Key West, FL: The Key West Business Guild (KWBG), the nation’s oldest LGBTQ+ business organization, is proud to announce its acceptance as an official member of the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), the nation's largest advocacy organization dedicated to expanding merit-based economic opportunities and advancements for LGBTQ+ and other allied and interested businesses.

As an Affiliate Chamber of the NGLCC, the Key West Business Guild joins a nationwide network of LGBTQ+ chambers and business organizations working together to support and promote inclusive economic growth. Membership provides KWBG and its members with access to expanded resources, business certification opportunities, and a stronger voice in national advocacy for LGBTQ+ businesses and entrepreneurs.

“This is a milestone moment for the Guild,” said Rob Dougherty, Executive Director of the Key West Business Guild. “Our acceptance into the NGLCC reflects the strength and vibrancy of our members and our community. It also opens new doors for business development, partnerships, and advocacy on behalf of LGBTQ+ and allied businesses here in Key West.”

The Key West Business Guild, founded in 1978, has been a driving force in promoting Key West as the nation’s premier LGBTQ+ destination while supporting local business growth, tourism, and community engagement. Becoming part of the NGLCC network strengthens the Guild’s ability to amplify the voices of its members and further its mission to foster economic resilience and inclusivity.
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For more information about the Key West Business Guild and its programs, visit gaykeywestfl.com

Key West, FL – August 26, 2025: The Key West Business Guild invites the public to a special community meeting on Thursday, August 28, 2025, to discuss the future of the city’s iconic rainbow crosswalks. The meeting will take place from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Frederick Douglass Community Center (111 Olivia St.), with doors opening at 5:30 PM.

The meeting, moderated by Key West Business Guild Board President, Dr. Cori Convertito, will bring together city leaders, advocates, and community voices to provide updates on the legal status of the crosswalks, reflect on their history and significance, and explore contingency plans should removal move forward.

Panelists include:

·Brian Barroso, City Manager – Legal and procedural updates on the removal request.
·Joe Saunders, Equality Florida – Advocacy insights and statewide context for LGBTQ+ visibility.
·Additional Community Historians/Advocates – Reflections on the original installation of the crosswalks and their meaning for Key West.

The evening will feature a panel discussion followed by an open community dialogue, where residents will be invited to share their perspectives and ideas. A key focus of the discussion will be exploring alternatives to preserve LGBTQ+ visibility and safety in the event the crosswalks are removed.

These crosswalks are not just symbols of LGBTQ+ pride; they are a reflection the spirit of Key West, a community that values diversity, freedom, and self-expression. Their removal, driven by outside political overreach and pressure, sends a troubling message: that decisions made by and for this community can be overridden without our input.," said Rob Dougherty, Executive Director of the Key West Business Guild. “This meeting will give our community a chance to hear the facts, provide input, and work together on how we move forward.”

Meeting Details:
Date: Thursday, August 28, 2025
Time: 6:00–8:00 PM (doors open at 5:30 PM)
 Location: Frederick Douglass Community Center – 111 Olivia St.
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This event is free and open to the public. All are encouraged to attend, listen, and participate in shaping the next chapter of Key West’s commitment to LGBTQ+ visibility and pride.

Key West, FL — The heat is on! The Key West Business Guild is thrilled to announce the return of Tropical Heat, one of the island’s hottest all-male events, happening August 13–17, 2025 in sunny, sizzling Key West.
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Now in its 23rd year, Tropical Heat is the ultimate summer getaway for men who love men — offering five days of steamy pool parties, clothing-optional adventures, nightlife takeovers, and island-wide indulgence. Set against the vibrant and inclusive backdrop of Key West, the event draws hundreds of visitors from across the country and around the globe for a uniquely tropical experience where “fun in the sun” is just the beginning.

“Tropical Heat is more than a party, it’s a celebration of freedom, connection, and everything that makes Key West so unforgettable,” said Rob Dougherty, Executive Director of the Key West Business Guild. “We’re proud to host this event in a city where everyone is welcomed just as they are.”

This year’s lineup includes:

• All-male pool parties at iconic LGBTQ+ resorts
• Exclusive nightlife events and themed dance parties
• Clothing-optional excursions and male-only boat cruises
• Happy hours, brunches, and mingling throughout historic Old Town

Event passes are available now at https://keystix.com/calendar/tropical-heat. For more, visit gaykeywestfl.com to find travel tips, and full event details.

Whether you're looking to relax, explore, or let loose, Tropical Heat 2025 promises five unforgettable days of sun, sweat, and celebration in the heart of paradise.

Get ready to turn up the heat. Key West is calling.
About the Key West Business Guild

The Key West Business Guild is one of the nation’s oldest LGBTQ+ business organizations, dedicated to promoting Key West as a premier LGBTQ+ travel destination and supporting a thriving, inclusive local economy.

Key West, FL — JT Thompson, the visionary behind the "One Human Family" movement, has been selected to serve as the Grand Marshal for the Key West Pride 2025 parade. Known for his powerful message of unity, love, and inclusion, Thompson's work has had a profound impact on both the local community and the broader LGBTQ+ movement.

"One Human Family," which began as a simple but deeply resonant philosophy, has grown into a global symbol of equality, welcoming individuals of all backgrounds, orientations, and identities. The phrase has become synonymous with Key West itself, where it embodies the island’s commitment to diversity and acceptance."

Thompson will lead the parade on Sunday, June 29th, 2025, in a vibrant celebration of love, individuality, and acceptance that kicks off at 7:00 PM. The event promises to be a powerful demonstration of the spirit of Pride, marking another milestone in the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ rights and recognition.

Key West Pride organizers have expressed their excitement about Thompson's role in the upcoming festivities. “JT’s impact has been nothing short of transformative—not only here in Key West, but around the world,” said Rob Dougherty, Executive Director of the Key West Business Guild. “JT embraces the spirit of Pride: unity, authenticity, and a joyful celebration of our individuality and community."
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With the 2025 parade just around the corner, anticipation is building for an unforgettable event, and Thompson’s leadership will surely make it a day to remember.

KEY WEST, Florida Keys — Visitors are invited to celebrate the history and diversity of the LGBTQ+ community in Key West and beyond during Key West Pride, scheduled for Wednesday through Sunday, June 22-29, 2025. This year's event is proudly sponsored, in part, by Smirnoff, Hear 4 U Audiology, and DG Interiors, among many other supporters.

Presented by the Key West Business Guild, this year’s theme, “STILL RISING,” honors the rich history of the LGBTQ+ community within the welcoming “One Human Family” ethos of this subtropical island, renowned as a premier LGBTQ vacation destination.

Attractions will include late-night dance parties, daytime and sunset sailing excursions, film screenings, and drag performances, as well as a STILL RISING bar crawl for costumed participants and Pride’s traditional street fair, which promises a vibrant new twist.

The festivities will commence on Wednesday, June 22, with a kick-off party hosted by AquaPlex Key West, located at 711 Duval Street. This two-hour event will set the tone for an exciting week ahead.

Highlights for Wednesday, June 25, include a Gay Key West History Trolley Tour, followed by a pool party at the newly remodeled La Concha Hotel. Attendees can anticipate an unforgettable evening featuring “An Evening of Queer Crooning and Comedy,” showcasing former American Idol contestant Beane and the dynamic queer comedian Quin Lamar, and hosted by local favorites, Puddin Tain” and Gwen Filosa. Thursday, June 26, will feature a “Tea on the Sea” sunset sail and a floating tea dance aboard the Fury Catamaran. Later that evening, guests can support their favorite mixologists during the “Key West Local Bartender Competition,” commencing at 9 p.m. at the Bourbon St. Pub, 724 Duval St.

Other enticing activities will include a lavish brunch sail on the luxurious Argo Navis, the “We Love Our Allies Pride Party” at 22&Co, 504 Angela St., and a “Slay Under the Sea” dance party hosted by Tike House (203 Duval St). Our LGBTQ+ partners, including Aqua, 801 Bar, Bobby’s Monkey Bar, Island House, and Bourbon St. Pub, will offer a full slate of events throughout the week.

Among Saturday's many attractions is the Pride Street Fair and party, scheduled from 4-8 p.m. along the 700 to 900 blocks of Key West's famous Duval Street. This event will feature live entertainment, a diverse array of vendors, and music by DJ Mr. Enjoy.
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The final day's schedule on Sunday, June 29, will culminate in an inclusive Pride Parade, showcasing a 100-foot segment of Key West’s iconic 1.25-mile-long rainbow flag, originally created in 2003 by the late Gilbert Baker. Slated to begin at 7 p.m., the parade will traverse a route that includes most of Duval Street, allowing participants and spectators alike to conclude their Pride celebrations at La Te Da’s traditional Tea Dance.​

KEY WEST, Florida Keys — Visitors are invited to celebrate seven decades of Pride by honoring the past, embracing the present, and looking towards the future during Key West Pride, scheduled from Sunday, June 22nd through June 29th, 2025.

Presented by the Key West Business Guild, this year's event carries the overarching theme of “Still Rising.” The celebration will prominently honor the history of the LGBTQ+ community, highlighting the resilience of the LGBTQ+ movement while promoting the island's inclusive ethos of “One Human Family.” Key West is internationally recognized as a premier LGBTQ vacation destination.

This year, in collaboration with the Key West Art & Historical Society and the Stonewall National Museum, Key West Pride will showcase a compelling installation titled "50 Years: The Stonewall Uprising." This exhibit will delve into the individuals, events, and locations of those pivotal June nights in Greenwich Village, NYC, exploring why the Stonewall riots became a catalyst for the movement advocating for equal rights for LGBTQIA+ Americans.

Key West Pride will feature a variety of attractions, including late-night dance parties, historical tours of Gay Key West, daytime and sunset sailing excursions, a private beach party, pool parties, film screenings, drag performances, an LGBTQ comedy night, a trolley-ridden bar crawl, and much more.
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If you are interested in learning how to participate in the largest LGBTQ+ celebration of the year through volunteering, sponsorship, or contributing to the event's organization, please contact Rob at the Key West Business Guild at [email protected]

The Key West Business Guild proudly awarded a grant of $5,000 to the GSA at Key West High School. This vital organization serves as an essential resource for youth, fostering a safe environment where students can gather, support one another, discuss matters related to sexual orientation and gender identity, and actively challenge homophobia and transphobia. The grant is presented in collaboration with the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys.
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Pictured from left to right are Alan Beaubien, President Emeritus of the Key West Business Guild; Dave Perkins, Assistant Principal, Key West High School; Gabby Davila., GSA Historian; Kaitlin LeBlanc, ESE Access Teacher, and GSA faculty advisor at Key West High School; Rob Dougherty, Executive Director of KWBG; and Fritzie Estimond, Associate Director of KWBG

April 30, 2024 – (KEY WEST, FL).  The Key West Business Guild is pleased to announce the 41st annual Headdress Ball, an outrageous showcase of talent for mask-makers and costumers, will take place Thursday, Oct. 24, at Key West’s Coffee Butler Amphitheater in Truman Waterfront Park, hosting this year will be internationally celebrated female impersonator, Randy Roberts. Showtime at 8:00 PM.
 
The Headdress Ball celebrates the creative and free spirt of Fantasy Fest, Key West’s 10-day costuming and masking festival set for Oct. 18th – 27th., the Headdress Ball is Fantasy Fests premier LGBTQ+ event, hosted by the Key West Business Guild. Plans call for it to feature more than 15 contestants, all in awe-inspiring, unique headdresses, each hoping to walk away with the top prize.  
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Although most participants are costumed from head to toe, entrants will be judged only from the shoulders up as they vie for the first-place prize of $3,000. 

Joining Randy Roberts and along with the headdress presentations, music will be overseen by DJ Rude Girl. Both Randy Roberts and DJ Rude Girl will welcome an array of entertainment throughout the competition.
Attendees will also enjoy libations and food service, courtesy of End of Summer Grill, all available to order online when you place your order.

The Headdress Ball has been produced for the past 41 years by the Key West Business Guild, one of the oldest LGBTQ business organizations in the United States. Proceeds from the event help the guild support Key West’s gay and gay-friendly enterprises, community, and the island’s position as a leading LGBTQ vacation destination location. 

Tickets are $320 for a premium table for four people, $270 for a VIP table for four, $35 per person for chair seating and $30 per person for general admission with lawn seating. To purchase tickets and preorder food, visit keystix.com.

Event information: gaykeywestfl.com/headdress-ball, fantasyfest.com 

April 30, 2024 – (KEY WEST, FL).  The Key West Business Guild is pleased to announce registration is now open for the highly anticipated Key West Pride 2024 Parade, this year celebrating the Golden Era of 1970s Disco.  The parade will be held on Sunday, June 9th at 5:00 p.m., originating from the quayside at Truman Waterfront Park.  Participants will then proceed up Whitehead Street toward the waterfront then working its way down Duval Street.  Floats of all types will be accepted – cars, trailers, walking groups – with all participants encouraged to embrace the disco theme.

Each year Key West Pride, a five-day event, celebrates the amazing contribution the LGBTQ community makes to our island’s diverse “One Human Family”.  Disco was a defining era for the LGBTQ community, and the culture exploded with amazing style and pageantry.  It wasn’t long until Disco became a worldwide sensation influencing every aspect of society.

“Put on your Boogie Shoes, get the glitter balls ready, and dust off your bellbottoms for this year’s annual parade,” says Rob Dougherty, Executive Director of the Key West Business Guild.  “Our goal for this year’s Pride Parade is to create a ‘Love Train’ as the parade floats travel down Duval Street and to see our community dancing in the street.  Once the parade finishes on the 1300 block, we want everyone to head to LaTeDa for a Disco Tea Dance.”
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Entry for the Pride Parade is free, although the Business Guild requests a small donation of $20 to offset the cost of logistics.  The registration application is easy – visit gaykeywestfl.com/pride or call the Key West Business Guild office on 305-294-4630.