Key west lgbtq


An island appendage off land-bound Miami, Key West might be the southernmost gesture of the continental US, but it’s really a nation apart — a Conch Republic where rainbow flags hover, queer businesses thrive, and no one bats an eye as LGBTQ couples walk hand in hand.

“One Human Family,” Key West’s motto, says it all. Colorful, eccentric, and bohemian — locals don’t just tolerate difference, they celebrate it. Join a ragtag mix of Conchs (the nickname for locals) by staking your claim to a stretch of sugar-sand beach, flying whatever flag suits you best.

Here are five reasons why over , LGBTQ travelers attend this 8-square-mile paradise in the Florida Keys annually.

1. Queer culture is a part of the island’s cultural fabric.

Photo: Rob O’Neal/Florida Keys News Bureau/HO

In the midth century, Key West’s come-as-you-are attitude became an LGBTQ magnet, attracting a who’s who of queer American artists. Theater legends Jerry Herman, Terrence McNally, and Leonard Bernstein all found inspiration in the salty sea breeze

Key West is a prime travel destination for the LGBTQ community and there are a number of key events throughout the year that take place including Key West Pride which takes place every June. Whilst same sex travel is no different to any other, we comprehend that there are a few more considerations to grab into account when you're choosing your holiday provider and destination. Laws and attitudes around the world vary considerably from those in the UK and these are constantly altering. Our team keeps up to date with changing laws and has in-depth knowledge regarding cultural sensitivities around the world in order to provide you with the most reliable information.



Make sure to stop by Duval Street where you can notice the four immortal rainbow crossing that are a symbol of Key West's 'One Human Family' spirit. Historic Key West accommodations cluster near Duval street, where Spanish and Victorian décor fuse into a delightful setting for the welcoming restaurants, bars and attractions. Embark on a self-guided tour to comprehend the stories behind 51 historic buildings on the isl

Explore the Florida Keys on a road trip to queer Key West

Sunglasses. Verify. Sunscreen. Check. Tune. Check. I was ready to slap the road to Key West through the Florida Keys from Miami. I was rolling down the Overseas Highway solo as the warm sun, humid wind, and salty air kissed my skin through the open window. My girlfriend, who is usually at the wheel, stayed dwelling in California.

Florida has been a complicated destination long before the NAACP and the Human Rights Campaign issued a travel advisory along with a coalition of civil rights organizations at the beginning of this year’s summer tour season. The organizations warned of Florida’s hostile policies toward LGBTQ people, immigrants, and Black and brown people. Ms. Magazine reported about how the Sunshine State’s policies were weakening women’s rights, too.

However, the sun-kissed destination — while a thorn in LGBTQ activists’ sides since the s with the likes of Anita Bryant’s “Save Our Children” campaign — is also very well-liked for LGBTQ travelers. Florida’s Republican Governor Ron DeSantis is intent on repackaging the

Pride in Paradise: Key West LGBTQ+ History and Culture

Key West, Florida, is synonymous with a laid-back, island lifestyle that’s second only to its amazing sunsets. However, it&#;s the island&#;s LGBTQ+ history and culture that truly define its character. Known as a welcoming refuge where individuality is celebrated, Key West lights the way for diversity and acceptance. In this article, the colorful history and thriving culture of the queer community is explored in this tropical, “no shoes, no shirt, no problem,” Pride in paradise.

Key West First Days

Key West’s history as a “port in the storm” for the gay community dates back to the first 20th century. Its geographical isolation, combined with a tolerant and open-minded local population, made it an ideal place for a subtle escape from the societal norms of the mainland. By the s, the island had become a popular destination for queer tourists, drawn by its reputation for openness and arts scene.

The s Marked the Growth of a Community

The s marked a significant period of growth for Key West&#;s queer community. The isl