Key West: Pride in paradise
Rainbow flags appeared to be flying from nearly every building in Key West in recognition of the city’s annual gay pride celebration.
Thousands of visitors from across the U.S. and around the world joined with the local community for Key West Pride 2012, which began on Wednesday, June 6 and ending on Sunday, June 10. The five-day event included a series of parties, a film festival, a street fair, and a parade. Special guests included Emmy Award winning Leslie Jordan, who performed his hilarious new one man show, and activist Erin Davies with her “Fagbug.”
“Pride is not only a celebration for Key West’s many LGBTA residents but also an opportunity to highlight the city’s long history as a top destination for gay travelers,” said Steve Smith, outreach director for the Key West Business Guild, the host organization for Key West Pride and one of the oldest gay Chamber of Commerce organizations in the U.S.
Community Marketing, Inc.’s 16th Annual Gay & Lesbian Tourism Report found that Key West ranks among the top 20 destination in the U.S. for leisure travel by gays and lesbians.
In addition to Pride, the Key West Business Guild host many other annual events including:
The Key West Business Guild also sponsors a weekly gay-themed trolley tour that provides a comprehensive overview of gay-friendly Key West past and present.
More information on visiting Key West is available on the Key West Business Guild’s website,www.gaykeywestfl.com.
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