Thousands Turn Out for Key West Pride

The lesbian couple from the UK wearing rainbow colored leis, holding hands and anxiously awaiting the start of the Key West's gay Pride parade on Sunday, June 12, were unaware the celebration would be taking place when they booked their honeymoon to Florida's southernmost city. They were thrilled, however, to add the experience to their special trip.

On the other hand, the two handsome muscle boys from San Francisco were very aware that their Key West vacation would be at the same time as Pride. They had packed special outfits that they wore to the parade: tight little bathing suits, festive beads and ornate masquerade masks.

As an unexpected treat or as part of a well-orchestrated vacation, Key West's 2011 Pride celebration attracted thousands of participants and spectators, and it was a testament to why the city continues to be a top destination for American and international LGBT travelers.

One "Proud" Human Family
Key West kicked off its extended Pride weekend on Wednesday, June 8 with a fundraising party at Island House. While normally a men-only establishment, the award-winning resort opened its doors to the entire Key West community to enjoy cocktails and hors d'oeuvres while raising money for the Key West Business Guild. The guild, one of the oldest LGBT business associations in the country, is the official organizer of Key West Pride.

In addition to the Island House, Southernmost Hotel, Big Ruby's, Equator, Oasis, Pearl's Rainbow, and the majority of the island's other gay or gay-friendly establishments hosted pool parties, happy hours, barbecues and other special Pride events.

The celebration continued throughout the evening with the start of three-night pride film festival, sponsored by AIDS Help, and the fierce Miss Key West Pride drag competition and post-competition pride show by the 801 Girls at 801 Bourbon Bar.

During the day on Thursday, June 9, Mayor Craig Cates joined City Commissioner Teri Johnston, Police Chief Donie Lee and members of the Key West Business Guild in issuing a proclamation in honor of the island's Pride celebration.

Later in the day, biological women competed for the Ms. Key West Pride title at Aqua nightclub. On Friday, June 10, Bourbon Street Pub, hosted the Mr. Key West Pride competition. Key West's Metropolitan Community Church held a "Pasta for Pride" dinner on the same day.

The Pride street fair was held on Saturday, June 11. Part of Duval Street, Key West's main drag, was closed to vehicles to allow local residents and visitors to shop and get information from community organizations, businesses and various vendors. Many of the businesses along Duval showed their support for Pride with signs and rainbow flags.

On Saturday night, gay comedians Michele Balan and Jason Stuart performed as part of another benefit for the Key West Business Guild that was sponsored by the gay-owned Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory.

By far the most popular of Key West's Pride events was the parade on Sunday. Dozens of elected officials, businesses and community organizations participated in the parade that was filled with floats and colorful participants in elaborate costumes. The parade proceeded along the entire length of Duval Street, from the Gulf of Mexico side of the city to the north to the Atlantic Ocean side to the south.

Log onto www.pridefestkeywest.com for more information.