The official mo
tto for both the city of Key West and the county of Monroe is “One Human Family”. Key West lives its motto daily and in addition sets aside a time of celebration of “One Human Family” during the week of Key West Pride. This uniquely Key West festival begins on June 8 and runs through June 12.
Key West Pride is hosted by the Key West Business Guild, which was founded in 1978 and is one of the oldest LGBT Chamber of Commerce groups in the country. The Guild started as a small group of people interested in promoting Key West summer tourism to the gay community. It is now a not-for-profit organization with over 350 members representing Key West business. The Guild hosts a Visitor Center on Truman Avenue.
Key West is certainly one of America’s most inclusive cities and as the originator of “One Human Family” states, “. . . we continue to be an inspiration for those who come here and take with them a message of pride, unity, equality, and diversity to instill in their home towns.”
Key West Pride events include water adventures, the Annual AIDS Help Film Festival, pageants, music, dance, bike rides, tours, parties, parades, and shows. The festival starts with the Key West Business Guild’s Annual Pride Party and ends with the Pride Parade on Duval Street. The Pride Parade, which starts at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 12, is well known for its 100-foot rainbow flag and high energy procession. Everyone is invited to participate in the parade to celebrate the openness and diversity of Key West. A schedule of festival events is available at PrideFestKeyWest.com. Some events are family friendly, and others are adult-only as noted on the schedule.
The rainbow flag, which is seen not only in the Pride Parade but at many buildings, parks, and homes, was designed in 1978 by an artist named Gilbert Baker. According to the history of this flag as noted on Wikipedia, the red color symbolizes life, orange stands for healing, yellow for sunlight, green for nature, blue for harmony, and violet for spirit.
The welcoming spirit of Key West and its mission of “One Human Family” add to the definition of paradise on our island. I am happy to welcome you to our paradise with many real estate options to choose from. Give me a call today. Jimmy Lane: 305-766-0585.