The Fabulous Destination of

Lesbian and Gay Key West

The islands of the Florida Keys salute diversity and the subtropical island of Key West is internationally known as a top gay and lesbian vacation spot, celebrating openness and pride.

Long known as a gay Mecca, the city of Key West proudly adopted One Human Family as its official philosophy in 2000 a move soon followed by Monroe County, which encompasses the entire Florida Keys island chain.

Recognizing that all people are created equal, the entire destination is renowned for its welcoming and accepting attitude.

More than 200,000 gay and lesbian visitors travel to this two-mile by four-mile island each year, and for good reason. Some of the best annual events include June's Key West Pride and September's Womenfest.

Hungry for a warm-weather vacation spot with great restaurants and a welcoming vibe? Satisfy your appetite in sunny, subtropical Key West.

Left: In 1978 Gilbert Baker created the original rainbow flag that became the international symbol of the LGBT community.

In 2003, a commemorative 1.25-mile rainbow flag was constructed in Key West that is believed to be the world's longest.

Key West Offers Unique Meaningful Marriage Ceremonies

For couples planning to wed, the Florida Keys & Key West s natural beauty is as appealing as its unique freedoms. Key West offers couples a welcoming atmosphere and some of the most memorable settings imaginable for their wedding, whether it's small and intimate or delightfully elaborate.

With Rev. Steve Torrence, center, officiating, Aaron Huntsman, front left, and William Lee Jones, front right, completed their wedding vows on the steps of the Monroe County Courthouse Jan. 6, 2015, in Key West. The couple were the first same-sex couple to be married legally in the Florida Keys.

Couples can pledge to love and honor each other in a variety of settings a lush rainforest garden surrounded by whispering palms and fragrant orchids; the sandy beach at Fort Zachary Taylor, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Gulf of Mexico; or the serene, secluded courtyard of a lovely guesthouse.

Key West s Metropolitan Community Church is a gay-oriented nondenominational church, and its pastors have been performing commitment ceremonies for gay and lesbian couples since 1984 in anticipation of marriage equality.

Key West weddings may be religious or civil and take place at a church, on the Monroe County Courthouse steps where the Florida Keys' first same-sex marriage occurred or elsewhere on the island. They can range from a simple exchange of vows to a full ceremony with music by an organist or classical ensemble. Complete coordination and photography packages also are available.

Click here to view A Long Weekend

in Key West with Ryan, Scott and Levi ,

a travel photo essay by Jason Rowan.