The Key West Business Guild and its visitor center first opened their doors in 1978 to support the LGBT community and promote tourism to the all-welcoming island city. Now celebrating its 40th "birthday," the Guild remains a vital force in showcasing the destination that has been called “the gem in the crown of the U.S. gay community.”
What's the best way to explore the subtropical island of Key West? Walking, bike and trolley tours offer a number of options — house and garden, pub crawls, culinary and tasting, Florida Keys architecture and even ghost tours led by (what else?) a “ghost host.” Whatever you choose, our gay-friendly island paradise awaits your discovery.
The siren song of the subtropical Florida Keys can be almost impossible to resist, particularly when winter has much of the world in its chilly grip. The island chain is rich in ways to indulge body, mind and tastebuds while recharging your batteries ... and sparking lasting memories and smiles that just don’t stop.
Teams from around the world will converge on Key West for adrenaline-packed sporting events and activities Jan. 22-29, during the 27th annual Kelly McGillis Classic International Women’s & Girls’ Flag Football championship. The championship is named for "Top Gun" actress and former Key West resident Kelly McGillis.
You can reach the Florida Keys via land, air, and sea. First-time travelers should experience the drive through the island chain at least once -- because the 127-mile road trip from mainland Florida to Key West via the Overseas Highway, featuring 42 bridges over blue water, is absolutely breathtaking.
Much of Key West’s gay nightlife can found in or near the famed “Pink Triangle,” a cluster of LGBT bars, entertainment clubs and shops around the 700 and 800 blocks of Duval Street. No matter what night you visit, there’s always an astounding array of live entertainment offerings — from drag shows to cabaret to karaoke.
Celebrate New Year's Eve in Key West by watching beloved drag queen Sushi, perched in a super-sized red high-heel shoe, "drop" to famed Duval Street in a wacky takeoff on the Times Square ball drop. The Key West event marks its 20th anniversary this year -- and features celebrity guest host Austin Armacost, best known for Logo TV’s “The A-List.”
Holiday festivities in the subtropical Florida Keys include everything from lighted boat and bicycle parades to tours of decorated historic inns, plays, seasonal concerts and much more — including an Islamorada celebration where merrymakers can frolic in a 30-ton mountain of actual snow!
Who were the monarchs that reigned over Key West's 2017 Fantasy Fest celebration? "King" Paul Murphy, "Queen" Destiny Montgomery, "Duke" Bucky Montgomery and "Duchess" Vicki Hodgson — a royal family that earned their titles by raising more than $129,000 for the Florida Keys' AIDS Help organization!
Some of us have heard the question, “Is Key West as gay as it used to be?” While I don’t personally own a “gay-ometer,” I’m certainly seeing a lot more LGBT visitors out and about enjoying our island’s perfect year-round temps and idyllic subtropical setting.