How Gay is the keys
 

I was thinking of going to Key West, but I have heard it is the gay Mecca. Can my wife and I (23yrs old) enjoy ourseleves, or will it feel like we are in the gay pride parade all the time.

Jason, just a guess, but if you already have concerns, perhaps KW is not your cup of tea. Seems like a strange question - and perhaps it stems from a lack of travel experience. Since you're still at the thinking stage, perhaps you'd be happier going elsewhere.

You should not have a problem. It is mostly filled with tourists, which is a lot more annoying than a gay pride parade. If you are young and like to drink/party it has great nightlife. In the daytime, fishing is the popular activity (and scuba diving).

Yes, Jason, the gays will be trying very hard to pull you away from your wife. Make sure you hold on to her VERY tightly! <BR> <BR>Just kidding. You won't find Key West any different than most major cities. Relax and forget about it. They won't bother you and you shouldn't bother them.

IF that's a serious question: <BR>I wouldn't call the Keys the gay Mecca. Key West is a very laid-back sort of place. You'll see artist-types, hippie-types, seniors, gays, college kids, young couples, and yes, regular all-American families live there, and you'll see school buses and soccer fields...it runs the gamut. There's great people-watching!

I went to Key West 5 years ago on my honeymoon. They kidnapped me and now I am a total flamer. I love men now. Go to Key West and join our cult. It's spectacular.

Damn I'm sick of people over reacting anytime the conversation is about gay people. As a family man, like Jason, I would be apprehensive going to such places as the Keys for the simple fact that I don't want my kids seeing men showing any kind of affection towards another man such as kissing or holding hands. Get this- and I have the right to feel that way. Jason has the right to be concerned. Now I know this going to turn into a anti/pro gay thing. It always does. The simple fact is I can be concerned for what my children may see and at the same time NOT be antigay or homophobic. What a "strange" concept! Bring it on...

Ian, you are by definition homophobic. And "they can be gay as long as I don't have to know about it" IS antigay.

Well, Jason, look at the swell mess you've gotten us into this time. Seriously, KW is great - gay or non-gay alike enjoy it. But lots of other places are great too. Just pick one and go, and some other time, see KW. It's not worth it to debate and then have loosers post anti-gay messages. That's the trouble with the Fodor's postings sometiems - no self-retraint. Have a nice trip, wherever.

Oh no, Ian! Gays! Make sure you avoid not only Key West but San Francisco, New York, Los Angeles, Paris, Amsterdam, Toronto, New Orleans, Miami Beach, Atlanta, Seattle, and Minneapolis as well. <BR> <BR>Oh yeah, Chicago, Vancouver, Mexico City, London, Berlin, Milan, Denver, Boston, D.C., Honolulu, too. <BR> <BR>Don't forget about gay-friendly cities such as San Diego, Rio, Philly, Portland, Brussels, and others. <BR> <BR>In short, enjoy your vacation to Oklahoma City.

Jason, you didn't mention bringing your children to Key West, did you? I'm wondering if you typed this in invisible ink and I just missed it. <BR> <BR>Don't worry about your trip. Key West has a little of everything and you'll have a wonderful time. It's a very laid back city and you and your wife will enjoy it.

To all the folks who worry that their kids might come across a gay couple: <BR> <BR>Do what I do and simply tell your kids that the two people are gay and prefer their own gender to the opposite gender. If your religion speaks to this, explain that to your kids. Also mentioned that many people dislike gays and lesbians and discriminate against them in employment, housing, and even travel message boards. Also mention that when it comes to sexual orientation in the U.S., no one is allowed to prevent another person from living as they choose, and everyone should try to get along.

To be honest, I thought that Key West was pretty gay. I don't care one way or the other, but if you have a problem with it, don't go. Duval Street will really bother you.

Ian, <BR>Where do you live? Aren't you concerned that your children might see a gay couple holding hands right there in your own city? Maybe you should keep them indoors and shelter them from the realities of life until they are grown! The only time they might not see an affectionate gay couple is if you live in a two horse southern town. And in case you are wondering...no I am not gay. I'm a married woman with 2 kids. No matter what city you travel to, you run the chance of encountering people that don't live up to your high standards. <BR> <BR>

Dear People who responded <BR> I wasn't trying to be discriminatory to the homosexual community, please forgive me for poor wording. The reason that I wrote this was I was looking for a B&B, on the net, and 2 of the 6 places spoke of clothing optional for men. When I went into the part on the web site that spoke of gay travel, there exact words were that it was "a gay mecca". I was only worried, not that I would see gay people, but more that I would expose my family to public nudity or behavior not acceptable for them. Anyways please forgive me for sounding demeaning in any way shape or form. Thanks to all the people who responded honestly as well. Jason Small <BR>

Jason - I just returned from KW. I went there with my husband & 2 kids (10 yr. old son/9 yr. old daughter). Relax. It was wonderful. We were only there for 2 days. I don't think I would go for a whole week but not because of the gays. Only because after snorkling, shopping, etc. I was ready to move on & see other places in Fla.

Jason - Atlantic Shores is a motel that has a clothing optional bar, but there are no public places in Key West that are clothing optional. I'm a grandmother who would happily take my grandchildren (or anyone else's) to Key West and guarantee we'd all have fun. Yes, Key West has a larger gay population than many places, but I can't imagine that you will care. I'll give you the benefit of the doubt in hopes you'll give Key West the same!

As a gay man who has been to Key West many times, let me tell you that I am not returning for a reason similar to what you feel. I am embarrassed every time I go by the obnoxious straight couples, usually poorly dressed, very overweight, drunk, loud, and disorderly who walk around Key West, often with his hand down his girlfriend's blouse or up her skirt. This is a behavior that should not be displayed in public and it is as ugly when it is between a man and woman as it is between two men or two women. In fact, let me assure you that the gay couples act much more discreetly and tastefully in public than the straight couples do. Call me a "hetrophopic" if you like, but that's the way I see it.

Jason, <BR>We love Key West. <BR>It's hard to tell by your entries if you have kids. We had our kids with us and the thing I didn't like were some of the items displayed in stores and storefronts, i.e. "adult" toys, tee shirts, posters etc. It caused curious questions we weren't prepared to answer!

Jason, personally, I wouldn't stay away from Key West for the reason you are asking, but the fact that you asked the question at all tells me something. Anyway, why don't you compromise and visit one of the other Keys? You'll get everything you get in Key West except Mallory Square sunsets and Duval Street. And, of course, you can do a daytrip to KW to do those things and also to see if you feel uncomfortable there. ALL the Keys, from Key Largo to Key West, are wonderful for vacations, and I believe you can easily find a place that you and your wife will feel comfortable.

Key West is a fun, beautiful place. Putting aside Hawaii, it is the lushest, nicest, most tropical place in the U.S. The water is divine, with super snorkling and/or scuba diving. If you like boats, then you'll like the Keys. If you like good restaurants and bars, then you'll like Key west. If you like a laid back atmosphere, you'll like the Keys. And, ah, the sunsets . . .

Thank you Bruce. What you are describing is what teenagers used to describe as "PDA" (Public Display of Affection"). Basically the statement (regardless of the direction it comes from) is that bedroom behavior belongs in the bedroom. Holding hands in public is one thing. Tonsil play is another.

Jason, you said you don't want to expose your family to public nudity or behavior that is not acceptable for them. How did you determine what is acceptable for your wife? Just relax and have fun. My husband and I went to Key West last year with my parents and daughter and had a blast. Incidentally, we stayed at Ambrosia House which was wonderful.

Thanks, Bruce. I agree with you 110%. I live in the French Quarter in New Orleans, which is demographically probably pretty similar to Key West. I see WAY MORE public displays of affection (mostly straight but some gay too) than is appropriate. I think much of it has to do with alcohol...people lose inhibitions when they drink.

Neutral, you have an excellent way of dealing with the gay issue - you must be a great parent. Jason, I've been to Key West many times and I would say there are a moderate amount of gays. They generally don't tend to be groping each other publically any more than heterosexual couples. That said, if I were you I would be more worried about after dark when the exotic dancers start hanging over the railings of the second stories of Duval Street. And yes, I think the t-shirt manufacturers have succeeded in offending EVERY type of person - all on display up and down Duval. I LOVE Key West, but you have to ask yourself what bothers you...

I was in Key West for about 5 days a couple of years ago. It was my first time. I was suprised at how "mainstream" it was. I had read about it being a gay resort, a place apart, etc. - but to me if was for the most part a pretty mainstream place, especially with all the cruise passengers around. There proobaly were a bit more gay people than in many towns, but not in a big way. I have heard from others that the city was much better before about 10 - 15 years ago, when many chains,etc, invaded Duval Street. <BR> <BR>I don't think anyone should have a problem there.

Thanks to all the people who responded honestly. I have made a reservation for 3 days in the keys. THanks <BR>

when we were there for the first time, (2 years ago) we didn't know about 'gay-mecca' thing - and we didn't notice anything special about this place (i mean in that sense) - very touristic place, nice, wonderful, bright. lots of things to enjoy! go there without any prejudices and you will be fine! in fact you will probably love Key West! good luck! have fun!

Jason, <BR> <BR>My wife and I live in Miami and often weekend in KW with our two kids. We usually stay in a gay-friendly hotel on the beach with a "clothing optional" pool. Have we had any problems? Absolutely not. On the contrary, it's given us the opportunity to teach our kids tolerance and acceptance for those that lead lifestyles that are different from our own. <BR> <BR>As for feeling like you are in a "gay pride parade" you're more likely to see hippies than you are drag queens. Go and have a good time!

To Kathy: I don't appreciate the reference to a "two horse southern town"! Not everyone in the South is a homophobe, a racist, and a sexist like the world is led to believe!!! I live in a "two horse southern town," and I am none of those things. Personally, yes, I think homosexuality is wrong, but it is not my place to judge the actions of others. Only the Lord can do that!

I really hope you're kidding.

Reminds me of the t-shirt saying, "Jesus, protect me from your followers."

This reminds me of a story I heard from a retired New Zealand couple who were looking for a relatively inexpensive place to stay in Key West. They went into a motel to inquire about a room and the desk clerk said ,"I should warn you that this is a primarily gay clientel" ,"No problem" , the husband said. "I should also warn you that there is a great deal of nudity around the pool deck." "No problem" the husband said. "Fine" ,beamed the desk clerk, "that will be $120 a night." "Now that's a problem!" the husband said, and so they looked elsewhere. We all have our own sense of what's a problem. There was a time when someone might have asked this same question about blacks. Maybe someday day in the future this question will be looked at in the same way.

<BR> <BR>Where are all the old gay posters?

Laszlo, good on ya mate! Made me laugh. Actually ,I would have thought frame shops in the Village. Who says there aren't good things happening on this board?

Poor, much maligned Jason, <BR> <BR>I read your post about trying to find a room and that it was confusing. If they say seem to hint that they provide alternative accomodation, it is probably a place catering to homosexuals and you should choose another place. If in doubt, ask the hotelier. There are gay folks in Key West. More than in the general population. I have a feeling that the drunken tourists might be more offensive than any gay person would be to you and there are far more of those around town. If gay people offend to the point that it would ruin your vacation, just don't go all the way South. There are plenty of other pretty keys on which one could enjoy a vacation. Ignore all the catty posters. For Pete's sake... what a venemous crowd. I hope they are not my neighbors!

I returned from Key West a couple of weeks ago, my 2nd visit. Its a great, fun place. By all means GO!!! Try to stay in Old Town so you can walk everywhere. And don't be concerned about seeing gays, you'll see more tourists, all age groups, than anything else.

This is just the kind of thing that makes me hopping mad! I mean, I get so incredibly disgusted by the lack of standards! Just where do you think you get off....??!! Well, bygod I'm going to set you straight, so to speak: <BR> <BR>***It's "How Gay ARE the Keys?"*** <BR> <BR>To agree with a plural noun like "Keys," the verb must also be plural. Not "is," "_are_"!! Thanks for letting me vent, even if I'm revealing a deep prejudice here. I generally believe in live and let live, but sometimes one has to take a stand!

For the humorless, that was irony. A joke. Insert happyface with wink here.

Hi, <BR> <BR>Just to advise, My hubby and I went to Cape Cod and found ourselves in a very "gay" location, which was fine by me. <BR>I do not care one way or the other (no pun intended) but my hubby kept holding <BR>my hand. I had to let him down gently... <BR>He is rather overweight, bald etc. so I advised no one appeared to be "cruising" him so he could release my hand! His homophobic behaviour was driving me nuts! <BR>I say live and let live and I have raised our 4 kids to be non-predjudice and open minded (even our 3 sons!) <BR> <BR>CW in toronto