a union celebration. For instance, a ceremony can be performed aboard a magnificent schooner or clipper, cresting the waves as the sun sinks into the ocean, with sails billowing and friends gathered around to share the joy. Life partners can pledge to love and honor each other in a variety of other exquisite settings on the island. Key West’s Metropolitan Community Church (MCC), located in a historic wooden building on a quiet, tree-lined side street, is an especially joyous setting for celebrating a meaningful union. MCC is a gay-oriented nondenominational church, and its pastors have been performing commitment ceremonies for gay and lesbian couples since 1984. Commitment ceremonies or union services may be religious or civil, take place at the church itself or elsewhere on the island, and range from a simple exchange of vows to a full ceremony with music by an organist or classical ensemble. Couples can arrange for complete coordination and photography packages whether the event is small and intimate or delightfully elaborate. Once the ceremony has concluded, there is no better place for life partners to spend a honeymoon than Key West, because the island’s open, accepting attitude means the welcome is as warm as the weather. Couples might indulge in a luxury oceanfront resort stay, charter a sailboat for a romantic getaway, or escape to an intimate suite in a lovingly maintained guesthouse.
 This edition of Key West Travel e-News launches a new initiative by the Florida Keys & Key West tourism council to provide a quarterly electronic newsletter with information for gay and lesbian travelers. “Key West is renowned as one of the top destinations for gay and lesbian visitors in the nation,” said Harold Wheeler, director of the Keys tourism council. “E-News will provide information regarding events and other island appeals, targeted to this important travel audience.” There is no charge for Key West Travel e-News. Subscribe via the Keys Web site at www.fla-keys.com/mailinglist.htm.
Go to www.gaykeywestfl.com or www.fla-keys.com for more details on Key West and the Keys. |
Fun and frivolity are in order for Key West’s Tropical Heat.
Rising temperatures in the island city April 21-24 might not be just a meteorological condition. Instead, they could be a response to Tropical Heat, a long weekend of gay and lesbian adult fun.
Conceived by the Key West Business Guild, the United States’ oldest gay-oriented business organization, Tropical Heat is a collaborative showcase for the island city’s most in-demand gay and lesbian bars and clubs. Its four-day schedule features 10 lightheartedly decadent events designed to tickle attendees’ fancy. “Key West is renowned as a gay and lesbian vacation destination for its welcoming atmosphere and warm weather, which makes it ideal for this event,” said Tropical Heat spokesperson Steve Smith of the Key West Business Guild. “When visitors come down, we encourage them to pack their bags — not their inhibitions.” Tropical Heat is to kick off at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 21, with the Decadent Banquet at La Te Da, 1125 Duval St. Provocative servers are to offer wicked foods rumored to include strawberries and whipped cream. Later, at 10 p.m., Locker Room Heat is to take center stage at KWest, 705 Duval St. With daring dancers and contests, this event proves that the heat can increase even after the sun goes down. Friday’s action is to commence at 2 p.m. in the Garden Bar at the Bourbon St. Pub, 724 Duval St. The Boys of Bourbon invite everyone to join them as the property’s inviting pool and surroundings are transformed into an ancient Roman bath. The festivities move to 801 Duval St. from 6-10 p.m., when the 801 Bourbon Bar presents the Drink Olympics. With local celebrity and guest bartenders, the games are sure to be anything but a traditional Olympiad. Friday’s late-night gala is set to start at 10 p.m. at Aqua Nightclub, 711 Duval St. Titled “Steam,” it’s a chance for attendees to sweat out their sins complete with music, steam, towels and forgiveness provided by the folks at Aqua. The following day from 2 to 6 p.m., Aqua’s NudiTEA is to offer a new twist on the traditional afternoon tea dance. KWest is to be the setting for Saturday’s next round of revelry — when the Caligula Party debuts from 6 to 10 p.m. Attractions include a Coliseum Room and lions on the prowl. Later, at 10 p.m., togas rule when the Bourbon St. Pub hosts a Greek Night toga party starring the Boys of Bourbon. Revelers are to shimmy back in time Sunday, April 24, as La Te Da stages a resurrection of its late lamented afternoon tea dance from 4 to 7 p.m. Tropical Heat’s final hurrah is a 10 p.m. Sunday event designed to return attendees to the glories of Greece at the 801 Bourbon Bar with the 801 Girls performing cabaret-style as Greek goddesses. A single all-events pass is available for admission to all Tropical Heat activities. The pass costs $25 per person until March 31 and $35 per person beginning April 1. For those without passes, entrance to each individual event is $20 per person at the door. All attendees must be 21 or older. For accommodations information, a complete schedule and to purchase all-events passes, visit www.gaykeywestfl.com or call 305-294-4603.
|
For decades, the island city at the tip of the Florida Keys has been renowned for its residents’ welcoming and accepting attitude toward people of all kinds. It took local artist J.T. Thompson, however, to initiate formal recognition of that philosophy of acceptance and inclusiveness.
In October 2000, the Key West City Commission adopted “One Human Family” as the official philosophy of the City of Key West. The Monroe County Commission quickly followed, embracing the motto for the entire Florida Keys. Since its creation, more than 500,000 copies of the inspiring bumper sticker have been distributed to people from 95 nations by Thompson and supporters of the philosophy. The stickers remain available free to anyone who wants them, and an all-volunteer nonprofit group has been formed to spearhead their distribution. Printing and mailing is funded by donations from supporters. Thompson encourages people not only to request and display the stickers, but also to live by the “One Human Family” philosophy and work for the eradication of discrimination and oppression. “There is no greater gift we can give to future generations than a world where all people enjoy equal rights, dignity and respect,” said Thompson. “One Human Family” bumper stickers are available free in locations throughout Key West and the Florida Keys. In addition, they can be obtained for free by sending a stamped, self-addressed, business-size envelope to One Human Family, P.O. Box 972, Key West FL 33041.
|
Stiletto heels and spandex skirts aren’t typical attire for racers at most U.S. drag strips. However, Key West’s Duval Street isn’t a typical drag strip – and the Great Conch Republic Drag Race, organized by the Bourbon Street Pub Complex, has nothing in common with NASCAR’s offerings.
High heels and lipstick are to eclipse big wheels and stick shifts in the wacky race, set for Saturday, April 23. Events are to begin at 1 p.m., when the “pits” in the 700 block of Duval Street open for public viewing. Spectators can watch contestants run or stumble down Duval Street, trying to beat their competitors’ best times – without breaking a heel or smearing their makeup. Check for more event details at www.bourbonstreetcomplex.com. |
| Gina Maseratti, left, and Gary ‘Trampie’ Drews, both of Key West, compete in last year’s Conch Republic Drag Race. |
HOME | FISHING | DIVING & SNORKELING | ARTS & CULTURE
Florida Keys Tourist Development Council
1201 White Street, Key West, FL 33040
1-800-659-7719
This E-Mail address was added to this newsletter by the recipient on fla-keys.com.
To Unsubscribe to this monthly newsletter please click here .