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 2000, hoping to increase awareness of the inherent unity and equality of all people everywhere, Thompson began printing bumper stickers that read “All people are equal members of our ONE HUMAN FAMILY.” When he began giving them away, they were snapped up by friends, as well as visitors who spotted them and sought out their creator. 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.
The stickers are 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. “One Human Family” bumper stickers 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.
  A performance by renowned lesbian comedian Kate Clinton, a women’s art extravaganza and a group commitment ceremony are to be highlights of Womenfest 2005, Key West’s nationally acclaimed festival for lesbians and their friends. Scheduled for Tuesday through Sunday, Sept. 6-11, Womenfest offers events for singles, couples and groups of women who want to enjoy the freedom to be themselves in a naturally beautiful and accepting environment. Now in its 18th year, Womenfest draws women to celebrate the freedom, fun and diversity that has made Key West one of the United States’ premier gay and lesbian vacation destinations. For more details, visit the Womenfest Web site at www.womenfest.com.
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Since its creation, more than 550,000
copies of the inspiring bumper sticker
have been distributed
to people from 95
nations by Thompson
and supporters of the
philosophy.
In June 2003, more than 2,000 people helped stretch a 1.25-mile-long rainbow flag down Key West’s Duval Street. A section of the flag is to be incorporated in a solidarity march set for Saturday, Aug. 13.
Residents of the Florida Keys live in an atmosphere accepting of
lifestyle diversity and are willing to share that with everyone.
On June 15, the Hillsborough County Commission — county government for the greater Tampa, Fla., region — enacted a policy banning county agencies from acknowledging and supporting gay pride events, despite several impassioned pleas from gay rights advocates. By contrast, the rainbow flag symbolizing gay pride is displayed in Key West’s city commission chambers and the official motto of both the city and Monroe County is One Human Family, proclaiming respect for diversity. Friday through Sunday, Aug. 12-14, Key West and Monroe County are to host the Hillsborough Pride in Exile celebration for gays and lesbians from Hillsborough County, Fla. Of course, everyone else is welcome too. Pride in Exile was created by Key West Cares About Pride to show solidarity and support for the citizens of the Tampa area following the Hillsborough commission’s action. Activities are to include shows, a trolley tour of sights relating to Key West’s gay history and community, parties, a rally spearheaded by Equality Florida, the statewide antidiscrimination advocacy organization, and a solidarity march featuring a 100-foot section of the 1.25-mile-long 25th anniversary rainbow flag. Free admission to special events and accommodations discounts also are to be offered to visitors from Hillsborough County.
“The government and people of the Florida Keys believe in and support human diversity,” said Monroe County Mayor Dixie Spehar. “We’re one human family.” According to organizers, numerous local businesses and individuals have offered their sponsorship and support. For more information about Hillsborough Pride in Exile, and an up-to-the-minute schedule of events, call the Key West Business Guild at 305-294-4603 or 1-800-535-7797, or visit www.prideinexile.com. For information about lodging in Key West, call 1-800-LAST-KEY or visit the Florida Keys Web site at www.fla-keys.com.
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