The Florida Keys & Key West, internationally known for their longstanding heritage of diversity, are a leading LGBTQ+ holiday destination. The southernmost U.S. island chain continues to appeal to LGBTQ+ visitors with ever-evolving 'only in the Keys' experiences and communities renowned for their welcoming and accepting 'One Human Family' attitude.

“2022 is proving to be another exciting year for the LGBTQ+ community in Key West and the Florida Keys,” said Pony Charvet, LGBTQ+ sales manager for the Keys' Monroe County Tourist Development Council. “New events are in the planning stages, many long-time events are back this year, and Key West's iconic rainbow crosswalks were redone to once again make the Pride corridor of Duval Street shine.”

Here's what's new in the Keys and Key West for LGBTQ+ visitors:

In Key West, four signature rainbow crosswalks spanning all four corners at the intersection of Duval and Petronia streets in the heart of the LGBTQ+ entertainment district have been refurbished by the City of Key West. The crosswalks, featuring long bands of the six colours of the rainbow flag, are composed of preformed thermoplastic colour stripes heat-treated with propane torches and permanently affixed to the pavement. Originally installed on Duval in 2015, the crosswalks are a city landmark and popular photo stop.

The Key West Business Guild is planning a 20th-anniversary celebration to commemorate the island city's famed 1.25-mile-long sea-to-sea rainbow flag, with events to take place during the guild-produced Pride festivities set for 7-11 June 2023. The massive flag was sewn in Key West in 2003 by original rainbow flag creator Gilbert Baker to mark the 25th anniversary of his original banner's debut. Baker spent three months on the island while he and a handful of dedicated helpers sewed approximately 17,600 linear yards of fabric that weighed more than three tons. During Pride 2003, the world's longest rainbow flag was unfurled by volunteers along the entire length of Key West's Duval Street — and its ends were dipped simultaneously into the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean in a sea-to-sea demonstration of acceptance and pride. Specific details of the anniversary celebration are awaited.

Blu Q Sailing Adventures, which has offered gay all-male clothing-optional snorkel and kayak, sandbar, and sunset sail tours since 1996, has updated its 2022-23 schedule. Its Sandbar & Snorkel excursion is currently slated to run from May through October, with the Kayak & Snorkel experience planned from November through April. Both trips are four hours long and feature spectacular scenery with stops at serene backcountry areas and other uncrowded locales. Blu Q's two-hour sunset sails are scheduled to operate year-round and are to include all-welcome departures on a request basis only.

The Tennessee Williams Museum in Key West has added memorabilia about Williams' writing, filming and premiering 'The Rose Tattoo' during the 1950s. In addition, in 1981 Williams gifted use of his name to the Tennessee Williams Fine Arts Center, now the Tennessee Williams Theatre. The exhibits are enhanced with original photos by the late local photographer Don Pinder and playbills signed by Williams among other artefacts. The openly gay playwright's 34-year residence in Key West helped the city gain widespread literary and cultural recognition. Managed by the Key West Art and Historical Society, the museum has self-guided tours Thursdays through Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Private curator-led group tours are available for a minimum of four.

The Aquaplex, where 'reality is a drag,' has unveiled a new look at 711 Duval St. in the heart of Key West's LBGTQ+ entertainment district. The property now has multiple venues including an outdoor Hawaiian-themed restaurant — 'Poké in the Rear' — serving lunch and dinner with a full bar in the compound's back patio area. There's also an expanded dance floor and new lighting and sound at CLUB 504 at the Sidebar, the Back Bar, an outdoor garden bar; and the 22&CO bar, known for its neon flamingo décor. All venues are accessible from within the complex. The Aquaplex is locally owned and staffed by a family of long-time employees and drag professionals. It's open from noon to 2 a.m. daily, with new shows and events designed to create variety for patrons.

Two emporiums in the 700 block of Key West's Duval Street, the heart of the LGBTQ+ shopping and entertainment district, have become favourites for visitors.

LGBTQ+-themed gift store In Touch offers unique greeting cards, collectibles like December Diamonds, works from local artists, fun T-shirts, unique gifts, and Christmas ornaments. The self-proclaimed “gayest, most fun store in Key West” has introduced a new line of collectible “Divas” as well as “Mermen” and “Mermaids” ornaments created by December Diamonds.

Graffitti Menswear, a premier gay-owned and -operated men's store, is celebrating its 35th anniversary. Selling casual clothing and accessories, the emporium is best known for its wide selection of trendy swimwear and underwear. The retailer is a popular first stop for newly arrived visitors seeking to expand their island-wear wardrobes.

For more information on the Florida Keys & Key West, visit www.fla-keys.co.uk.

For more LGBTQ+ information for the Keys, visit www.fla-keys.com/gay

Media Information Only

Beth Harvey, PR Account Director at the Florida Keys & Key West UK Press Office: beth.harvey@kbc-pr.com