Gay Key West – The Nomadic Boys

Gay Key West - The Nomadic Boys

Conch! It’s quite a quirky word, satisfying, yet it sounds like you’re cursing… “you CONCHhead!” or “you’re such a CONCH!”

Giggles aside, over in the gay island mecca of Key West, a conch is a legit nickname given to the locals. And this bunch of conchers sure know how to live life to the fullest!

Key West is famous for its relaxed, tolerant and queer inclusivity. Historically it’s always been different, helped by the fact that it is the southernmost point of the USA mainland, slightly cut off from the rest of Florida. This has allowed Key West to thrive as a mixed haven for an eclectic blend of people ranging from Native Americans, Spanish, freed slaves, pirates, and of course, the LGBTQ community. It has also been a bedrock for artistic talent with the likes of Tennessee Williams, Ernest Hemingway and Judy Blume all making this unassuming island their home base. Key West even has an official motto of “One Human Family“.

We absolutely loved Key West. There are so many things to do here with a really exciting gay scene along Duval Street. We’ve been to Key West several times and always had a ball on each visit. We’ve put together this detailed gay guide to Key West to include our experience trying out the best gay hotels, partying in the bars/clubs, inspiration for things to do, and more.

Gay Key West

The gay area of key West is based around the busy Duval Street, between Angela and Petronia Streets. There is a permanent Rainbow Crosswalk here so you can’t miss it! This small intersection forms the gay neighbourhood of Key West, largely centred around 3 large complexes forming a sort of triangle. The 3 large complexes are 801 Bourbon, Bourbon St. Pub and Aqua. Each one has around 3/4 separate bars/clubs inside which we summarise in detail below.

By Stefan Arestis – Full Story at the Nomadic Boys

Key West Gay Travel Resources

Queer Key West Events – Passport Magazine

Queer Key West

Pack your bags for Key West! This LGBTQ playground provides visitors with some of the most unique and exciting things to do, see, and experience throughout the year. Here are five of our favorite annual events that make this island destination one of the most popular places for travelers from around the world.

Key West Pride

Celebrate Pride—island style. Key West Pride is not just about the party, it also brings the entire community together to show off its long history of LGBTQ inclusivity. After all, the their motto is “One Human Family.” With a street fair, parade, and parties at some of the best bars and clubs, you’ll discover one of the most integrated and unique communities in the world. Show your Pride from June 6-10, 2018.

Key West Tropical Heat

The subtropic island of Key West might be hot, but temperatures are only rising in anticipation of Tropical Heat, a four day all-male, all-adult festival running from August 15-19, 2018 that’s filled with clothing-optional pool parties, not-to-miss drag shows, and the late-night happenings that have made Key West a go-to gay getaway in recent years. Hit the sizzling kick-off party at Big Ruby’s Resort, dance the night away at Aqua Nightclub, or lounge poolside at the Bourbon Street Pub. Complete with the beloved, long-standing tradition of gay bingo, and even a saloon Dungeon party, this Key West event is one-of-a-kind!

Alexander’s Guesthouse – Gay Key West Guesthouse

Alexander's Guesthouse - Gay Key West Guesthouse

Alexander’s Guesthouse is a European style luxury guesthouse catering to Gay & Lesbian clientele.

We offer a complimentary breakfast buffet and an open bar, as well as multiple level tanning decks, a 24 hour heated pool & Jacuzzi.

Alexander’s Guesthouse is a retreat for your soul… with comfortable beds and crisp white linens, a lovely pool and jacuzzi to melt your worries away, and delicious breakfasts to get you started each morning and a friendly Happy Hour.

See the Alexander’s Guesthouse Expanded Listing on Purple Roofs Here

Key West Gay Friendly Bed and Breakfasts, Hotels, and Vacation Rentals

It’s Still Gay Key West – The Advocate

gay Key West - pixabay

They have a motto in Key West: “One Human Family.” Coined by James Thompson — an HIV-positive activist, organizer, and designer — it represents Key West, the tiny island best known for its queer inclusiveness.

“Inclusiveness is part of our heritage,” one tour guide told me when I visited last August. Its embrace of diversity and willingness to set itself apart from the Florida mainland goes back to its origins as a haven for an eclectic blend of Native Americans, Spanish, freed slaves, seafarers (including pirates), queers, and creatives. The island known as the “southernmost point in the continental U.S.” sided with the North during the Civil War and later served as home to famous writers like Tennessee Williams, Ernest Hemingway, and Judy Blume.

The charm Key West offers is so unlike other Florida cities that many locals call it “Unflorida” and consider the island to be “more Caribbean than the United States.” Its reputation as a refuge for LGBT people has been reflected in local politics: The city was one of the first in the U.S. to elect an out gay mayor (Richard A. Heyman in 1983).

By David Artavia – Full Story at SOURCE

Key West Gay Travel Resources