Why the Florida Keys Are One of the Most LGBTQ+ Friendly Places to Call Home

Celebrating Inclusivity, Pride, and Community in Key West and Beyond.

In the Florida Keys, diversity isn’t just accepted — it’s celebrated. With a long-standing tradition of welcoming people from all walks of life, the Keys (especially Key West) have earned a well-deserved reputation as one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly destinations in the United States — and an incredible place to call home.

From rainbow flags waving along Duval Street to inclusive community events and thriving LGBTQ+ owned businesses, the Keys offer more than paradise views — they offer true belonging. Here’s why so many LGBTQ+ individuals, couples, and families choose to live, work, and thrive in the Florida Keys.

1. A Rich History of LGBTQ+ Pride

Key West’s LGBTQ+ roots date back to the 1970s when artists, creatives, and free spirits found sanctuary in its welcoming community. Since then, the city has become a beacon of inclusivity, embracing LGBTQ+ rights, visibility, and leadership.

✨ Did you know? In 1983, Key West elected America’s first openly gay mayor, Richard A. Heyman, decades ahead of much of the nation.

2. Pride is a Year-Round Celebration

Each June, Key West Pride lights up the island with a week-long celebration of love, equality, and community, featuring parades, pool parties, drag shows, and the iconic Tea Dance at La Te Da.

But Pride here isn’t just a week — it’s a lifestyle. Throughout the year, you’ll find:

• Womenfest (September)

• Tropical Heat Men’s Fest (August)

• Key West Bear Weekend

• The Fantasy Fest Parade (October), one of the wildest and most inclusive celebrations in the country

🎉 These events attract thousands of LGBTQ+ visitors and residents from around the world, making it easy to connect and feel at home.

3. Thriving LGBTQ+ Owned Businesses

From charming guesthouses to bustling bars and boutiques, LGBTQ+ entrepreneurship is thriving in the Keys.

Local favorites include:

• LaTeDa – A vibrant Duval Street staple known for its chic cabaret shows & upscale dining

• Sacred Space Art Gallery – A creative haven celebrating diverse female artists and perspectives.

• Harpoon Harry's – A quirky, retro diner beloved by locals and visitors alike for its all-day breakfast and come-as-you-are vibe.

• Alexander’s Guesthouse – a beloved LGBTQ+ boutique hotel

• 801 Bourbon Bar – iconic drag shows and high-energy nightlife

• Graffitti – queer-owned fashion and home decor on Duval

• ShineGroup Real Estate – proudly supporting and serving the LGBTQ+ community with inclusive housing expertise

✨ Want to support local? Ask ShineGroup for a list of LGTBQ+ owned businesses to shop, dine, and celebrate with!

4. Inclusive Community & Resources

The Keys are more than a destination — they’re a community. Local organizations provide support, advocacy, and events year-round.

Organizations to know:

• Key West Business Guild – the nation's oldest LGBTQ+ chamber of commerce

• AH Monroe – housing, healthcare, and HIV/AIDS support

• PFLAG Key West – peer support and family services

• Queer Keys – youth mentorship and education resources

These groups play a key role in ensuring visibility, safety, and empowerment for all LGBTQ+ residents.

5. Why LGBTQ+ Buyers Love Calling the Keys Home

From cozy historic cottages in Old Town to waterfront condos and secluded retreats on Big Pine, the Keys offer a wide range of housing options in LGBTQ+ inclusive neighborhoods.

Residents appreciate:

• The walkable, open-minded vibe of Key West

• Strong protections for same-sex couples and trans individuals

• A rich arts and culture scene with zero judgment

At ShineGroup, we proudly serve LGBTQ+ buyers and sellers with sensitivity, local expertise, and a commitment to finding the right fit, no matter your lifestyle.

ShineGroup Celebrates Love, Always