As executive director of the Key West Business Guild, Rob Dougherty oversees the daily operations of the island city’s LGBTQ+ visitor offerings to the world. But it’s his nearly 33 years as a former individual and group therapist that’s helped him expertly navigate the ever-changing needs of the community he serves.
“My human services background helps me listen to the needs of our membership and to be adaptive,” said Dougherty. “We also embrace our county and city motto of ‘One Human Family’ because it matters.”
What also matters to Dougherty is ensuring a bright future for the LGBTQ+ community. Under his guidance, the Guild is working to launch a new three- to five-year strategic plan to further implement and quantify the organization’s mission in a wildly diverse and evolving LGBTQ+ community.
“We need to be able to create goals to move forward, build objectives to help reach those goals and create measurable outcomes,” he said.
Formed in 1978, the Key West Business Guild — the nation’s first LGBTQ+ destination marketing organization — is a nonprofit dedicated to encouraging tourism and supporting Key West’s gay community. Each year, about 250,000 LGBTQ+ travelers visit Key West.
The Key West Business Guild (or Guild for short) also operates the Gay Key West Visitor Center. Located at 808 Duval Street, in the heart of the business district dubbed the ‘Pink Triangle,’ visitors get an introduction to Key West, and come to know why it’s widely recognized as one of the nation’s most gay-friendly destinations.
Rob Dougherty and his Husband, Harvey, enjoy the live music scene around Key West. Here they are at Willie T’s waiting for musician John LaMare to begin his set. (Photo courtesy of Rob Dougherty)
The Guild, with nearly 400 members, produces several annual signature events including Key West Pride, which runs Sunday, June 22 to Sunday, June 29; Tropical Heat, Wednesday, August 13, to Sunday, August 17; Key West Womenfest, scheduled Wednesday, September 3 to Sunday, September. 7; and Fantasy Fest’s Headdress Ball extravaganza on Tuesday, October 23.
For eight full days at the end of June, Key West Pride week will proudly showcase the community and island city Dougherty works all year long to serve. Festivities include a new stand-up show by nationally known comedian Quin Lamar at Key West Theater, the popular gay Key West history trolley tour and a pool splash party at La Concha Key West. Activities like these provide opportunities to visit Guild members’ museums and attractions and participate in spirited gay-friendly tours on the island and in the water.
During his lengthy career in human services in Pennsylvania, Doughtery worked as a hospital-based therapist. While there, he directed a drop-in center for those with homeless and chronic mental health challenges. He also volunteered with AIDS Services Center and AIDSNet, and participated in community activities, gay rights and marches.
Dougherty is one of five siblings who grew up in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and spent summers in Brooklyn, New York. His father was a MACK Truck worker and United Auto Workers member, and his mother worked as an office manager for a large insurance company.
Dougherty also co-owned a book shop in Clinton, New Jersey, with his husband of 23 years, Harvey, who today is a popular Historic Tours of America trolley driver in Key West.
Rob Dougherty (Left), his sister Leigh, and husband Harvey (right) enjoying one of the many happy hours around the island. (Photo courtesy of Rob Dougherty)
Dougherty first came to Key West in the early 1990s to vacation and like many full-time residents, “fell in love” with it. It was, for me, ‘someday, someday, someday.’” So, in the fall of 2022, he made it official and moved to the island city.
His motto: “Leave no regrets. Authenticity matters.”
Where he dines: Mostly at home. “My husband, Harvey, is an AMAZING cook and baker. When we eat out, it is at locally owned and operated establishments, like Alonzo’s Oyster Bar, Bel Mare and Big Cheezees Pub and Grub in Key West.”
Where he explores: Live music venues: the Green Parrot Bar and Willie T’s; local art galleries.
How he relaxes: “Meditating, spending time with Harvey, my two cats, and friends. Listening to music, reading everything from cozy mysteries to literary fiction. Shopping.”