I’ve been very fortunate in my lifetime to attend many incredible Pride celebrations around the world (did you know there are over 90 LGBT Pride events held in the U.S. and Canada in June alone?). However, I will always be partial to our Key West event, which continues to delight thousands of revelers year after year.
During Pride 2003, the iconic Key West rainbow flag stretched from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean in a sea-to-sea display of pride and unity. (Photo by Andy Newman, Florida Keys News Bureau)
Of course I think everyone should come to celebrate Pride with us at least once. After all, the activities showcase the diversity and equality that help make our southernmost city a top vacation destination for LGBT visitors from around the world.
This year our “little slice of paradise” will welcome visitors to Pride festivities Wednesday through Sunday, June 6-10.
We have a ton of fantastic activities planned to help you get your “inner Pride on.” So please make sure you pack your speedos or favorite aquatic attire, since the lively LGBT pool parties are a “must do” in my book.
Then after a brief disco-nap and dinner, you can head to our “Pink Triangle” for some late-night Pride soirees that are held each evening. The “Pink Triangle” includes a cluster of LGBT bars, entertainment clubs and stores around the 700-800 blocks of Duval Street.
If you prefer to stay dry and get out and about, you’re in luck. This year’s schedule also includes an LGBT theatrical reading, film screenings, Pride karaoke, wine and rum tasting events, a Pride street fair and pageants to select Mr., Miss and Ms. Key West Pride. (Whew, I’m going to stop there — but yes, there’s a lot more to do!)
Some of my favorite highlights include the 2018 Stoli Key West Cocktail Classic’s Wednesday night Pride kick-off gala at the Island House Resort — plus Thursday and Friday night’s elimination rounds and Saturday night’s final round.
The mixology competition features regional winners from LGBT bars in 14 North American cities — and they’re all tasked with creating a Key West cocktail that embodies the island’s creativity and free spirit. Not surprisingly, the challenge is one of North America’s largest annual LGBT bartending competitions.
Kayla Hasbrook, left, hoists the 2017 Stoli Key West Cocktail Classic championship trophy following her victory. At right is 2016 winner Rocky Collins. (Photo by Carol Tedesco, Florida Keys News Bureau)
Saturday’s final round is at 7 p.m. on an open-air stage in the 700 block of Duval Street. Stoli USA’s phenomenal national LGBT ambassador, Patrik Gallineaux, will be hosting along with “Real Housewives of Dallas” star LeeAnne Locken.
But they’re not the only stars on hand. Celebrity guests and contest judges include hit recording artist Debby Holiday, former “American Idol” finalist LaToya London, six-time Emmy Award-winning comedy writer and actor Bruce Vilanch, television personality Jai Rodriguez and Key West female impersonator Sushi.
The Stoli champion will be named honorary grand marshal of another eagerly-anticipated event: the 2018 Pride Parade. The all-welcome procession features a 100-foot section of Key West’s famed 1.25-mile-long sea-to-sea rainbow flag, created in 2003 by the late Gilbert Baker.
The parade should start around 5 p.m.-ish (that’s island time!) Sunday, June 10, proceeding up Duval Street from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean. Afterward, parade participants and spectators can gather for a traditional Key West Tea Dance at the renowned La Te Da at 1125 Duval St. If you do attend, please stop by the DJ booth and say hello to our fabulous resident DJ’s Rude Girl and Molly Blue.
See you here for Pride — I hope!
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